Searching for a healthy morning energy drink to kick-start your day? Consider nutrient-packed options that provide a natural boost without the negative side effects of excessive sugar and caffeine in traditional energy drinks.
These can include green smoothies rich in leafy greens and fruits, herbal tea blends featuring energizing herbs like ginseng or yerba mate, protein-packed shakes with high-quality protein sources, or even refreshing fruit-infused waters. Moreover, the plain old glass of water, mushroom teas, juice, smoothie, and coconut milk are healthy options to add to your routine and give your day a great start.
Making a healthy switch from traditional morning energy drinks can have numerous benefits, including sustained energy levels, improved mood, and better overall health. But remember, it's not just about the morning boost but also fuelling your body with the proper nutrients for the day ahead.
Let's look deeper at the 11 best morning energy drinks you can pair with your muffin, eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, or french toast to start your day right. But first, let's explore the myth of drinks commonly marketed as ideal options for boosting your energy in the morning.
The Myth of Traditional Energy Beverages
Traditional energy drinks might come to mind when you think of morning drinks designed to kick-start your day. These popular beverages promise to awaken your senses, boost energy levels, and enhance mental clarity. However, the reality of these drinks is far more complex and not nearly as rosy.
The Sugar and Caffeine Problem
Many traditional energy drinks are, unfortunately, unhealthy. They often contain a cocktail of artificial ingredients, including high sugar levels, caffeine, and various additives. Consuming these drinks, especially regularly, can lead to several health concerns.
One of the significant issues with these morning beverages is their excessive sugar content. High-sugar drinks can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. They can also lead to energy crashes later in the day, leaving you feeling even more fatigued.
Caffeine is another key ingredient in traditional energy beverages, and while it can indeed help to boost alertness, too much can have negative effects. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to restlessness, increased heart rate, sleep disturbances, and in severe cases, even caffeine toxicity.
The Counterpoint: Potential Benefits and Risks
Despite these concerns, it's essential to consider the potential benefits and risks of traditional energy drinks in a balanced way. These drinks can offer a quick energy boost when consumed in moderation, preferably not as a regular beverage. In addition, they may provide short-term benefits such as increased focus and performance, especially in high-pressure situations. However, the key here is moderation.
Healthy Alternatives for Morning Energy
A healthier alternative can be as simple as drinking water first thing in the morning. Staying well-hydrated contributes to overall health and can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. So, before you reach for that can of energy drink, consider other ways to achieve mental clarity and energy after waking up. Your body will thank you.
Key Ingredients for a Healthy Morning Energy Drink
When selecting an energy drink, the ingredients list should reflect real food sources packed with nutrients that can naturally fuel your body. A healthy morning energy drink should ideally contain the following components:
Natural Sugars
Unlike processed sugars in many drinks, natural sugars come with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fruits like bananas, berries, and oranges are excellent sources of natural sugars that provide quick, easily digestible energy.
Healthy Fats
Not everyone associates fats with energy, but healthy fats are essential for daily energy. Ingredients like avocados, chia seeds, or a scoop of nut butter in your shaker bottle can provide these beneficial fats.
Proteins
Proteins are vital for repairing and building tissues and producing sustained energy. Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or Greek yogurt to your morning drink.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in energy production, and deficiencies can lead to feelings of tiredness. For example, leafy greens—like spinach and kale—are packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K, while citrus fruits can provide a burst of vitamin C.
Hydration: The Unsung Hero of Energy Levels
Aside from these essential nutrients, hydration plays a fundamental role in maintaining energy levels. A well-hydrated body allows for the optimal function of our cells and organs, including those responsible for energy production. So, while a water bottle should be your constant companion throughout the day, starting your day with a hydrating drink can set a positive tone for your hydration habits.
Remember, while these ingredients are key, other factors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep significantly contribute to your overall energy levels. So, mix up your ingredients, stay hydrated, and pay attention to your body's needs for the best start to your day.
11 Healthy Drinks That Give You Energy in The Morning
1. Mushroom Tea
The body can benefit from the antioxidants, polyphenols, beta glucans, prebiotic fibers, and proteins in the energizing mushroom tea. The best medicinal mushrooms to use in your tea include Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Chaga.
They boost the immune system, fight inflammation, stimulate the production of the nerve growth factor, and help the body cope with mental and physical stress, giving your body a sustained dose of energy. Cordyceps, in particular, helps increase ATP and oxygen uptake, making it ideal for pre-workouts.
Read More: See how Cordyceps boosts your energy levels.
