In need of some morning energy

  • So I have cut back my coffee intake. Normally I would have 2 cups in the morning before work and another 1-2 cuts when I got to work. I have been skipping my before work coffee and only have 1 cup when I get to work. I feel so tired and withdrawn without my daily dosage. Just incredibly tired.

    Can anyone suggest a healthy supplement to help me wake up?
  • I had this same problem. To the point that when I stopped my coffee altogether my body started to hurt. I went through this for about 4-5 says. To make up for it I went to bed earlier, started taking vitamins, in my case I needed iron. I also increased my water intake. Going from 4 cups to one cup of coffee its a big deal. Hang in there though. It'll be worth it
  • Are you taking a nice multi-vitamin and fish oil?
  • I've heard good things about Yerba Mate, matcha, and there is an active post on here right now with a recipe for Yogi Tea (homemade).

    Also, you will go through a bit of withdrawal, even if you don't cut out coffee completely. You WILL feel tired, and sluggish. Probably for 1-2 weeks.

    There are also some tonics you can look at, Daradubinet (youtube) has a tonic DVD out but I believe she gives at least one of her recipes. It's very healthy and she has one that will perk you up.
  • Do you work out? Instead of supplements (which I do NOT think are any better for you than coffee. Coffee is natural too!), you might try 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise first thing in the morning. I find that getting that exercise in first thing wakes me up and REALLY gives me sustained energy through the day.
  • Thanks for all of the advise. I think I will start taking vitamins and begin a workout. I just started this week so it slow going right now. Even though it has only been 4 days, I am very proud and surprised that I have been so good, food wise, and I haven't slipped yet. It's actually giving me motivation. Now I just need to get my body in check to start a morning routine.
  • I second the cardio... I have been getting up at 4:30 to hit the gym in the at 5am. I was SURE I was going to be dead tired by noon, but I am still pretty wired until at least lunch if not later. The internet seems to think that Cardio in the morning will keep you energized for the day, and some weights/strength training in the afternoon/evening will help you sleep better. Sounds reasonable
  • Yep, exercising first thing will give you an energy boost!! Coffee/caffeine withdrawal sucks. I went through it, too. I now drink one cup of coffee once or twice a week!