Hot Cocoa Made With Nonfat Milk
You had us at "hot cocoa." That said, we're talking about a more virtuous — but still delicious — drink than the one you might have had in mind. Bowerman suggests mixing dark cocoa powder made with little-to-no sugar and some milk. The combination is similar to coffee with milk or cream, but the caffeine is minimal. (One tablespoon of dark cocoa powder "technically" does not have caffeine, but Bowerman says it really has about 12 mg, compared to about 100 mg in a typical cup of coffee.) Cocoa powder has antioxidant-rich polyphenols which are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease while milk provides vitamin D, protein and calcium.
Image via Enrique Díaz/7cero/Moment/Getty
Yerba Mate Tea
Think of yerba mate as the South American superfood tea. It's a good option for those who don't want to give up caffeine because it has roughly the same amount as coffee. Some also believe it boosts mood and concentration. Yerba mate has grassy notes that some might find to be an acquired taste. Most will find the balance just right in a latte.
Image via Claudio Casaballe/EyeEm/Getty
Rooibos Tea
There's an opportunity to get creative with teas when exploring coffee alternatives. Bowerman says that having a cuppa of rooibos is an excellent way to start the day. It is sometimes known as "red bush tea" because it is made from the leaves of a South African shrub. The red-brown tea has a woodsy aroma and a slightly sweet taste — and the clincher is, it doesn't get bitter even with extended brewing.
Rooibos is also a good source of antioxidants, like other plants — but it stands out because it's abundant in aspalathin. According to Bowerman, it's unique to rooibos and is anti-inflammatory, plus it aids with immune function and it helps support normal blood sugar ranges.
Image via GSPictures/E+/Getty
Reishi Mushroom Tea
Drinking mushrooms? It might not sound like the most appealing thing, especially in the morning where the only mushrooms you might encounter are in the occasional omelette. On their own, reishi mushrooms can be bitter but in a tea they are much more pleasant. Sipping the hot tea allows users to take in the brain- and mood-boosting benefits. It's just the sort of drink to start the workday off on point. Additionally, reishi are rich in antioxidants and can help detoxify the liver.
Image via Kristen Prahl/EyeEm/Getty
Golden Milk
Golden milk is all over every wellness blogger and their mama's feeds. The warming drink doesn't have caffeine — but it is packed with health benefits, thanks to anti-inflammatory turmeric. (The spice also gives the drink its distinctive hue.)
Turmeric and milk (your choice) are the base of golden milk. People often add other spices and sometimes honey. Make sure to add a dash of black pepper because it's reported it helps the body absorb the goodness of turmeric. Golden milk can be served hot or cold so it's a good option for changing weather.
Image via Westend61/Getty