Preparing mushroom tea to pair with your pancakes or waffles in the morning is extremely easy. Functional mushrooms are available as supplements in the form of powder products. Just stir the mushroom powder's proper dosage in hot water before drinking. Then, to avoid the mushroom's natural taste, add a natural sweetener like honey to start your day with a mushroom energy boost.
2. Matcha Green Tea
Can't leverage the benefits of cordyceps on energy because you do not have the mushroom in your home? You do not have to worry: you can enjoy the health benefits of matcha green tea. Matcha powder offers twice as many health advantages as green tea, and because it contains caffeine, you'll feel more energized.
You can expect a less jittery pick-me-up than coffee when using matcha as a morning beverage. This is because Matcha green tea has high levels of flavonoids and L-theanine, which widens the alpha frequency band in the brain and has calming effects by increasing GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels.
When using matcha green tea, you can always add chia seeds to leverage their high amount of protein for long-lasting energy.
Research from 2019(1) verified that green tea boasts benefits like neuroprotection (it improves your brain health), stress resistance, autophagy, and antiphotoaging. In addition, research has also shown(2) that green tea supports weight loss and weight maintenance, which also boosts the energy of overweight people over time.
Read More: See how Lion's Mane promotes weight loss to elevate your energy.
3. Ginger Tea
Although ginger tea is delicious anytime, you can kick start your day with a morning glass of this delicious and healthy tea.
One of the best natural energy drinks, it kick-starts your metabolism, prevents motion sickness, and aids in breaking your body's overnight fast when taken within the first 30 minutes of waking up. Moreover, you can take it on an empty stomach, pair it with the protein in eggs and bacon, or use it with pancakes, french toast, or waffles.
According to recent research, ginger can lessen cellular insulin resistance, allowing your fat, muscles, and liver to absorb more blood glucose, boosting your natural energy levels. In addition, a research study conducted in 2015(3) proved that ginger improves fasting glucose levels.
You can immediately follow up a cup of ginger tea with a morning smoothie to give your day a great start, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and energy. You can also improve your mornings with this energy drink and snacks like orange, banana, granola, or ham.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The amino acids, potassium, and enzymes in apple cider vinegar can help replenish healthy energy levels when fatigue is caused by lactic acid build-up in the body due to strenuous exercise or excessive stress.
Read More: See how taking Lion's mane pre-workout boosts energy during a workout.
Apple cider vinegar is more than just an energy drink; it aids digestion and gut health, strengthens your immune system, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory by breaking down starches to reduce bloating. In addition, it enhances your skin's appearance and general health and acts as a hydration and energy boost when you take it in the morning.
5. Yerba Mate
Ever heard of this "tea" from South America? Traditional South American beverage yerba mate is said to have the energy of tea, the flavor of chocolate, and the strength of coffee, making it one of the most preferred healthy drinks in the morning.
Yerba mate contains 85 mg of caffeine per cup, more than a cup of tea but less than coffee. So a morning cup of yerba mate might give you more energy, make you feel less tired, and increase alertness, just like any other caffeinated food or drink without jittery side effects.
Read More: See how Lion's Mane fights brain fog to boost your alertness.
6. Smoothie
Make a quick breakfast smoothie for a convenient morning drink that is also satiating enough to qualify as breakfast. For example, blend some yogurt with fresh fruits like bananas, an orange, and berries in a blender and pour them into a tall glass. These fruits and yogurt will delight your taste buds and give you enough nutrition to jumpstart your day with energy.
You can also turn your smoothie into green juice by including vegetables like spinach, kale, turmeric, and cucumber. The dozens of green juice recipes available online allow you to mix the right ingredients to produce a perfect smoothie filled with vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.
One of its best features is adding various healthy and nourishing ingredients to a smoothie according to your requirement. For instance, mixing mushroom powders like Cordyceps(4) into your morning smoothie can give you energy, stamina, and vitality.
Read More: See how cordyceps boost libido, stamina, and vitality.
7. Goji Berry Juice
Goji berries, an underrated superfood to add to your diet, contain many essential vitamins and minerals. In addition, they are among the foods with the highest nutritional density because they are a rich source of antioxidants and amino acids.
According to studies, regularly consuming goji berry juice boosts your body's energy and reduces fatigue while improving mental focus, cognitive function, and physical performance.
8. Aloe Juice
Aloe vera juice is an entirely safe, versatile, and one of the popular drinks for a healthy morning routine because it naturally contains various nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other trace elements.
The juice can help you meet your protein needs while aiding muscle growth. In addition, regular consumption of aloe vera juice ensures a greater sense of well-being, increases energy levels, and aids in maintaining a healthy body weight.
