Imagine getting a major lifestyle re-haul with just a small change in your daily routine. One minor tweak that will allow you to get a healthy head-start to your day without compromising on your comfort. Yes, we are talking about your hot cup of morning coffee (your daily dose of caffeine that helps you start your day). I have personally nothing against a good cup of coffee but let’s face it – there are much healthier caffeine alternatives that can easily substitute the coffee to a healthier version of morning sipping routine.
Caffeine Alternatives #01: Chicory Coffee brewed from roasted roots
Chicory coffee are made from roasted root, ground and brewed into a one awesomely delicious hot beverage. Taste-wise it is very close to coffee without the caffeine. It also is a rich source of anti-oxidants + soluble fibre which aids in digestion and supports a healthy immune system. In addition, it can stimulate your gallbladder to produce more bile, which is beneficial for fat digestion.
1. Mince the roots to form finer (0.5 – 1 inch) but filterable particles with help of a knife.
2. Roast the chicory pieces at 350 degrees until their colour changes to golden brown.
3. Grind the roasted roots with the same coarseness as you grind your coffee beans.
4. Mix a ratio of 4:1 chicory with ground coffee.
5. Start brewing your chicory coffee. Top it with some foamed milk, or flavors to enhance the aroma
Below I have added an interesting piece of chicory coffee recipe video, that has somewhat added a few variation than my above recipe. You are free to have a look at it.
– From: Seattle Coffee Gear
Caffeine Alternatives #02: Green Tea from Natural Herbs
Some of top weight-loss drinks lose out in front of the tasty drink. With several variants from different lands, green tea is essentially a concussion of roasted herbs that boosts metabolism and helps prevent lifestyle disease. Yet again, this drink is also rich in anti-oxidants which helps develop a better immune system
Steps to make Healthy Green Tea (Recipe)
1. Boil a good 1.5 cup of water.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of green tea powder to a mug.
3. Add hot water and steep it for a good 30 seconds to a minute, depending on how strong you need your drink.
4. Filter the powder or Take out infuser and Enjoy.
One more interesting video on Green tea for your viewing from Doctor Mike’s Playlist.
Caffeine Alternatives #03: Golden Milk to boost your Immune System
From the lands of Mystic India – Golden milk has ruled over 1000 years. From Ayurveda to Siddha, this golden drink is rich, caffeine-free substitute for coffee. It incorporates invigorating spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper. You can also top it up with a pinch of cardamom, vanilla and honey to make a lip-smacking beverage.
Steps to Prepare Golden Milk (Recipe)
1. Simply heat 1 cup of your fresh milk.
2. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of roasted powder mix of 5 gms of ginger + 5 gms of cinnamon + a pinch of turmeric powder & black pepper powder)
3. Keep Heating & stir often till the milk is warm. (Do not boil it)
4. Pour into a mug and enjoy your daily dose of health.
Caffeine Alternatives #04: Lemon, Honey & Warm Water – Top Body Neutralizer
Don’t let the simplicity of this drink fool you ever as it can get your body & mind in amazing shape. With invigorating source of vitamin C – lemon along with Honey (rich source of vitamin B complex). Double that with warm water that activates the rich combination and you have one of the best morning drinks that can help you kick-start a perfect day.
Steps to prepare Lemon, Honey & Water Drink
1. Heat 100 ml of water (Note: do not boil)
2. Take a mug and squeeze half a lemon
3. Whisk it with a teaspoon of honey
4. Pour the warm water and give it a whirl
5. Savour your healthy kick-start drink
Caffeine Alternatives #05: Chai Tea for Maximum Energy
Chai tea is again an Indian version of the western classic – Black Tea which is lightly (to strongly) blended with herbs and spices. Technically again, not a caffeine free drink – it contains less caffeine than coffee, medical studies shows that chai tea boosts mental alertness and is very good ailing drink for heart conditions. Black tea just link green teas are made from plant extracts, but black tea undergoes a fermentation step, which alters its chemical composition. Both drinks have powerful antioxidant properties.
Steps to Brew the perfect Chai Tea (Recipe)
1. Crush a piece of cardamom + cloves along with peppercorns.
2. Place the crushed spices in a boiling pan, along with cinnamon sticks and a bit of ginger and 2 cups water;
3. Bring the concussion to a boil.
4. Remove from heat and add the tea bag, and let steep for 7-8 minutes.
5. Strain the concussion and add 2 teaspoons of honey to taste.
Caffeine Alternatives #06: Rooibos Tea for Healthiest start
From the lands of Africa – Rooibos or red tea has served the health of millions. Unlike coffee and other teas, rooibos is absolutely caffeine free and is low in tannin antioxidants, which is beneficial. Despite having low tannin, this drink provides a good amount of other types of antioxidants. With limited study, and prevalent beliefs from the local community, Rooibos tea helps protect heart disease and reduces cancer risk.
Rooibos has a longer preparation time than most drinks but over-steeping does not result in a bitter taste. Instead, it has a slightly fruity flavour that gives a feel good drink to kick-start the morning.
Steps to make Rooibas Tea (Recipe)
1. Boil 1 glass of water.
2. Place one rooibos tea bag per cup into the warm pot
3. Then leave to brew your rooibos for a minimum of 3 minutes.
4. Once ready serve on its own or add honey or sugar with slices of lemon for a tasty, perfect cup of rooibos tea.
