David Letterman once said, “If it weren’t for the coffee, I’d have no identifiable personality whatsoever.” Now, we ask ourselves, is that a good thing or a bad thing? On one hand, we can look at our love for coffee as a passion, a hobby, and after five cups… maybe even a lifestyle. But on the other hand, caffeine dependence is a type of addiction that many people overlook because they “need” coffee to get through their day-to-day lives without being a zombie.
I get it, we’re busy college students and there’s no way we can even begin to survive without our favorite beverage. But it’s possible, really! I have never had a cup of coffee, not once in my life. And I’m still alive, right? Although it can be hard to kick the caffeine habit altogether, trying to limit daily coffee intake and using other methods to stay awake can be very beneficial to your health.
Hot ChocolateThis cozy-weather favorite still has caffeine in it to keep you going, but won’t give you the same “jolt” that straight coffee does. Also, hot chocolate generally has more volume, so you will feel fuller than with a small cup of dense coffee. Plus, you don’t have to give up carrying around your cute Starbucks cup from 7th Street.
TeeccinoThis caffeine-free coffee alternative is a strange mix of carob, barley, chicory nuts and other ingredients that supposedly makes it taste like coffee, but it’s much better for you, and the natural nutrient-packed blend is what keeps you awake and ready to conquer the day. The only downside: it’s easy to find on the west coast, but you need to do a little searching around here. Of course, you can always order it from the Teeccino website.
Lemon WaterProbably the easiest alternative to make or find on campus, this drink is also just about as pure as it gets. Drinking lemon and water in the morning on an empty stomach (so, before breakfast instead of coffee) does amazing things for your liver and helps you feel refreshed. Keep in mind, this is nowhere near as powerful as a cup of coffee, so you may want to experiment with it a little before making a full change in your routine.
SmoothiesTruly one of the best drinks out there for staying awake and focused all day. It’s no mystery why everyone – from athletes to supermodels – adores them. They’re great for you (when made correctly) and they keep you full too. The best smoothies are those with a little of everything in them – yogurt, fruit, veggies, and nuts. Depending on your preferences, there are millions of recipes online that you can get some inspiration from.
TeaBlack tea is usually the most commonly cited alternative for non-coffee drinkers, but there are plenty of other options (caffeinated and non-caffeinated) for those who don’t like the taste. Health professionals suggest Rooibos tea (made from an African red bush) because it is caffeine-free, packed with antioxidants, and has the same creamy consistency as coffee. Dandelion root tea is exactly what it sounds like. It has a bitter but earthy undertone, and does wonders for your liver.
So there you have it, life can go on without coffee. It’s a hard habit to get rid of because it doesn’t seem that bad, but the alternatives to drinking coffee can truly boost your overall health and immune system. Also, some studies show that drinking too much coffee can raise a person’s perception of how stressed they are. Basically, you might not actually be that busy, but that’s what the caffeine wants you to think! So sit back, relax, sip a cup of [insert non-coffee beverage here] and enjoy a healthier, happier day!