It happens to all of us from time to time. We pop up out of bed, thinking we are rested and ready to take on the day, only to find ourselves slumped over our desk before noon. Quick and hard out of the gate and slumpy by mid-morning is generally the result of low blood sugar or fatigue. Perhaps you aren’t a breakfast eater; maybe you just aren’t hungry first thing in the morning. That is ok; there is no need to have a huge breakfast, but giving your body a little something after waking may provide that lasting energy that you need.
Here are three early morning elixirs that are easy to make and take with you on your way to work. Enjoy their unique flavors and the pick-me-up that they give you along with other lasting health benefits.
Tropically Turbocharged Coffee
Replacing processed coffee creamers with organic coconut oil is a smart move. Although it may sound strange, the result is actually quite delicious and highly nutritious. The combination of caffeine and saturated fat gives the body a lasting energy boost.
Prepare a tropical twisted coffee drink by brewing a high-quality organic cup of coffee and place it in a blender. Add in one tablespoon of organic coconut oil, blend, and enjoy.
The resulting coffee drink is frothy and rich, with a wonderfully smooth taste that is very satisfying. If you like your coffee sweetened, add one teaspoon of coconut crystals.
Add coconut oil to your coffee for a great way to supercharge. Give your body a burst of energy to make it through the day, not to mention all of the other amazing health benefits of coconut!
Tasty Turmeric Twist
You may have heard that warm lemon water will get those pipes working in the morning and optimize your health by assisting your body in detoxifying. You may even drink warm lemon water with Himalayan salt, or warm lemon water with honey in the morning. However, have you heard of warm lemon water combined with honey, cinnamon, and the most essential ingredient to this morning elixir, turmeric? If you have yet to try this one, you are missing out on an excellent way to begin your day. All-natural lemon and turmeric are especially powerful ingredients that boast a wealth of beneficial properties and give you just the zip that you need to get your day started.
According to a study published in the Journal of Nephropathology, “Turmeric, a neglected Asian traditional drug might reemerge as remedy and/or preventive tool for various illnesses including different type of cancers, obesity, type-2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, CKD [chronic kidney disease] and ESRD [end stage renal disease], which are steadily increasing globally, claiming many lives and tremendous amount of resources worldwide.”
What’s in it
- ½ a lemon, squeezed for juice
- ¼ – ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp honey
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 cup warm filtered water
Mix the lemon juice, turmeric, and honey into your cup of warm water or milk. You will want to stir these ingredients well. Add cinnamon on top and continue to stir your morning elixir as you drink it — this will ensure that the turmeric does not settle at the bottom of your cup.
ACV Supercharger
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained a great deal of traction in the wellness space, and with good reason, it is bursting with health properties and is so easy to incorporate into your diet. Consuming it before a meal will aid in digestion, helping those who suffer from low stomach acid. Apple cider vinegar also lowers blood sugar, which is especially helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. It is also said to reduce appetite; you’re likely to eat fewer calories during your meal. As the star of this morning energy elixir, apple cider vinegar is complemented by raw honey, coconut oil, and a dash of cayenne pepper in this zippy, all natural energy drink.
Honey has been touted as the ideal pre-workout food. As a matter of fact, it trumps other forms of carbohydrates because it also contains vitamins and protein. Thanks to its antioxidants, honey is also a great immune booster. Honey will provide hours of energy. Because it is sweet, it makes an ideal addition to your morning energy elixir. The combination of apple cider vinegar and raw honey is extraordinarily powerful. Even though they both have a low pH level, once consumed, they turn alkaline and raise the overall alkalinity of the body, making you less likely to become ill.
The liver easily converts coconut oil into energy rather than store it as fat. The fat contained in coconut oil provides a quick and lasting source of energy and boosts the immune system. Some studies have shown that it increases brain function and better memory. Plus, coconut oil will slow down the absorption of other nutrients, which means you’ll stay fuller for longer. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but it makes a great addition to a warm morning beverage once melted.
Cayenne pepper provides vitamins B6, C, and E and flavonoids, which contain valuable antioxidants. When consumed, it stimulates the production of saliva and the flow of enzymes, which are vital for proper digestion. Cayenne pepper helps regulate the circulatory system as well. It opens capillaries and regulates blood sugar, it relieves joint and nerve pain, and promotes weight loss as one of the key anti-inflammatory foods. It also controls appetite, which leads to the intake of fewer calories.
What’s in it
- 2 Tbsp raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp organic coconut oil
- Small shake cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces hot filtered water
It is relatively easy to mix these ingredients together. The oil and honey will dissolve quickly in warm water, so simply use a spoon and stir everything. The coconut oil will want to separate from the water, so it may be helpful to use a blender to mix your drink. This will make the elixir more frothy, and it may go down easier if you have an aversion to drinking anything containing oil.
Mix one of these delicious energy-giving drinks before you leave the house in the morning and enjoy all the energy that you need to get through your morning and beyond!
-The Alternative Daily
