You’re lagging so you reach for a second cup of coffee. Its only 1 p.m. and you figure it shouldn’t disrupt your sleep, right? According to Dr. Frank Lipman, author of The New Health Rules, some people have a half-life much longer than others. The average is about seven hours, but if you take a medication (including an oral contraceptive), have liver problems or are aging (who isn’t?!), caffeine could affect you into the wee hours of the night. His suggestion is to give yourself a week to wean off the joe. Start with a normal amount, than switch to 50/50 for 3 to 4 days, and then go 25/75, and then switch to pure decaf. From there, look to natural energy drinks to help you get going.

Here are a few of our favorites energy drinks, plus some new recipes from one of our favorite food blogs, The First Mess.

1. Raw Cacao Powder: Cacao is rich in antioxidants as well as minerals. Try:

Raw Cacao + Goji Berry Superfood Latte Recipe

Serves 1

  • 10-12 oz. light coconut or unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbs. raw cacao powder
  • 1 pitted date
  • 1 ½ tbs. goji berries
  • ¼ tsp. vanilla powder
  • pinch of acai powder
  • 1 ½ tsp. extra virgin coconut oil

Mix all ingredients in saucepan over medium heat. Simmer and whisk.Once it is warm and soft, pour into a blender and blend until smooth and frothy.

2. Maca Powder: This superfruit is from the mustard family and is used to boost endurance, libido and energy.

Matcha & Maca Superfood Latte with Tahini

Serves 1

  • 10-12 oz. light coconut or unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp. matcha powder
  • 1 tsp. maca powder
  • ½ tsp. tahini paste
  • 1 ½ tsp. extra virgin coconut oil (or coconut butter)
  • maple syrup/brown rice syrup to taste

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and whisk. Once warm, pour into a blender and blend until combined and frothy.

3. Matcha Green Tea: Found in the recipe above, this green tea is anticarcinogenic, and helps boost metabolism. Note, matcha still contains caffeine, so if you’re going completely caffeine-free or low-caffeiene, you’ll want to cut the matcha powder to ½ tsp.

4. Turmeric: Turmeric isn’t known to boost energy, but since it does boost your immunity and your overall metabolism, we feel that it’s a good addition when you’re wanting to feel well.

Turmeric Vanilla Spice Superfood Latte

Serves 1

  • 10-12 oz. light coconut or unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 ½-2 tsp. ground turmeric
  • ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp. ground ginger
  • pinch of vanilla powder
  • 1 ½ tsp. extra virgin coconut oil
  • maple syrup or brown rice syrup to taste

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and whisk. Once warm, pour into a blender and blend until combined and frothy.

 

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