I am a coffee fiend, and as much as I know that I shouldn’t rely on caffeine to get me functioning in the morning, I just can’t help it. I love me some freshly brewed coffee! And FYI, I live with a family of coffee addicts, so what hope do I really have?! But while I may be a self-proclaimed coffee addict, I am also in the process of cutting back on my caffeine intake and finding other, much healthier ways to give me the same boost of energy in the morning. And you know what? Some of them totally work! And while a green smoothie may not tantalize your senses quite like the scent of freshly brewed coffee, it can work to stimulate you in exactly the same way— just minus the caffeine! If you don’t believe caffeine-free energy drinks can accomplish the same amount of verve and lift as coffee can, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying these 9 mouth-watering recipes out.
1. Blueberry Coconut Super Smoothie
Coconut water is known as nature’s sports drink simply because it naturally boosts your energy thanks to the high levels of minerals including potassium. (It also helps cure a hangover.) Coconut water by itself isn’t enough to sustain you, so turn it into a smoothie by throwing in fruits such as bananas, and adding in other fruits to add flavor, including ginger and lime. The walnuts also add a healthy dose of fats.
Get the recipe here.
2. Chia Fresca Natural Energy Drink
Many of us rely on caffeine-based stimulants to give us that energy fix we need in a rush, but there’s no need. Not when you can make your own energy drink from home using healthy ingredients and no caffeine! Granted, it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing drink, but it will do the trick. While chia seeds add no flavor, just texture (and healthy omega 3s), the lime and honey will make this drink refreshing. You’ll be fuelled up in next to no time!
Get the recipe here.
3. BERRY CITRUS ENERGY DRINK
While energy drinks offer a quick fix, they’re often laden with sugar that will cause you to crash an hour or so after your energy boost has worn off. Make your own using fruits, such as berries, that contain natural sugars as these won’t overload your system and will instead slowly release energy throughout the day keeping you both fuelled and energized. Combine them with lime juice and mint for a refreshing twist.
Get the recipe here.
4. Citrus Green Tea Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is super good for you. It’s fizzy and both sour and sweet, and you can flavor it pretty much any way you like. While many kombucha recipes, like this one, call for green tea which contains caffeine, you can use caffeine-free tea instead to eliminate caffeine entirely, though the caffeine in green tea is nowhere near as strong as coffee. Kombucha contains probiotics that help improve digestion and is loaded with B vitamins that will give your body a natural energy boost, not to mention the green tea is also a great antioxidant!
Get the recipe here.
5. Matcha Green Tea Lemonade
Whenever I think about lemonade, my mouth starts to water. Why? Because lemonade is so darn refreshing! But unlike the fizzy refreshment, this lemonade is made with matcha, which comes with some pretty impressive skills. Not only does it work to detoxify the body and help you to relax, it can also aid weight loss and increase your life expectancy. Matcha will also help to boost your energy levels, so if you’re in need of a little lift, why not whip up some of this matcha tea lemonade?
Get the recipe here.
6. Morning Detox Turmeric Tea
Forget caffeine that will provide you with an initial energy boost only for it to evade you a short while later. This morning detox turmeric tea is bursting with both flavor and healing properties, thanks to the lemon, ginger, and turmeric, that provide the body with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Get the recipe here.
7. UPLIFTING CARROT, MANGO & GINGER SMOOTHIE
This vibrant smoothie will put a smile on your face even when it’s gloomy outside! The carrot, mango and ginger combination is loaded with vitamins C and A, while the ginger is a great aid for digestion. This smoothie is fresh, citrusy and sweet. A few sips on this and the spring will be well and truly back in your step!
Get the recipe here.
8. Naturally Sweet Lemon Ginger Power Beet Juice
This beetroot juice recipe will give you a caffeine-free energy boost whenever you’re in need of it! Beets are loaded with essential nutrients such as folate, potassium, iron and vitamin C, which all combine to give you that instant energy boost. The earthy taste from the beets pairs well with the lemon and ginger, and will enhance the natural sweetness in the beets.
Get the recipe here.
9. Energy Boosting Smoothie with Papaya + Avocado
Not only will this smoothie do wonders to boost your energy levels, it’s also an excellent source of vitamin C, which is great if you struggle to get enough from your regular diet. Papaya contains high levels of vitamin C, and can easily cover your daily intake, so why not turn it into a smoothie? Papaya, avocado and bananas are all rich in magnesium, copper, iron and other minerals so every sip of this smoothie will flood your body with nutritious goodness.
Get the recipe here.
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