Morning coffee certainly has its perks: reduced risk of heart disease and improved memory, to name a few. Coffee’s caffeine is also a nice AM eye-opener, but in the afternoon make the switch to an energizing beverage with more subtle amounts of caffeine:
Herbal Coffee (ex: Teeccino)
WHAT: Blend of herbs, nuts, grains & seeds (such as carob, barley, chicory root) roasted to taste like coffee.
MAKE: Brew in your coffee pot like ground coffee.
SERVE: Just like you would coffee.
BENEFIT: Herbal coffee is caffeine free, a natural source of energy-enhancing potassium, good for digestion and safe for pregnant women.
Yerba Mate (ex: Guayaki)
WHAT: Dried leaves of a South American rainforest tree.
MAKE: Steep like tea for 5-10 minutes in hot (not boiling) water.
SERVE: Make a mate latte with your favorite milk + honey or agave.
BENEFIT: Mate contains caffeine, but only 1/2 of coffee. Contains 24 vitamins and minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.
Matcha (ex: MightyLeaf)
WHAT: Japanese green tea powder.
MAKE: Whisk 1/2 teaspoon of the powder with hot water or use the traditional method (watch video).
SERVE: Traditionally served hot without sweeteners but tastes great in lattes & smoothies.
BENEFIT: Matcha contains caffeine, but only 1/2 of coffee. Contains 3X more antioxidants than any other type of green tea.
