As a high-stressed and over caffeinated student myself, I know firsthand how easy it is to succumb to that morning urge for a big cup of coffee to snap me out of sleep mode and get me out the door. To say that I was addicted is a gross understatement. With a Starbucks on every corner and at least three coffee stands on my daily walk to class, it seems easier than ever to get that fix of java. It wasn’t until recently that I started noticing how fatigued I am by mid-afternoon when the coffee wears off and I am left in a slump. After several weeks of this, I figured there must be a better way to put that pep in my step with an overload of caffeine first thing in the morning.
Here are some alternatives that have worked great for me and could help any student looking for some healthier alternatives to coffee.
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Black Tea
Some black tea’s such as Tazo’s Awake tea has a pretty high caffeine content, but not enough to cause an afternoon crash. Black tea has great benefits including a high amount of antioxidants that kill free radicals that can harm your body. These antioxidants are also great for more radiant skin! Provided that you drink black tea without added sweeteners, it is a great low sodium and fat free drink. All this and the added bonus of helping you stay focused during that 8am class!
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Lemon Water
Seems too simple to be effective, but naturally enhanced water is a great way to refresh you in the morning and help you stay alert throughout the day. Your nerves will thank you for replacing your morning coffee with a cup of hot water with lemon. Lemons are full of great nutrients such as vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber and therefore a great start to your day.
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Peppermint Tea
Peppermint team can be a great option for your afternoon pick me up. Not only does it freshen your breath, but it aids digestion and diminishes heart burn. Peppermint tea is a better option as the day is winding down as it is caffeine free and has been known to have calming effects helpful to soothe you right before bed. Have a cup before midterms for a stress free sleep before the big day!
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Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba Mate tea is my newest discovery. It is currently gaining popularity for being very effective for enhancing your ability to focus as efficiently as coffee but without the jittery side effects. Yerba Mate tea originates in South America and had about 90% more amount of antioxidants that green tea! This super tea aids digestion, reduces stress and helps with weight loss as being a calorie free drink. It is also rich in amino acids and vitamins A, C, E and B complex, all of these double in benefits are great for your skin as well!
It’s hard to justify a mere cup of coffee in the morning to get you going in the morning with all the many healthier alternatives around. It’s just a matter of rethinking your morning order to save yourself from a crash later in the day.