Pumpkin spice season is here! Who doesn’t enjoy one cup of smooth, hot Joe? I sure do. I mostly drink it for the fun flavors, like pumpkin spice and mocha! Of course coffee is a great way to gain energy in the morning or when pulling an all-nighter. I am here to ruin your life by telling you that caffeine is a drug, because it is addictive and weening off of it will cause withdrawal.
A cup of coffee is not bad here in there, if you are going on a coffee date or if you need to be able to write an article, study for three exams and shower this week like I do, but do not let it be an addictive habit that will carry over to your (actual) adult life. Here are some alternatives to caffeine for energy!!! (I have had a couple cups myself.)
- Fish oil supplement – High in Omega-3, which are good for hair, skin, and nails. It also provides the body with the needed vitamin D. A vitamin D deficiency will leave you with low energy, making you susceptible to feeling depression.
- Exercise – All you need is however many minutes you want of physical activity, but get moving (I prefer dancing). You will wake up the next day, ready to take on the day, guaranteed!
3. Water – Lots of water! Sometimes you might not be tired due to a lack of sleep, you can be suffering from slight dehydration, which make you feel sluggish and causes joint stiffness (that old lady feeling.) H2O will also drain out those toxins that circulate the blood, stealing energy from you! Drink enough water to have you peeing every 5 minutes, at least 3 hours before bed and see the difference!
4. Oranges – Oranges are high in vitamin C, which helps your body fight disease. It is also packed with energy, so much so that they have become part of face washes that claim to help you wake up in the morning, so imagine what one orange can do for you first thing in the morning! Consider adding all types of alkaline based food (Kale, spinach, berries, almonds, etc…), because the more acidic (alcohol, meats, dairy, processed foods) in your blood is the crappier you feel!
Like this kid…
5. The way you eat – Finally, your diet has a huge impact in your energy! Not just what you eat but how you eat! After eating, consider waiting 1 hour before drinking a liquid. If you think you will be thirsty while eating, drink water 30 minutes to one hour before lunchtime. Studies show that having liquid in your stomach, while it is trying to digest food, can cause the food to ferment, giving you those nasty gases. What happens is that the stomach must first cool down the liquid, and then it must get absorbed into your system. Meanwhile the food sits to the side and ferments. That heavy, sluggish feeling that you get after eating is due to that, why do you think that from the hours of 2-4 pm you feel sluggish and decide to head for that second or third cup of coffee?