Read More: See how Chaga mushroom tea promotes weight loss.
9. Water
Did you know that the majority of us begin the day already dehydrated? Seven or eight hours of sleep per night is a significant time to go without drinking water. Additionally, other elements may be at play, such as having consumed too much alcohol the night before.
As a result, your body is probably already slightly dehydrated when you wake up. Dehydration affects blood flow to the brain and makes your heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body, which results in fatigue.
There are many advantages to consuming water(5) (at least 2 cups) first thing in the morning. This amount can boost your metabolism, eliminate toxins, and hydrate you intensely.
10. Lemon Juice
Who said the water you drink in the morning has to be plain? Hot water with lemon and honey increases energy, detoxifies, helps with digestion, prevents disease, and hydrates like no other drink.
Just 1 ounce of lemon juice contains almost a fourth of your recommended daily vitamin C. So, a healthy dose of this immune-boosting vitamin is the perfect way to kick-start your morning. Pair your morning cup of lemon water with toast, sausage, granola, oatmeal, or waffles (depending on your preference) to energize your day.
11. Coconut Water and Coconut Milk
When you drink coconut milk, you consume a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These MCTs promote energy production in your body through a process called thermogenesis. In other words, coconut milk's MCTs help generate heat and increase your energy. So, next time you're feeling sluggish, consider reaching for a glass of coconut milk for a natural energy boost.
Coconut water, on the other hand, is packed with beneficial minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants that give your energy levels an instant boost. Drinking coconut water may be especially helpful for athletes, as it helps to replenish lost energy stores and promote faster recovery.
FAQs About Best Morning Energy Drink
What Drink Wakes You Up The Most?
Several healthy drinks can help boost energy levels and wake you up. One popular option is coffee, which contains caffeine, a well-known stimulant that increases alertness and focus. Another option is green and black tea, which also contains caffeine. Matcha tea is especially noteworthy, as it provides a balanced energy boost due to the presence of L-theanine in addition to caffeine.
These drinks contain natural ingredients that provide a balanced, sustained energy boost without relying on sugar or artificial ingredients. It's essential to choose beverages that suit your tolerance for caffeine and consume them in moderation.
What Is The Healthiest Thing To Drink For Energy?
There is no single drink that can be considered the healthiest for energy. The best choice will depend on individual needs and preferences. However, some healthy options include green tea containing caffeine and L-theanine for a balanced and sustained energy boost and antioxidants that can improve overall health.
Coconut water is another option, as it is a natural source of electrolytes and minerals that can help replenish fluid and sustain energy levels during and after physical activity. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices can also stimulate energy, as they contain natural sugars and vitamins. Smoothies made with whole fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds can provide sustained energy, as they contain complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein.
What Gives You Energy But Isn't Caffeine?
A smoothie made with cordyceps mushroom is an excellent alternative to caffeine for boosting energy.Cordyceps mushroom is a natural energy booster used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to increase endurance, reduce fatigue, and improve overall health. It contains compounds that can improve oxygen utilization and help the body produce energy more efficiently.
A smoothie made with cordyceps mushroom powder and other nutrient-dense ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and protein can give the body a quick and easily digestible energy source. This can help you feel more awake, focused, and ready to tackle the day ahead without relying on caffeine.
Key Takeaways
Most people wake up to a cup of coffee to jolt them out of bed—coffee, however, has some downsides, including jitters and raised anxiety, dehydration, and a caffeine crash at midday. However, other morning energy drinks can give you a kick of energy without the aftermath of too much caffeine.
Our top picks are a glass of plain water (or with lemons), apple cider vinegar, smoothies, mushroom tea, Yerba mate, ginger tea, aloe juice, matcha tea, coconut water and milk, and goji berry juice. So, if you've been trying to give up coffee, trade your cup for these natural energy drinks that boost your energy and provide additional health benefits.
Do you use any form of energy drinks in the morning? Besides coffee beans, what else do you use in the morning to boost your energy before heading out to tackle the day? Let us know in the comments section.
References
- A Review of the Role of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Antiphotoaging, Stress Resistance, Neuroprotection, and Autophagy, (1)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412948/
- The anti-obesity effects of green tea in human intervention and basic molecular studies, (2)https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2014143
- The Effects of Ginger on Fasting Blood Sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, Apolipoprotein B, Apolipoprotein A-I and Malondialdehyde in Type 2 Diabetic Patients, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/
- Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation, (4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27408987/
- Water drinking induces thermogenesis through osmosensitive mechanisms, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17519319/
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