Although I know what coffee does to my body, it is not all bad if you drink it in moderation. In short, this means one to two cups a day, and of course with no sugar or milk. Though I was a huge coffee addict, clocking around 8 cups a day, I was able to reduce my intake to one or two cups in the morning. What can I say? I absolutely love the smell and taste of black coffee.
In the past, I had two coffees in the morning and during every break or after every meal. However, reducing it to one to two cups a day is already a big and significant step in the right direction. Lately, I have been experimenting with coffee alternatives for the short breaks or cozy moments. And I must say, I absolutely love them.
1. Hazelnut Chai Latte
You can actually make this drink with any nut you prefer. Works great with almonds or cashews as well, but I love the hazelnut flavor. However, you could also use nut milk instead of whole nuts and water to steep the tea instead of the nuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw hazelnuts, cashews or almonds (soak in water for at least 1 hour, overnight is best)
- 3 cups chai tea infused, filtered water
- Cinnamon powder to taste
How to…
- Soak nuts in water for at least 1 hour. Discard the water and rinse nuts thoroughly.
- Add nuts, chai tea (hot or cold), and a pinch of cinnamon in your high-speed blender.
- Blend until creamy.
- Optional: top with another pinch of cinnamon, coconut cream or cacao nibs.
Note: instead of using raw nuts and water, you can also use your favorite nut milk to make this lovely drink. But make sure to buy organic nut milk or make your own to avoid nasty chemicals.
Click here to learn how to make your own nut milk at home.
If you are taking blending and making green smoothies serious but can’t afford an expensive Vitamix or Blendtec… I actually found a much better solution which is only half the price and AS GOOD. CLICK HERE for more info.
2. Roasted Dandelion Latte
If you love the taste of coffee, then this blend will blow your mind. Although it isn’t the perfect coffee flavor, it comes pretty close to the real thing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of your favorite nut milk (or water works as well)
- 1 teabag of roasted dandelion tea blend
How to…
- Infuse 1 cup of heated milk with a tea bag of the roasted dandelion blend.
- Remove the bag after a few minutes and enjoy.
3. Maca Chocolate Booster
Maca and chocolate are excellent energy boosters. They are packed with health-promoting antioxidants and help balance your hormones. Click here to learn more about the health benefits of dark or raw chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond, hazelnut or coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon maca powder
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon raw cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)
How to…
- Heat almond milk to a simmer.
- Add all other ingredients and blend for a few seconds.
- Optional: top with another pinch of cinnamon or cacao nibs.
Scroll down for more healthy alternatives to coffee!
4. Matcha Green Latte
This drink is all the hype these days. It’s healthy, yummy and packed with health promoting antioxidants to prevent aging and chronic diseases. It is a great energy booster and detoxifier.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha
- ¼ cup hot water
- ¾ cup milk of your choice (or water if you prefer a tea instead of a latte)
- raw cacao powder
- raw honey or vanilla extract to taste (optional)
How to…
- Sift 1 teaspoon matcha into a cup.
- Add ¼ cup hot water and stir until you got a smooth paste.
- Pour ¾ cup steamed milk of your choice into the cup and stir well.
- Scoop foamy milk on top
- Add vanilla extract and/or honey to taste (optional)
- Sprinkle with raw cacao powder
Click here to learn how to make your own vanilla extract.
5. Chai Chocolate Kick
Chai tea and chocolate are both great to increase energy and boost your mood. In short, it is the perfect drink for a cold winter’s day. This lovely and warming drink is packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of your favorite milk
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- 1 bag Chai tea
How to…
- Heat all ingredients to a simmer.
- Remove tea bag and enjoy this lovely drink.
Bonus: Warm Lemon Water
I know… this doesn’t even come close to the taste or warming feeling a cup of coffee gives you, but lemon water is one of the best drinks to slowly wake up your body and kick-start digestion.
ALSO READ: Discover The Top 10 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water In The Morning
Ingredients
- Juice of 1/2 – 1 lemon (lime works too)
- 1 glass of lukewarm to warm water
How to…
- Combine lemon juice and warm water.
- Drink first thing in the morning.
Note: add ginger and/or raw honey if you want.
FYI: Why You Shouldn’t Drink Decaf
Many people believe that they are doing something great and healthy for their body when choosing for decaf. But actually, it is even worse. Although coffee isn’t that healthy, it is still better to drink a cup of regular coffee than it is to drink decaf. To remove the caffeine from coffee a lot of toxic products are used, and traces of these toxic compounds end up in your cup of coffee.
If you have tried these coffee alternatives and still can’t kick the coffee habit, just like me ;-), then be mindful of which coffee or coffee beans you buy… and try to limit your coffee habit to one cup a day or if you are up for it, limit to special occasions only.
Poorly sourced coffee contains mold and other questionable ingredients. So if you have a local roaster go seek him out and ask about the beans and quality.
And remember this if you have a cup of coffee:
Actually have one glass before and after… that’s what I do these days.
ALSO READ: Alkaline Diet Benefits – Why you should alkalize your body
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
