Running on empty? Here are some foods with natural caffeine and pep…

Running on empty? Is it mid-day? Are you feeling the sludge? The torrential onslaught of the afternoon? The afternoon burn in your eyes because you’ve stared at a screen all day? Did the coffee help? It may have, because hey! Caffeine!

But did you know too much coffee can actually give you a restless nights sleep, or make you feel nervous and anxious? Now I know caffeine doesn’t have that effect on everyone. But it does me. I can’t have it past 3PM or I’m tossing and turning all night. But I love coffee. It’s yummy! However, it might be time to find a replacement that won’t leave me sleepless (click to read about curbing and replacing your cravings).

Caffeine Alternatives

Some foods I know that have natural caffeine are apples! And aren’t apples delicious? I hope you think so, because they could be the new addition to your afternoon. Even their sweet crunch can be awakening. I love to eat them as a snack in the afternoon with sharp cheddar or peanut butter, to get that extra protein fill.

Tea

Also, tea can be a great substitute to coffee. Black tea and green tea have caffeine, but aren’t has harsh on the system. Green tea also has a bunch of antioxidants which is a great plus.

Chocolate

Now I know chocolate can be considered a sweet, but cacoa does have antioxidants and caffeine. Chocolate would give me pep any day. Serious pep.

Coconut Water

Have you heard of coconut water? I love coconut oil, I use it for everything (click to read the blog about this ambrosia). But I never got into coconut water until recently. It actually has some natural caffeine in it! Who knew?

Oranges, Peppermint, Black Pepper

Now I know that oranges and peppermint do not have caffeine, but their smells stimulate the mind. Did you know that that when your brain makes a memory, it connects the moment in time mostly to the smell of something? Here’s something I used to do before taking an exam in college (gosh 10 plus years ago), I would peel and eat an orange. The smell would still be all over my hands while writing in my answers. Any citrus fruit can stimulate memories and help with recollection.

Peppermint is similar that it does help stimulate thinking, and hint hint, is also a natural appetite suppressant (I love peppermint tea, with a glob of honey). So is black pepper! I like to blend it into my smoothies. You can’t taste it, but it does help the smoothy fill me up a little more. Any way, just some tips to help pep up your afternoon in a healthy way, that won’t hinder you from having sweet dreams. 

~Dance Fitness with Jessica Supporter

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