For many, a hot cup of Joe upon waking up is a morning requirement. (And for some of us, our loved ones know to only approach once that mug is empty.)
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your daily routine might be causing more harm than good. Today, we’re talking about the dark side of your dark roast and how you can boost your energy without relying on caffeine.
Say it ain’t so! What’s wrong with coffee?!
While coffee isn’t intrinsically “bad,” drinking it first thing in the morning can produce unwanted side effects.
Coffee will give you a boost of energy, but if you drink too much, you may experience jitteriness, anxiety, nervousness, and headaches.
Drink caffeine too late in the day, and it’ll keep you from sleeping at night. Even if you manage to fall asleep after drinking an evening coffee, the caffeine can reduce the deep, slow-wave sleep your body needs to recover from the previous day. Then you’ll need more coffee the next morning. Can you see the makings of a vicious cycle?!
How many times have you sipped your morning coffee before eating? The high acidity and bitterness of coffee may stimulate the production of acid, which can damage your stomach lining, induce heartburn, or worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You may not be ready to stop drinking coffee (yet!), but you can protect yourself from the adverse side effects by only drinking coffee once you’ve eaten.
Every body is different, so pay close attention to how yours is affected by coffee— and how your reaction changes depending on whether you drink it with or without food.
How can I boost energy naturally?
Sometimes, a lack of energy is indicative of a vitamin deficiency. A deficit of magnesium, B12, iron, or vitamins C or D can cause you to feel foggy-headed and sluggish. Talk with your doctor to find out if adding vitamins to your routine can help you feel more focused and alert without caffeine.
If you wake up feeling groggy, the culprit could be dehydration. Hopefully, you’re drinking around half a gallon of water during waking hours, but your sleeping hours deplete your reserves. Start your day with a big glass of water to wash away any dehydration-related fatigue.
Last but certainly not least (we are a fitness brand, after all!), exercise is your body’s BFF when you need more energy. Working out circulates oxygen throughout your body, boosts dopamine, and helps you get a more restful night of sleep, making the morning a whole lot more tolerable. Sign up for a group class or private session, and substitute your jitter juice for jumping jacks and natural energy!
Now that you have all the information, you can make your own decisions. After all, we’re not the boss of you, and we can’t tell you what to do! If you can’t say goodbye to your morning latte, consider consuming it after having breakfast to minimize the negative effects, and be sure to always pair it with good old H2O!
