As the popular saying goes, caffeine makes us ‘do stupid things more quickly’. So if you’re wanting to operate at a more measured and comfortable pace, make fewer mistakes and feel calmer, then cutting down on your intake of stimulants like coffee and tea is a great place to start. Here are some suggestions for healthier alternatives that should keep the cravings at bay.
Chicory
Chicory root was originally used as a bulking and flavouring agent in hot drinks when coffee beans were scarce, but it can be brewed to make a coffee-like drink in its own right. The taste is similar to coffee, but there’s no caffeine at all. Some say it’s an acquired taste, but at just £2.18 for a large jar of instant granules, it’s worth giving it a try. Available from Goodness Direct.
Green Tea
Green tea does contain caffeine, but we’re going to give it special dispensation here for its other qualities. Shown to be rich in antioxidants, green tea is a healthier way to wake and clear the mind. Studies have linked green tea intake with lower instances of heart disease and stroke than in those who drink black tea or coffee. The ‘buzz’ is provides is also a gentler sensation with less of a pronounced comedown than coffee.
Fruit or Herbal Tea
Completely caffeine-free fruit tea is great for those who simply want a mug of something warm in their hands. It’s often a chore to drink at first, particularly if you’re weaning yourself off the stronger, heartier flavour of coffee. But it quickly becomes an ally as your dependence drops and you’re more interested in keeping up the scheduled ‘breaks’ associated with having a cuppa. Once you’ve developed a taste for it, however, you can start to enjoy the subtler flavours and begin to experiment with the effects on your mood and overall health provided by different blends.
If you absolutely must have coffee…
Caffeine is a highly addictive substance, and many people are unprepared for how difficult it is to go ‘cold turkey’. So if you find you struggle to get through the day without at least one cup, don’t despair: you can still enjoy coffee sensibly in moderation.
One good habit to get into is drinking one similarly-sized glass of water for each mug you consume, as this will help to cancel out the dehydrating effects of the caffeine. This is a particularly good idea if you suffer from stomach cramps or headaches when you over-do the coffee.
It’s also advisable to avoid drinking any caffeinated beverages after the middle of your day, as these will continue to have an effect into the evening, possibly disrupting your sleep. Sticking to this rule can be a helpful factor in giving up or reducing your intake of coffee, as you can have it when you’re likely to crave it the most: first thing in the morning.
Decaffeinated coffee is often frowned upon by those who really know their beans, but some varieties can be quite convincing and will help you over a hump if you really love the taste and aroma of hot coffee.
Finally, remember to support independent cafes and help keep variety on our highstreets! Delocator is an excellent tool to help you find one near you.
