COFFEE – YAY OR NAY?

From regular conversations with people trying to reduce/quit coffee, the general consensus is that it is not that easy. Especially if you are a die hard coffee fan and trying to do it cold turkey. Coffee acts like a mild drug (study confirmed) and is therefore addictive. Ah, and the inviting smell…..

The coffee topic is a big one and I will leave the discussion for another post, but if you’re looking to reduce your intake, do consider gradually weaning yourself off it – you are much less likely to experience the withdrawal side effects and your chances of quitting the daily habit are much higher.

To start with, consider reducing the amount you drink by ¼ of a cup every few days. Black tea has less caffeine than coffee, green tea has less caffeine than black tea and white tea has the least amount of caffeine so following that trail if you like tea might be an option for you.

Replacing coffee with dandelion root coffee/tea is a fab way to still enjoy a bitter tasting, coffee-like warm drink – many people love coffee just for the habitual ritual of taking a break.

NOT SURE IF COFFEE AGREES WITH YOU?

All of the following have been directly linked to coffee consumption so just some drink for thought. 😉

Adrenal issues – aka fatigue

Stress and anxiety

Weight gain (especially a muffin top)

Sleep issues

Concentration issues

Chronic dehydration and body inflammation (aka a disease promoting environment)

Whether you want a break from coffee or simply an alternative, the drinks below may tick the boxes!

CHAGA LATTE WITH DANDELLION COFFEE

It’s not coffee, but it does come pretty close in taste to it. Most people really miss that bitter taste when they give it up.

This powerhouse of a drink is a perfect morning companion I find (after water, mind you as what our bodies need the most when we wake up is hydration).

BENEFITS

>> Sustained energy
>> No blood sugar spikes
>> Happy liver & hormones
>> Plenty of antioxidants

CHAGA LATTE WITH DANDELION COFFEE

☕ ½ tsp chaga extract powder
☕ ½ tsp roasted dandelion root coffee granules
☕ 1-2 drops concentrated vanilla extract
☕ 2-3 tbsp coconut milk (or any milk of choice)
☕ 300-400 ml hot water (if using different milk, adjust accordingly)

☕ Optional – 1 date – for sweetness
☕ Optional – ½ – 1 tsp chicory granules

Blend everything in a blender and enjoy! You can strain it, but I find there is no need.

MATCHA LATTE

If you need a *pick me up* drink without the crash afterwards, then matcha is your friend. It contains the same amount of caffeine found in brewed coffee, and about ½ of the caffeine found in espresso.
As such, it is not caffeine-free, but you will receive that energy boost in a slower, more stable way thanks to the amino acid L-Theanine, which slows the release of caffeine and has a calming, relaxing effect.

Matcha is essentially ground green tea leaves. It is much higher in anti-oxidants than green tea due to the higher concentration. When you are using a regular green tea bag, you’re essentially throwing a lot of the goodness away as it is trapped in the leaves. The taste is very mild and not at all overpowering.

MATCHA LATTE

☕ ½ – 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha powder
☕ 2 -3 tbsp coconut milk (or other milk of choice)
☕ 400 ml hot water (if using different milk, adjust accordingly)
☕ Vanilla extract (to taste)

☕ Optional – ½ tsp moringa powder (for added anti-oxidant boost)
☕ Optional – cinnamon (to taste)
☕ Optional – 1 date (for sweetness)

P.S. If you don’t want the caffeine, use just moringa powder, it’s quite nice!

Blend everything and enjoy! Yes, I don’t make matcha the traditional way, because…. time and I like it like that!

What is your favourite warm drink?