With fall upon us, there are few things that compare to lighting seasonal candles and wearing super-soft sweaters. Holding a cozy drink (while reading a new novel) is the ultimate coziness. But for most of us, hot drinks like lattes, chai, and flavored coffee contain large amounts of caffeine. Hello, unwelcome jitters. Luckily, you can easily enjoy fall’s best drink without getting the dreaded caffeine crash. With your vitality in mind, we’re brewing the most soothing fall drinks to get a natural boost of energy.
Featured image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Odette Annable.
Edie Horstman
Edie is the founder of the nutrition coaching business Wellness with Edie. Due to her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormonal balance, and postpartum health.
How caffeine affects energy
Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants in the world. In fact, it’s technically a narcotic (considering how it affects the central nervous system!), increasing focus and temporarily increasing energy levels. So how does the magic work? Caffeine effectively blocks adenosine, the neurotransmitter that causes sleepiness. It keeps us alert, focused and motivated. On the flip side, your body’s natural energy rhythms are masked, making it difficult to recognize when you really need rest. After all, a small amount can improve your concentration, but if you rely on it too much, you can quickly fall into a cycle of dependence.
Why excessive caffeine intake is a problem
While we love caffeine as a quick pick-me-up (and ritual!), there are downsides to overdosing. Beyond irritability, excessive caffeine intake can cause a variety of other problems, including increased anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and digestive discomfort. Over time, your body may develop a tolerance and require more caffeine to achieve the same level of alertness. Additionally, caffeine causes dehydration. Hello, fatigue, headaches, and brain fog. That’s why it’s important to strike a balance. What’s more, it’s about understanding specifically how caffeine affects the body.
Are you drinking too much caffeine?
As a busy professional and mother of two, Caffeine understands the challenge of often needing a boost of energy to get through the early afternoon. But, of course, it’s easy to tip the scales. Although tolerance to caffeine varies from person to person, there are some common signs that indicate too much caffeine.
Anxiety or restlessness. Do you feel irritable or anxious after drinking your morning coffee? Increased heart rate. Caffeine can make your heart race, especially if you’re sensitive to stimulants. Digestive problems. Too much caffeine can cause stomach upset and acid reflux. insomnia. Caffeine lingers in your system for hours (it can take more than 12 hours to be completely eliminated from your body!), leading to a poor night’s sleep. Irregular menstrual cycles. When consumed in large amounts, caffeine affects hormones by increasing cortisol (the stress hormone), which ultimately affects estrogen metabolism. This can affect reproductive health and menstrual cycles.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to reconsider your daily caffeine intake and swap out a few cups of caffeine for a more calming alternative.
Caffeine-free energy: what to look for
Fortunately, caffeine isn’t the only way to boost your energy levels. As well as taking a walk, doing short bursts of bodyweight exercises, or trying the Pomodoro technique, many herbs, spices, and adaptogens can provide a gentle, sustained boost in alertness. For example, ingredients like L-theanine found in green tea can counteract the jittery effects of caffeine and provide calm, focused energy. Other natural alternatives such as turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon support energy levels by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Autumn seasonal drink material
When it comes to spices like cinnamon, going seasonal means two things. You can enjoy the best taste of fall while replenishing your body with essential nutrients. A great way to support your winter health.
Pumpkin puree. Rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, pumpkin adds creaminess and seasonal flavor to drinks. cinnamon. A warming spice that supports digestion, improves insulin sensitivity, and adds a pleasant aroma. nutmeg. It enhances flavor and provides antioxidant properties, making it the perfect addition to a classic fall flavor. ginger. It has a spicy kick and is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. apple cider. Perfect for hot drinks, apple cider has a sweet and tangy base and is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. maple syrup. A natural sweetener with the sweetness of autumn and minerals. raw honey. It is another natural sweetener that can enhance flavor while providing antioxidants. chai spice. A blend of cardamom, cloves, and black pepper creates a warm and deep flavor. coconut milk. A creamy, dairy-free alternative that provides richness and satiety. cacao powder. For a chocolatey twist, cacao adds rich flavor and is rich in antioxidants and magnesium.
10 Best Autumn Drinks to Get Rid of Caffeine and Invigorate You
With that in mind, here’s our roundup of warming fall drinks that will give you a boost (without the overwhelming hustle and bustle). These soothing drinks are packed with beneficial ingredients to energize your body and mind, making them perfect for crisp fall mornings or cloudy afternoons.
1. Golden milk latte
Golden Milk is a soothing drink made with turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. The combination of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties and warming spices can help you stay energized without the caffeine. Additionally, adding a pinch of black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, making this drink even more powerful.
2. Chaga mushroom tea
Chaga mushrooms are antioxidant-rich adaptogens that help your body resist stress while supporting your immune system. Perfect for maintaining health and energy during the cold season. Brew chaga tea with hot water and add milk for an earthy flavor.
3. Rooibos Chai
Although rooibos tea does not naturally contain caffeine, it is rich in antioxidants that balance blood sugar levels and improve blood circulation. Make a chai-inspired version by adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for a rich, aromatic cup.
4. Peppermint hot chocolate
A refreshing twist on a classic, our functional Peppermint Hot Chocolate is made with raw cocoa powder, which is rich in magnesium and is perfect for supporting energy production and reducing stress. Adding peppermint gives it a festive feel and aids in digestion.
5. Cinnamon apple cider
Warm apple cider (spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise) is the epitome of fall. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels, prevents energy crashes, and keeps you warm and grounded.
6. Matcha
Matcha contains both caffeine and L-theanine, a unique amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This combination provides sustained energy without the jitters often associated with coffee. The rustic flavor goes well with pistachio milk.
7. Ginger honey lemon tea
Ginger boosts your natural energy by improving circulation and digestion, while lemon provides a refreshing jolt. Honey is a great mid-morning or afternoon drink as it provides natural sweetness and maintains energy levels. It’s a simple elixir to soothe your winter worries.
8. Beetroot latte
Beetroot powder is rich in nitrates, which improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and muscles, boosting energy. Blended with warm milk and a touch of vanilla, this bright pink latte is vibrant and energizing. (I love this before my afternoon workout!)
9. Ashwagandha hot cocoa
Ashwagandha is also a powerful adaptogen, known for reducing stress and balancing energy levels. Mix it with hot cocoa containing raw cacao for a rich and soothing drink. If you need a reset during the day, this is perfect.
10. Caffeine-free dandelion coffee
Have you ever tried dandelion root coffee? It recreates the flavor of traditional coffee, but without the caffeine. Supports liver detoxification and digestion, helping you feel clear-headed and energized. Add your favorite milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a satisfying morning drink.
Accept the pleasant energy
Imagine this. You’re snuggled up in a cozy corner, slowly sipping on a hot drink. You’re wrapped up in a plush knitted blanket (with a book, magazine, or iPad in your hand). You can stay alert and focused while being enveloped in warmth and tranquility. It will leave you feeling relaxed and comfortable, while also rejuvenating you mentally and physically. A beautifully balanced state, it has the best of both worlds. Cheers to the feel-good energy this fall. It’s the season when ordinary moments turn into magical experiences.
