Cutting Down on the Caffeine

So you’ve been tracking your daily caffeine intake, and it has quickly progressed from “a little on the heavy side” to “Oh…my.” However, all those years of averaging less-than-satisfactory sleep has made an extra caffeine kick an integral part of your workday (if you want to see it all the way through, that is).

Needless to say, cutting back on caffeine is no easy feat. And if you’re in it for the long haul, it may help to cushion the loss of excess caffeine with a longer-lasting alternative. Here are a few of the options we had in mind:

1. Ginseng tea

Said to enhance concentration and focus while warding off fatigue, here’s a real make-anywhere for ya.

2. Pomegranate juice

Boasting a sweet and tangy flavor, a sip of this ought to liven you right up. Got some extra time on your hands? Toss some pomegranate juice into a blender with berries, soy milk, spirulina and a banana, and you’ll really be in business.

3. Matcha green tea

Okay, so this one packs a small caffeine punch, but nothing like coffee. Think—a much-appreciated pick-me-up without all the post-consumption jitters or the dreaded midday crash.

4. Chai

Cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper and ginger = gooooood morning! Plus, the creamy texture won’t leave you wanting.

5. Coconut water

They say that Mother Nature really got it right with this one. Loaded with electrolytes and minerals, but low in fat and sugar, it’s bound to get the wheels turning on your day sooner rather than later.

Of course, there are other (perhaps surprisingly effective) adjustments you can make to your daily routine to help curb your coffee cravings:

1. Start your day off with real, long-term energy.

Caffeine is often a Band-Aid for a breakfast that is either lacking or didn’t, you know, happen. A protein-rich breakfast such as steel-cut oats, a fruit and veggie smoothie, or yogurt with fruit and granola is likely to do the trick.

2. Snack smart, snack often.

Fight fatigue between meals with energy-boosting snacks such as apples and peanut butter, dried fruits and nuts (in small doses!), or whole-grain protein bars.

3. Get pumped without a mug in hand.

Sneaking in a moment to get lost in your favorite song or taking a brisk walk can help get you jazzed up when your shoulders start to sag. Listening to your favorite song while taking a brisk walk? Even better.