I should start by saying there’s absolutely nothing wrong with drinking coffee in the morning.
I’m having a cup right now as I type this.
But for a number of other reasons, some of you may want to avoid the beverage as the first thing you consume in the day. Maybe you want to finally free yourself from that caffeine dependence. Or you have a medical condition that prohibits you from drinking so much coffee.
Whatever your reasons, don’t be grumpy: you’re not short on options. Here are some healthy alternatives to consider:
Kefir
If you have problems with bloating or irregular bowel movements, this could be the coffee substitute for you. Kefir is a fermented milk drink, made from kefir grains. It boosts digestive health thanks to its probiotic-rich composition.
“I tell people that are eating yogurt for probiotics to make the switch to kefir,” says Dawn Jackson-Blatner, a registered dietitian based in Chicago. “Kefir has more types of actual bacteria and a higher amount of good bacteria than yogurt.”
Lemon water
When life gives you lemons, you may as well use them to create the perfect morning coffee substitute.
Autumn Bates, a certified clinical nutritionist, explains that a glass first thing in the morning is the best way to replenish the water your body loses overnight.
The best way to prepare it is by adding at least half a lemon to eight to 10 ounces of water, warm in temperature. This guarantees your drink has adequate amounts of vitamin C and polyphenols, which boosts immune systems and improves skin health.
Related: Is Hot Coffee Better than Cold Brew?
Smoothies
This comes with a caveat – it’s all about how your smoothie is prepared.
You should avoid using too many fruits, as they could increase blood sugar levels. Smoothies consisting of one fruit per cup, and using more green vegetables, is recommended. Consider spinach, beet greens, kale, and collard greens in your blends.
Dieticians also suggest incorporating a quality protein, like yogurt, low-fat dairy milk, or protein powder for those who follow a vegan diet. Avocados are a good healthy fat option too, plus everyone loves avocados.
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