Coffee Alternatives
By Diane Robert
I’ve had a love-hate relationship with coffee for many years. I enjoy coffee’s rich flavor and aroma and the way it helps me focus. On the other hand, I worry this stimulant could affect my health and well-being.
Drinking more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (about 4 cups) can cause jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia, and increased heart rate, among other issues. With this in mind, it’s wise to monitor intake, especially since takeout servings often range from 16 to 20 ounces.
My love of latte’s or adding cream and sugar to regular coffee makes quitting harder. I find myself craving this full body taste experience. Sadly these additives spike blood sugar and turn into unwanted calories that quickly add up.
Coffee takeout servings often range from 16 to 20 ounces.
Determined to make a change, I created a plan to abstain from coffee for several weeks. After digging my heels in, I succeeded—at least for a while. Yet, as with many things in life, success was fleeting and the cravings returned.
Not ready to give up, I began searching for a satisfying alternative, hoping to discover a magic formula that would finally help me break free from my coffee cravings. After much research and experimentation, I put together this brief list of what has truly helped me on my quest to be coffee-free.
Tasty Coffee Alternatives
- Chicory Root: It is known as a ‘grain beverage’ and is often roasted with barley and brewed like coffee. It offers a rich nutty flavor without caffeine. You can usually find a jar in the coffee section of most grocery chains. My favourite brand is “Caf-Lib”organic blend. I add oat milk and a dash of Stevia to compliment the taste. It’s been three months and things are going well so far. I’ll keep you posted.
- Matcha (green power): This little powerhouse contains L-theanine for calmness and mental focus. It boasts an abundant source of antioxidants exceeding those found in regular brewed green tea.
- Powdered Mushrooms: In recent times mushroom drinks have become increasingly popular among health advocates. Often they are mixed with cacao and promoted as Latte mixes. They are caffeine-free and known for relaxation and mental clarity. I particularly enjoy this nurturing drink at the end of a long day.
- Golden Turmeric Latte: Is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory beverage deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine. It is sold in pouches in the wellness section of food stores. One of my favourite brands is “Oh Natural” based in Oakville, Ontario. This company sources their “spices and herbs from farms that embrace sustainable, natural cultivation, producing “the purest, most vibrant flavors”. It is nutrient dense and a soothing beverage that I welcome as an evening indulgence.
“Health is the greatest possession; contentment is the greatest
treasure.” – Lao Tazu
Following several months of trial and error in search of a tasty full-body alternative to coffee, I now enjoy Caf-Lib, organic grain beverage with chicory.
Look in the coffee section of the grocery aisle. Blend with oat milk or cream with a dash of Stevia.
A delicious alternative to coffee!