Coffee isn’t the worst thing you could drink to keep yourself awake. If you’re drinking black coffee and keeping it between two and four cups per day, you’re probably doing okay with your caffeine levels.
But if you feel like you’re drinking too many fatty lattes and frappucinos, or if caffeine makes you jittery and unbearably anxious, it may be time to cut back a little.
Here are some things you can substitute that morning cup of joe with to make your transition a bit easier.
- Carrot juice. This is great for an afternoon pick-me-up. Instead of a second cup of coffee, try carrot juice. It’s got all-natural sugar without sweetener, and will pick you up without dripping you back down again.
- Good fats. Healthy fats and proteins can actually make you feel awake for longer than empty carbs will. If you like to eat salads at lunch, add some beans, animal protein, or avocado to give yourself a fat and protein kick.
- Chia seeds. Whether they’re in a pudding or sprinkled over oatmeal or salad, they’re an easy away to get protein and fiber in your day. Don’t overdo it though, they expand in liquid so even a teaspoon of them per day is plenty.
- Cacao nibs. Though you think that you get a rush from the sugar in chocolate, some of that rush comes from the cacao itself. Sprinkle some cacao nibs in your morning yogurt or smoothie to get a chocolatey flavor with that energetic kick.
- Water. Okay, so this is the most boring choice. But drinking water really will make you feel more awake, and you’ll stay hydrated. Give it a shot.
