We all know the importance of a well-balanced breakfast; whole grains, fruits and proteins give us the fuel we need for the day ahead. However, a healthy beverage early in the AM can also help wake us up and provide valuable energy and nutrition that will last long beyond rush hour.
And while you can’t put pure sunshine in a glass, check out these 7 tasty, energizing and easy-to-prepare morning drinks
1. Water
Start simple- one glass of filtered water when you wake up can increase your alertness, improve your decision-making ability and promote better blood circulation and higher oxygen levels. Adequate water intake also enhances mood and eliminates signs of dehydration (so you won’t look as tired!). Remember, the human body and its vital organs require at least 64 fluid ounces of water per day- so begin in the right direction.
2. Coconut Water
Coconut water contains an abundance of energizing vitamins and minerals and is well regarded for its range of health benefits: coconut water hydrates a dehydrated body and balances electrolyte levels; coconut water works to remove harmful toxins from the body; and it helps balance the digestive systems due to its anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties. Great for beginning your day in health!
3. Smoothies
Fresh fruit and vegetables help re-energize the body at any time of day, so why not begin your morning with a fruit/veggie smoothie? Popular breakfast-time smoothie ingredients are: strawberries, melons, mangos, bananas, yogurt, citrus fruits, eggs, spinach and almonds, among many others. If you have a blender, your smoothie can be ready in a minute or less, perfect for grab-and-go before your commute.
4. Hot Green Tea with Honey and Lemon
Green tea is a great alternative to high-caffeine coffee drinks that helps you wake up without overloading your system. Green tea contains an abundance of antioxidants that fight cell damage, helps to lower cholesterol levels and improves blood circulation and works to stabilize blood glucose levels and protects brain cells from free radical damage. Green tea is also said to relax the nervous system… helping you start your day in peace and calm.
5. Pure Orange Juice (Not from Concentrate!)
Drink at least eight ounces of 100 percent pure orange juice as an early AM energizing beverage. Orange juice has an abundance of vitamin C, which produces hemoglobin- an agent that carries oxygen to all the body’s vital organs. The sharp citrus taste of pure OJ also helps enliven your senses, waking you to the day ahead.
6. Bee Pollen with Pure Honey
Bee pollen is a newly popular “superfood” commonly mixed with other breakfast items such as oatmeal and porridge. It contains amino acids and essential fatty acids, great for early morning energy, and it can be mixed with water (or any other liquid) along with natural honey for great taste.
7. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is overbearingly strong by itself, but when diluted within seltzer or pure water this substance makes a stimulating beverage full of minerals, vitamins and probiotics. Try a few drops mixed with black tea to add some nutritious punch to your normal beverage routine.