Happy & Healthy

3X COFFEE ALTERNATIVES

‘Coffee, latte, espresso, who wants?’ At the editorial office, I have been appointed as the coffee lady. In the mornings, I walk in as one of the first to provide everyone with a cup of caffeine. Which is great to get started, of course. But did you know that it's better not to drink coffee after 3:00 PM? Your body actually needs almost six hours to get that black stuff out of your system. Are you addicted to coffee and around four o'clock need a little boost (who doesn't)?

These three alternatives contain no caffeine, but will help you through your afternoon slump.

1. Lemon Ginger

At the editorial office, ginger is in high demand. Meters of this spicy stuff make a splash in hot water daily. Add a few more ingredients and you have a good booster.

– large glass of hot water

– piece of fresh ginger

– piece of lemon

– red chili pepper

– cinnamon stick

Add all the ingredients to the hot water. The chili pepper also gives your metabolism a good boost, which is nice for calorie burning.

‘Coffee, latte, espresso, who wants?’

2. Golden Milk

Golden Milk originally comes from India and was once created by a yoga instructor. Thanks to the turmeric, this warming drink has a powerful effect. Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory effect and is also gentle on your intestines.

– large glass of unsweetened almond or coconut milk

– 1 large tsp turmeric

– 1 stick of cinnamon pinch

– sea or Himalayan salt

– ½ tsp cardamom powder

– pinch of black pepper

– 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

– 1 tsp honey or agave syrup

Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and heat the milk over medium heat. Do you have a tea strainer? Strain the milk before drinking it.

3. Miso

When I feel a cold coming on, I slurp down a liter of miso. Miso gives you a good boost and has a beneficial effect on your intestines thanks to fermentation. It's very easy to prepare, tasty, and you can use it as a base for many soups. As an afternoon snack, I drink it naked, eat miso as a meal soup, then fill my bowl with loads of vegetables, tempeh, and noodles.

– 250 ml hot water

– 25 grams miso paste

– piece of red chili

– handful of spring onion

Fill a large glass or bowl with hot water and stir in the miso paste. Add the chili and spring onion.

I buy the miso at the Asian grocery store, but Appie also sells packets of miso paste.