While some think that cup of coffee in the morning is what keeps them going - Dunkin' Donuts even spouted the claim “America Runs on Dunkin'” - it may be doing more harm than good. Millions of people are developing caffeine addictions and having difficulty waking up and functioning without their morning beans. A cup of drip coffee has between 115-175 mg of caffeine, according to this website, which also states that, “Among coffee drinkers the average coffee consumption in the United States is 3.1 cups of coffee per day”. I find that a little disturbing; that amount of caffeine will have a big impact on sleep and ability to function in the morning. There are healthier and less habit forming ways of getting you going in the morning.
Sometimes that morning “cup of joe” can cost you upwards of 400 calories - most of which are from sugar and fat, causing you to crash and feel lethargic later on.
Energy drinks can be just as bad, overloaded with sugars, caffeine, and chemicals. They will cause you to crash just like coffee, and can be just as habit forming.
Alternatives
Here are a few alternatives to help you break out of your normal caffeine routine.
Tea
Having a cup of tea can give you a boost in the morning with a fraction of the caffeine of coffee. An 8 oz cup of green tea usually contains between 30-50 mg of caffeine. Other options are white and black tea, if you want less or more caffeine than green tea, respectively. Tea can be a good way to wean your self from higher caffeine content products such as coffee or energy drinks, and can be a healthier substitute for the energy boost found in Caffeinated soft drinks.
Yerba Maté
This South American beverage has been enjoyed by the people that reside there for thousands of years, but is just now getting exposure in North America and the rest of the world. Maté does contain caffeine, but it is in lesser quantities than coffee, and in a form that produces less jitters and less of a propensity for crashing than caffeine from coffee. Maté contains 24 vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, manganese, and B vitamins. For these reasons, along with its energy boosting caffeine, Maté is a popular choice with bodybuilders and people looking to lose weight. You can likely find some form of Maté in your local grocery store, however, most health food stores would be sure to have it. Enjoy it either loose or in a tea bag - perhaps even get your own gourd and straw, the choice way to drink it in South America.
Order your own gourd at Yerba Matetea Gourd.
Ginseng
This staple of Chinese medicine has gained a foothold in America as an energy booster, and can be found in teas, energy drinks, and tonics. The scientific name for ginseng is Panax, which comes from a greek route which means “all-healing”. The word Panax comes the Greek word meaning "all-healing". Ginseng is touted as having energy boosting properties by stimulating the nervous system, as well as being revitalizing, improving memory and cognition, helping to curb stress, and boosting the immune system. Instant ginseng tea packets can be found in health food shops, apothecaries, and many places selling herbs. Another option for taking ginseng is in tablet, capsule, or softgel form. If you are getting your ginseng from a bottled or canned tea or tonic, check the nutrition facts and make sure its not loaded with high fructose corn syrup. If you really want to go all out, you can even buy whole ginseng root, which can be brewed in teas or consumed.
A great resource for more information about ginseng.
