Let’s face it, our coffee machine is perhaps one of the most used and most useful appliances in our kitchens. However, as useful as it is and as much as we rely on it, we have to face the facts: getting our caffeine from too much coffee can be detrimental to our health. In most cases, having too much caffeine is already a bad enough idea, but we rely on it so much and it’s so readily available that it becomes difficult to knock the habit.
So to prevent this, we’ve come up with a couple of alternatives to coffee that are a little healthier. While you probably won’t be ditching the coffee machine anytime soon, it’s never a bad idea to mix up where you get your caffeine from for the sake of your own health. This guide is also good for anyone that can’t stand the taste of coffee without adding ample amounts of sugar and milk, which is a quick way to raise the calorie count and make it even more unhealthy.
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Fresh Tea
In terms of calorie counts, fresh tea is very low on the list and provides a decent boost of caffeine. It’s important to drink fresh tea, however, instead of bottled teas. Simply pop a tea bag into a cup and pour hot water, or use a teapot with fresh leaves instead. There are countless different flavors of tea to indulge in and you can even chill it before serving to create your own iced tea. Some varieties are so packed with flavor that you won’t even need to add a sweetener, but if you do need a bit of sweetness in your drink, consider an artificial source instead of sugar. However, the purer the tea and the less you add, the more beneficial it is for your body.
Diet Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are typically loaded with calories. However, diet varieties are mostly calorie-free and provide a good boost of caffeine much like the non-diet varieties. If you need even more caffeine, then consider diet energy drinks. Monster Energy and various other companies are releasing plenty of sugar-free or reduced sugar alternatives to give you low-calorie options for caffeine intake. However, do keep in mind that diet soft drinks should be consumed in moderation, even if they are low in calories.
Caffeine Tablets
These are free of calories and as a result, a little healthier than consuming coffee. This is especially helpful if you want to control your intake of caffeine, or if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to brew a fresh pot of coffee. It’s also helpful if you want to cut costs. A pack of caffeine tablets will ultimately be cheaper than several cups of coffee, and you could drink water instead to hydrate yourself.
In short, while taking in too much caffeine is a bad idea, it’s an even worse idea if you’re getting it from calorie-loaded drinks and snacks that are just terrible for your body. If you absolutely must drink coffee, then get rid of all the fatty options like cream, sugar and chocolate, and learn to drink it black now and then.
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