7 Caffeine-Free, Naturally Energizing Drink Ideas

October 16, 2021

Thinking you are drinking too much caffeine? It might be time to cut back. From the headaches to the positive associations we have with our favorite caffeinated drinks, cutting caffeine is just as bad as trying to cut sugar. You love your lattes, daily matcha teas, or MCT oil coffees, but they can come with extra sugar, a jittery feeling, and a crash. 

Your energy should be sourced from nutrients, water, movement, restful sleep, and properly functioning adrenals. Meaning, a zap to the brain with caffeine, although many caffeinated drinks have proven health benefits, shouldn’t be your only hope for feeling motivated during the day. 

Caffeine is addicting, and this addiction usually goes hand in hand with poor lifestyle habits that zap energy. Are you overworking? Having trouble sleeping well through the night? Making poor food choices? Super stressed? All of these are typically coupled with a need for multiple cups of coffee during the day.  

Hopefully you’re working on changing your schedule and diet along with cleansing or cutting back from caffeine. To make it easier, try these naturally energizing drink ideas! 

1. Cacao Latte 

We’re not talking about any basic cup of hot chocolate here, we’re talking about ceremonial cacao. Have you ever mixed cacao butter and plant-based milk? Here’s how! Here are a few of the energizing benefits. 

Focus:

The antioxidants found mainly in the form of epicatechin are very beneficial to brain health. They provoke angiogenesis, neurogenesis and spark regions involved in learning and memory. 

Heart-Opening:

One of the molecules in cacao, called Theobrine, is a stimulant that helps to get your blood pumping. This grounding energy source is focused in your heart rather than your nervous system, and aids in the intention and feelings of openness. 

Mood-Boosting:

Rich in anandamide and PEA, cacao has been shown to improve mood by reducing emotional stress and improving cognition. It contains, epicatechin, which is one of the antioxidants that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This flavonoid, epicatechin, could be a key ingredient in decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and stroke.

The most simple way is to just make cacao part of your morning routine. Have 1 oz of cacao powder with hot water to start your day. You can even add it to your daily morning beverage if you like. If you’re not a morning person, try this in the afternoon instead! Here are a few cacao ceremony ideas : 

1. Approach with gratitude: prepare your heart space with a receptive attitude before and while sipping your hot cacao. 
2. Add physical movement like dance: take advantage of that grounding energy boost and move your body with dance, stretching, or a gentle yoga flow. 
3. Go with the flow: add cacao to your meditation practice or “flow state”. Allow what is nourishing to unfold and listen to what comes up in your heart. 
4. Get Creative: Cacao can help put you into your creative mindset and give you the energy to tap into your sense of purpose.

2. Homemade Turmeric Wellness Shot 

One particular compound in turmeric, Cercuim, has been studied for its ability to help us stay youthful, support healthy inflammatory responses, ease discomfort and more. This turmeric shot will be your “go-to” when in need of a natural energy boost. It has an earthy flavor of ginger zing, and is infused with compounds to support natural detoxification. 

3. Chia Lemon water

Water is usually what people need when they begin to feel lethargic, unmotivated, or brain-fogged. 75% of people are chronically dehydrated, and only a 1% drop in hydration negatively impacts your brain function. Lemon is naturally energizing, so combining the two is sure to put some pep back into your step. As a combination, lemon, chia seeds, and water energize your entire body.

The three are great for digestion and reducing inflammation. It’s a great way to get your stomach moving in the morning. Chia is a natural energy booster as chia seeds are concentrated foods full of omega-3’s, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. Try this simple recipe to boost your energy and aid digestive support! 

4. Moringa Powder Latte 

For those who want an energy booster that is caffeine free, a moringa powder latte might be the drink for you! Not only is it nutrient-dense, but it also re-energizes the body and clarifies your mind without all the caffeine side effects.

Moringa is a natural source of over 90 vitamins and minerals, (WOW!) with almost every part of the plant having nutritional value. Just like you would take a multivitamin every morning to get your day started, including moringa powder into your breakfast routine is one of the best ways to take advantage of this powerful, nutrient-dense superfood. 

5. Just Add Water® 

Maca powder boosts energy, plant-based protein, vegan proprietary blend of yellow peas and sprouted grain protein, superfood fruit antioxidants, powerful super greens, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes and plant adaptogens. Boost your water intake and boost your energy with superfood nutrition - try Just Add Water® as part of your daily self-care, and make it part of your hydration routine. 

6. Mushroom Elixirs 

Mushrooms, or adaptogens, contain an usually high amount of antioxidants which fight energy killing stressors. Adding adaptogens helps your body function properly from your mind, to your immune system, to your cellular energy! They don’t mask your symptoms, but rather jump in and offer support where it’s lacking. 

Adaptogens can : 

• Switch off the excess production of stress hormones (which lead to inflammation)
• Trigger white blood cells to become more active (like a boost to your immune system)
• Help regulate certain organs systems like your metabolic system, neuroendocrine system, nervous system, and immune system (impacting metabolism, blood pressure, blood clotting, and blood sugar levels).

6. ACV & Lime Spritzer  

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for many ailments. People have used it for centuries for cooking and natural medicine. This vinegar can have a direct impact on lowering your blood sugar levels, helping maintain even energy, and preventing fatigue. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar offers a variety of health benefits including : 

• Aiding in weight loss
• Reducing cholesterol 
• Lowering blood sugar levels
• Helps kill harmful bacteria in the gut
• Boost skin health 
• Full of potassium 

Use it in a salad dressing, energy drinks, or simply just dilute it with water! 

Final Thoughts  

If you’re wondering “why am i tired all the time?” We hope the above natural energy booster drinks can be helpful. Natural energy drinks can provide a similar boost in energy to caffeine. Although natural energy drinks can help boost concentration and mood, you should also consider other natural alternatives as well, such as staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and working out. 

More energy, great health benefits, and no caffeine induced side effects? We’ll drink to that!

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