Raise your hand if you start your day with a coffee. Does the promise of your first coffee of the day get you out of bed? Does the smell of coffee excite you? Are you moody when you don’t have some? Join the club!
As wonderful as coffee is, there are some downsides. Coffee can increase anxiety, inhibit our body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients (like Iron and B Vitamins), can increase joint pain and in some people, create inflammation.
Coffee beans are also notorious for being mouldy (and it isn’t evident by looking at them that that is the case), so coffee can be especially problematic for dealing with candida (since it loves to feed on mould). If all of that wasn’t bad enough, coffee is also highly addictive, so even if you wanted to drink less or none, for some people it is still an uphill battle. You can experience headaches, anxiety, fatigue and moodiness when going through caffeine withdrawal, so as always, consult your healthcare professional before making any big changes in your diet. It is best to slowly reduce your coffee intake to avoid those side effects and set yourself up for success. Whether or not you are quitting coffee, or simply looking to try some alternatives, check out these delicious coffee alternatives.
Decaf Coffee
Seems obvious enough! Decaf coffee is an easy alternative that is readily available in store and at most restaurants and cafes. It is perfect if you’re on the go or out for a meal in a restaurant. However, don’t forget that all coffee beans are naturally caffeinated, so decaf coffee beans have literally been decaffeinated and therefore contain trace amounts of caffeine. If you are strict about no caffeine, you may want to reconsider decaf. Also, as mentioned before, the beans may be moldy, so make sure to buy high quality organic coffee.
Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion root tea is an excellent alternative to coffee and perfect for your morning routine. It still has the bitter coffee taste but you also get the added coziness of having a cup of tea and the routine that goes along with making it. Dandelion tea is also excellent for your liver.The liver is a major detox organ and can always use some extra support. Dandelion root is also naturally caffeine free, so you won’t experience any of the negative side effects associated with drinking coffee.
Chicory Root Coffee
No, it is not actually coffee! It is another plant substitution that is actually from the same family as dandelion. Similarly, it is naturally caffeine free and is actually more of a tea than coffee – but it has been called such due to the fact that it has been gaining popularity as a “healthy” coffee alternative over the past few years (let’s be real, it’s just marketing!). Chicory root also is helpful in supporting the liver and gallbladder, and has been used to soothe upset stomachs.
There are many “coffee” alternatives on the market, so start by trying them out and seeing what works best for you. Like anything, it can take time to get used to new tastes, so don’t feel disappointed if you don’t immediately fall in love with your new dandelion root tea.
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