According to some diets, a cup of black coffee a day can in fact promote a healthy lifestyle, but the truth of the matter is that most coffee drinkers cannot limit themselves to only one cup a day. In order to stay energized, many coffee drinkers will pour cup after cup, fully aware that they have become reliant on caffeine to get them through the day.
Highly addictive and often filled with unnecessary calories in the form of cream and sugar, it’s not uncommon to hear coffee drinkers claim that they would not be able to get going in the morning without their coffee and the little kick it gives them before heading off to work.
So what other energy boosting options are out there for people who want to lay off the beans?
Ginkgo Biloba
This strange sounding herbal extract comes from the nuts of the ginkgo biloba tree and acts as a vasodilator by increasing blood flow to the brain and extremities. Many who have used this extract (that can be taken in capsule form or brewed in tea) claim to have better focus and increased creativity while using ginkgo biloba.
Ginseng
Made from the ginseng root, ginseng is known to increase blood flow and to have a stimulating effect (much like our beloved coffee).
As well as providing energy, ingesting ginseng has also been said to reduce stress and depression.
Vitamin B12
Of the many B vitamins, B12 plays a significant role in brain function and is recognized for the energizing effects that it has on the body. In fact, if you look at most energy drinks that are out there on the market, B12 will be listed as one of the initial ingredients. You can take B12 is pill form, but it is more effective when taken sublingually, which means under the tongue.
Eat some fruit.
While it’s true that eating fruit won’t provide you with the same jolt of energy that you get from coffee, it will give you a natural energy boost. Ingesting fructose will increase your blood-sugar and this will make you feel more alert.
Try apples, grapes, peaches and citrus fruits since these specific fruits contain the highest level of fructose.
Get some exercise
For many of us, going for a swim or a run first thing in the morning is the last thing we want to do, but if you can get past the initial self-protest, you will find that exercising in the morning will actually wake you up.
Cardiovascular exercise will boost your metabolism and give you an extra surge of energy similar to the effects of your morning coffee.
Also, if you find yourself hitting that afternoon rut, take a short, brisk walk to re-awaken your senses and return to your work alert and clear headed.
Teeccino and Cafix
Teeccino and Cafix are known as “herbal coffees” and can be purchased at most health food stores. Made from grains, figs, chicory and beetroot, and with a similar flavor to coffee, these popular caffeine substitutes are said to be great for those attempting to get rid of their coffee addiction.
So if you are tired of relying on caffeine to get you through the day, there are other alternatives available. Get a good night sleep, stay active and try out one or two of these natural energy boosters that will keep you fresh faced without having to constantly rush for the coffee pot.
