14 Coffee Substitutes That Will Help Keep You Awake & Energized

Coffee is society’s go-to—look on any street corner in any town, and you are likely to find at least one coffee shop, ready and waiting to deliver your caffeine fix.In a busy society like ours, caffeine is sometimes seen as a necessity. Long shifts, busy schedules, juggling kids, and long commutes can all lead to fatigue, sleepiness, and a feeling of being run-down.

However, there are side-effects to overuse. Coffee has a high amount of caffeine, which can lead to jitters, agitation, and high blood pressure. It can also be highly addictive for many individuals, which most coffee-drinkers realize only after or when they start to experience headaches when they skip their morning coffee.There are many reasons why people look for alternatives to coffee, and there are several alternatives that provide the same boost of energy without these nasty side effects. These tried-and-true coffee substitutes can help you get through the day without compromising your health.

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   Water

Believe it or not, one of the primary causes of fatigue is dehydration.When your body is dehydrated, your energy levels drop significantly as your body tries to make up for the loss of blood volume. Your heart pumps harder, making you even more tired.Staying hydrated is simple and can mitigate your feeling of tiredness and contribute to your overall health as well.

Aim to consume half your body weight in ounces of water each day to stay adequately hydrated. For instance, if you weigh 120 pounds, consume 60 ounces of water per day.Don’t over-hydrate, as this can cause a drop in your electrolytes and minerals. If you feel tired, try some water and see how you feel—it may be just what you need to get your energy levels back on track.

2. MatchaGreen Tea

Matcha green tea is a low-caffeine metabolism booster. It contains an antioxidant called catechin, which helps boost your immune system and promote a healthy gut and detoxification.The caffeine level in one cup of matcha green tea is low—only about 35mg, compared to 95mg in a cup of coffee, so issues such as jitters and agitation are less likely to be a problem.Matcha also contains L-theanine, a natural mood enhancer.

3. Coconut Water

Coconut water is a great way to rehydrate quickly and balance out your electrolytes. It boasts 569mg of potassium, which helps with muscle health and energy levels.Besides these benefits, it also tastes great, and the flavor can help you feel full, which can cut back on unhealthy snacking. There is no caffeine in coconut water, which is a win for those looking to avoid heavilycaffeinated alternatives to coffee.

4. Black Tea

While coffee and tea are usually interchangeable at restaurants, tea contains less than half of the amount of caffeine that coffee typically does, maxing out at around 26mg.Black tea can be a great coffee substitute,

especially for those working to slowly wean themselves off the higher caffeine content found in coffee.

5. Yerba Mate

Another member of the tea family, yerba mate is a powerful herbal tea from South America. It energizes the metabolism and helps reduce food cravings and can also be consumed hot or cold, just like coffee. Yerba mate does contain about 85mg of caffeine, though, so it might be troublesome for certain consumers.

6. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass juice is a great coffee substitute because it is packed with nutrients and antioxidants.You can purchase wheatgrass in a powder or capsule form or pre-made as a juice. It is an excellent additive to a power shake as well, and it can even be added to your tea or salad dressing to give you an extra boost at any time of the day.

7. Smoothies

Investing in a high-protein powder supplement, combined with coconut or almond milk and fruit, can deliver just the right amount of energy you need to make it through your day.Fruit smoothies in the morning and a vegetable smoothie in the afternoon can provide a great balance of nutrients into your diet, as well, which mitigates fatigue and helps you feel healthy and fit all day long.

8. Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar

The potassium and enzymes found in apple cider vinegar can help boost energy levels.Of course, you will want to dilute the apple cider vinegar in a glass of water or juice to minimize the unpleasant taste and deliver maximum benefits to your body.

9. Chai Tea

For those who aren’t fans of the taste of regular tea and enjoy the added spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom found in chai tea, this is a great coffee substitute.It delivers a boost of energy while keeping caffeine levels low, as a cup of chai typically maxes out at around 26 mg of caffeine.

10. High-Energy Food

Foods high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats and low in sugars are excellent sources of energy. Apples, trail mix, almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate are just some of the great-tasting foods that are an excellent option to munch on when you start hitting your mid-afternoon slump. This is especially true for people who are on their feet for long hours at a time, like nurses and doctors. It’s essential that healthcare workers are comfortable and energized for every shift.

11. Quinoa

Adding quinoa to your meals provides a serious boost of protein, which helps elevate your energy levels.Quinoa also delivers plenty of manganese, magnesium, and folate, which all contribute to the body’s energy level. Additionally, for those watching their waistline, quinoa is an excellent pasta alternative and can be mixed into lots of different dishes.

12. Lemon Water

Having an 8oz glass of water with lemon juice, hot or cold, first thing in the morning gets your metabolism running and detoxifies your digestive system.The vitamin C levels found in lemons help boost your immune system, which is great for healthcare professionals who are working around germs all day. Lemons are also an excellent source of potassium and calcium.

13. Ginseng

Ginseng is a well-known energy boosting plant root, found in many energy drinks and health drink mixes, and some studies indicate that it can improve concentration and mental acuity.

14. Energy Drinks and Energy Shots

While most people who are looking for a coffee substitute

are looking to get away from caffeine, energy drinks and small energy drink shots are viable alternatives to coffee if it’s not the caffeine itself you are looking to avoid, but rather other side-effects, such as the tooth-staining properties of coffee and tea.However, keep in mind that consuming energy drinks in large quantities can lead to high blood pressure and jitters, over time, and keep an eye on your intake of these beverages.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to switch from coffee for health, financial, or other reasons, there are plenty of healthy substitutes available to help you get through your day.Look for alternatives with additional health benefits, such as vitamins and minerals, to maximize your overall health and well-being. Couple your new energy booster choice with a great new tumbler and an update to your wardrobe, and you’ll be the new workplace trendsetter in no time.

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