Putting a pod into my Nespresso machine and treating myself to a frothy coconut latte used to be one of the highlights of my day.
Add a dash of sugar-free vanilla syrup or half a teaspoon of brown sugar and I was ready to tackle the day head-on.
Since my teenage years, I have always started the day with a coffee so when I was forced to give up my morning habit for health reasons, I didn’t know how I was going to cope.
Switching to tea, which is also highly caffeinated, wasn’t an option so I was forced to face one of my greatest fears – going cold turkey.
I never thought my daily morning coffee was a particularly bad habit. In fact, having two to five cups of coffee a day has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s and depression, according to Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
So when I started experiencing withdrawal symptoms after skipping my morning coffee for two days, I was shocked.
A pounding headache and feeling uncharacteristically sleepy during the day were the main symptoms as well as increased irritability.
A quick search on Google told me everything I needed to know – I was experiencing caffeine withdrawal.
At this point, I could see why it would be easy to give in and indulge in a milky latte but I was determined to stick to my goals.
After a few days, the withdrawal symptoms eased and I started to feel more energised. Rather than clinging desperately to the idea that I “needed” a coffee, I started my day with a big cup of water instead. Not only was this more refreshing in the hot weather but it was also more hydrating.
However, the most noticeable difference I have experienced since I’ve given up coffee is how much better I am sleeping.
I’ve always been a light sleeper and find it very difficult to drift off. While I knew coffee could have been contributing to this, I always found another reason – I was either eating too late, not doing enough exercise or looking at my phone too much while lying in bed.
What I didn’t realise is too much caffeine can increase the risk of anxiety and can even disrupt your sleep by blocking the effects of a chemical called adenosine which helps regulate sleep.
Now, I find myself drifting off to sleep not long after hitting the pillow. Not only am I drifting off faster but my sleep is deeper and more restful too which has meant I’m getting up earlier and being more productive.
While I won’t personally be drinking any more caffeinated coffee, I am aware that ditching that hot, milky beverage first thing in the morning is a challenging task.
Along the way, I’ve managed to find some delicious alternatives that might just be better than the real thing.
Coffee alternatives
Matcha Tea Powder
While still caffeinated, matcha, a traditional ground Japanese green tea, contains less than most cups of coffee and provides a longer-lasting energy boost because it is absorbed more slowly. Unlike coffee, I find this doesn’t give me a caffeine crash and hasn’t had a negative impact on my health. I only drink it very occasionally and always have a small amount in a matcha latte.
My favourite one is Bird & Blend Tea Co.’s Pure Grade Matcha paired with coconut milk and a dash of maple syrup.
Turmeric latte
Turmeric lattes, also known as ‘golden milk’, have a plethora of health benefits. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and can help improve the quality of your sleep.
My favourite is Naturya’s Organic Turmeric Superblend which costs £6.69 from Holland & Barrett.
Decaf coffee
Decaffeinated coffee still contains a very small amount of caffeine but it’s a lot less than a regular cup. Decaffeinated coffees have gotten a bad rap over the years and often don’t taste as good as the real thing. However, if you’ve got a coffee machine, I’d highly recommend Starbucks by Nespresso Decaf Espresso Coffee pods. Paired with frothy milk and half a teaspoon of brown sugar, you could almost trick yourself into thinking you’re drinking a regular coffee… almost.
Gingerbread chai tea
My friend introduced me to this tea and now I can’t stop buying it. Another one from Bird Bird & Blend Tea Co., this tea can be enjoyed plain or with a touch of milk.
I love pairing it with coconut milk and a dash of vanilla syrup for a fiery twist on a pumpkin spice latte. Made with rooibos, cinnamon and ginger, it’s the perfect autumnal beverage.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is always my go-to drink if I’m feeling a bit under the weather. The drink can help aid digestion, can relieve tension headaches and is rich in antioxidants. My favourite is Teapigs Peppermint Tea which can be purchased from Sainsbury’s for £4.75.
