You’re lagging and get an urgent need for an energy boost, 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 and your energy levels 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 boosters to help you get going.
Here are a few of our favorite energy boosters, 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:
The First Mess 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.
The First Mess Matcha & Maca Superfood Latte with Tahini & Manuka Honey
Serves 1
- 10-12 oz. light coconut or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp. matcha powder
- 1 tsp. maca powder
- ½ tsp. tahini paste
- ½ tsp. manuka honey
- 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.
The First Mess 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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With her love of health and writing, Melissa has written for such publications as Shape, Natural Solutions, Yoga Journal, Self and Pilates Style, and has created recipes and food-oriented stories for such publications as Delicious Living and Cooking Light.
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