As the weather turns cooler, I find myself moving back towards warm drinks in the morning. I gave up coffee over a year ago to try and help with some adrenal fatigue I was experiencing. If you are interested in learning more, this article gives more details on how coffee could be contributing to adrenal fatigue, but essentially as a “Type A”, overly stressed out individual, coffee wasn’t doing me any favors. So I gave it up over a period of a few weeks, and I’m amazed to say that after a few months, the craving has gone away almost entirely. I did have a few decaf cappuccinos in Italy (because you really can’t say no to the coffee there), but in terms of caffeinated coffee or beverages I haven’t had any in over a year.

Even if you aren’t giving up coffee entirely, these caffeine free drinks are great at any time of the day (maybe you want to try replacing your afternoon coffee with one of these!)

1. Dandy Blend

   • Dandy blend is a gluten free drink made from the roasted roots of dandelion, chicory and beets, and the grains of barley and rye. It is completely gluten free. It has a similar appearance and texture to coffee, and I enjoy it made bulletproof (with ghee/butter and coconut oil) or with a tiny bit of organic heavy cream. You can find it on amazon here

2. Dandelion Root Tea

   • Dandelion root tea doesn’t taste like coffee, but for some reason the bitterness of the drink makes me feel like it’s similar to that coffee sensation. Dandelion root tea is amazing for your liver and a great detoxifying drink, it’s also great for digestion when you may be feeling a bit “backed up”.

3. Bone Broth Latte

   • If you are interested in making bone broth, you can follow my recipe here or you might buy it (lately I have been obsessed with Osso Good Bone Broth and have been buying it by the case). A wonderful morning drink made with bone broth is my Tumeric Ginger Bone Broth Latte which blends bone broth with coconut oil and warm spices. Great way to start your day with tons of vitamins and minerals! 

4. Golden Milk Latte

   • Golden milk is all over the place lately, mainly because of the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. It’s a soothing drink full of nutrients, antioxidants and delicious flavors. I like this recipe here

5. Paleo Hot Chocolate

   • Who didn’t love hot chocolate as a kid? I know I used to drink the swiss miss packets all the time. But once you get used to what “real” food tastes like, trying to drink hot chocolate from a packet with all the artificial sweeteners is just gross. This recipe uses cacao powder (a superfood!), coconut milk, almond milk, cinnamon and vanilla extract. You’ll get a bit of caffeine from the cacao powder, but as long as that doesn’t bother you, this is a wonderful nourishing drink!
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     Cacao Hot Chocolate

     Cook Time 5 minutes

     Total Time 5 minutes

     Servings 1

     Ingredients

     • 1/2 cup coconut milk (canned- full fat)
     • 1/2 cup almond milk
     • 1/2 cup water
     • 2 tbsp cacao powder
     • 1 tsp maple syrup
     • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
     • 1/2 tso vanilla extract
     • 1/4 tsp salt
     • 1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)

     Instructions

     1. In a small pot, whisk all ingredients together until they come to a boil and let simmer for a few minutes. Serve with desired toppings (like whipped cream!) and enjoy!