Ahh…coffee, the morning drink of choice for millions of people across the globe, and with good reason too, seeing as it’s got both beneficial and healing traits to it.
However, it does have its downsides, and it’s why so many choose not to drink it, but rather, replace it with tea or another warm drink they find comfort in.
The main issue with coffee is the fact that a single cup contains 95mg of caffeine, a highly addictive substance that gives the drink that “zing“ so many love it for, but it’s not for everyone.
The jitters that coffee gives to some drinkers can be extremely difficult to deal with, while others suffer from digestive issues and headaches that last for hours on end.
On the other hand, some simply don’t like the bitter taste and would rather enjoy a cup of hot cocoa instead, and it’s why alternatives have been growing in popularity.
Chicory coffee
Just like how coffee beans are roasted and ground up to create the caffeine-packed brown powder you’re familiar with, chicory root can be utilized in the same way.
By roasting it and grinding it down, you can use the end result to brew a tasty hot drink with a flavor similar to coffee, save for one massive difference.
Unlike decaf, chicory coffee comes without caffeine from the start, and it offers some nutrients and benefits that regular coffee simply doesn’t.
One good example is that it is full of inulin, which dissolves in your stomach and helps beneficial bacteria cultures in your gut grow.
A standard serving would be to use 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounces of boiling water, although you can adjust this to your own taste.
You should note that an excess amount of inulin in your diet may cause issues with your digestive tract, as consuming it in large doses can cause bloating and gas.
Lemon water
Some may not be too keen on starting their day with a warm drink, but rather one that can be served lukewarm or even cold.
Lemon water fulfills this role perfectly, and it’s probably the simplest beverage on this list to make.
However, don’t let the simplicity fool you, as the beneficial effects of lemon water aren’t anything to sneeze at.
The drink is both calorie and caffeine free while also being an amazing resource of vitamin C and all you need to make it is a single lemon and a cup of water.
1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a cup of water should be enough, and it will make up for 10% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake.
The best part is that if you get bored of drinking the same thing every day, you can mix up your morning routine by adding other fruits or herbs to your lemon water, like mint, basil, or even some freshly sliced cucumber!
Apple cider vinegar
Even though vinegar doesn’t exactly sound like it makes up for a refreshing morning, the benefits you’ll be reaping from drinking it are too good to pass upon.
It’s a drink made by adding yeast to crushed apples, which then helps them ferment over time and generate a sweet, yet sour drink that has a lot of things going for it.
Firstly, it’s been found that people that have a high resistance to insulin can reduce their blood sugar levels by 64% by drinking just half a tablespoon of ACV before a meal.
On top of this, drinking apple cider vinegar may also help you feel more full after a meal, which can be of assistance if you’re dieting in order to lose weight.
On average, the ACV mixture consists of 1-2 tablespoons of ACV, a single cup of cold water and if you’re in the mood for something sweeter, you can mix in a couple of tablespoons of honey, stevia or any sweetener you prefer.
It’s important to note that you should NEVER drink ACV without diluting it with water first, as the acetic acid in it may end up burning your mouth and/or throat, possibly even removing enamel from your teeth if they’re exposed to it.
Matcha tea
Finally, we have the highly popular matcha tea, which is made from dried and ground leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Unlike the standard green tea you’re used to, matcha is made from the entire leaf, and it’s part of why its nutritious content is much greater and more beneficial.
It’s packed with antioxidants, most notably epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG for short.
Many claim it to have an earthy flavor and it’s quite refreshing, as it can be consumed both warm and cold.
However, due to it using the entire leaf, it has a much higher caffeine content compared to standard green tea, oftentimes even more than coffee, so you may want to cut back if you start getting the jitters.
A serving’s caffeine content can vary immensely depending on the batch, and you can get anywhere between 35-250mg of caffeine per cup.