Morning Tonics to Replace Coffee

I have a love affair with coffee. I love the smell, the bitterness, the warmth. I’m especially smitten for Dominican coffee. I love it so much that I started drinking more and more of it and my perfectly harmless, and even healthy,one cup a day turned into much much more. It was time to call it quits. That was about 3 weeks ago and I’m gradually re-introducing a morning cup here and there, especially before a 5:45am workout but I’ve also fallen in love with some even healthier warm morning alternatives.

I’ve found they all help improve my energy levels and are a great and giving you and your liver (with helps remove toxins) little kick in the rear. Try mixing these into your morning routine and you’ll feel a world of difference in no time.

1. Warm water with lemon juice.

Lemon is known as one of the best natural detoxifiers and are loaded with vitamin C to help boost the immune system as well as antioxidants and electrolytes. It not only helps stimulate the livers natural enzymes but also helps bring alkalinity to the body, helping to neutralize its ph levels. Alkalinity is important because an acidic body (from eaiting too much sugar, processed foods, animal products,caffeine) can can throw off the bodys healthy ph levels making you more susceptible to disease and illness including increases risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes among others.

You just need a mug full of water and the juice of half a lemon.

2. Warm water with lemon juice, cayenne pepper and raw honey.

This brings you the benefits of lemon with an added punch.

Cayenne pepper stimulates the circulatory system by opening the capillaries. It also aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar while slightly increasing body temperature and kick-starting your metabolism.

Raw honey is loaded with vitamins and important minerals. It has been found to support good bacteria in the G.I tract which is essential for digestion and contains both pre and pro-biotics. Raw honey also boosts the immune system and has powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflamatory properties. Some believe it evens helps slow aging.

Mix the juice of half a lemon with 1 tablespoon raw honey and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into a mug of hot water.

3. Warm water, apple cider vinegar, maca powder, coconut oil, raw honey. 

Apple cider vinegar helps regulate your blood sugar, helps control appetite, boosts energy and is rich in detoxifying enzymes. The acetic acid also helps restore alkalinity leading to a boosted immune system from a more balanced ph and its high levels of anti0viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Maca has been found to help regulate hormones and support normal hormone function. Its high levels of minerals is known for helping to boost fertility and it is recommended to help nourish adrenal glands making it perfect for anyone suffering from adrenal fatigue or under a lot of stress.

Coconut Oil happens to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It contains medium chain fatty acids which the body quickly metabolizes to convert into energy instead of being stored as fat. Rich in lauric acid this superfood can kill bacteria, viruses and fungus – helping to prevent infections and illness. It has even been found to help boost brain power in patients with Alzheimer’s.

Mix 2 tablespoons Apple-cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon maca powder, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon raw honey into a mug of warm water.

***If you find this to be your favorite and use it everyday be sure to take a break from the maca powder after 3 weeks. So 3 weeks on, 1 week off. You can keep drinking the same combination without the maca powder for that week.

How do you like to start your day?