By now, you’ve probably mastered ways to look like you got eight hours of sleep, even if you were burning the midnight oil. Knowing how to conceal puffy eyes and perk up lackluster skin can do wonders to ward off that well-meaning but offensive query: “Are you sick?” (Just of everyone telling me I look tired, thanks!)
But knowing how to hide tired eyes doesn’t help your sluggish mind when you have a crack-of-dawn wake-up call. Any night owl will swear by the effectiveness of coffee to stay awake during office hours, but truth be told, too much caffeine can be bad for your health. It can increase anxiety levels, encourage insomnia and cause digestive issues. If you’re thinking of quitting caffeine altogether, here’s the good news: You don’t have to force yourself to be a morning person. We found these amazing foods that will instantly perk you up every morning, no caffeine required.
[ Next: 13 Caffeinated Makeup Products to Give Your Face a Boost ]
8 Morning Pick Me Up Foods That Are Better Than Coffee
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Green Smoothies
Summer may be over, but eating your vegetables is a year-round activity. What better way to do that than through a delicious green smoothie? Blending green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and arugula can give you that much needed energy boost to start the day. Add in a bunch of fruit to make it even more refreshing.
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Oatmeal
Never underestimate what a bowl of oats can do for your energy levels. Eating oatmeal may seem so basic, but it actually provides more energy compared to sugary drinks. This is because of its low glycemic index, a measure of how fast our body turns carbohydrates into fuel. Because our body processes oatmeal slowly, we have energy that lasts through lunch. Still not looking forward to an oatmeal breakfast? Try overnight oats and spice it up by adding sliced fruit and nuts or sweeten it with a little honey.
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Nuts
If you find yourself feeling tired before lunch, a handful of nuts or trail mix will do the trick. This nutritious snack is packed with protein and fat to give you a healthy boost of energy. You can also enjoy a dose of peanut or almond butter spread on toast or a sandwich.
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Peppermint Tea
A nice brew of peppermint tea can awaken your senses with the first whiff of refreshing mint. Peppermint tea helps decongest sinuses when you have a cold, but it is also a great pick-me-up when you want something warm to drink in the morning. It even helps with blood circulation and supports weight loss.
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Eggs
Because eggs are rich in protein, eating them for breakfast gives us enough energy to sustain the day. Whether poached, scrambled, fried or hard boiled, you will get the same benefits every time you decide to start your day with eggs.
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Bananas
People on the go can’t always prepare a full breakfast, so if you still want to eat healthy, grab a banana. This fruit is high in amino acids as well as complex carbohydrates that will nourish your body and boost your energy. It is also rich in fructose, a form of sugar that has a low glycemic index.
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Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which will help you be more alert throughout the day. These powerful little seeds will also aid in weight loss, as they can absorb water 10 times their weight, helping speed up digestion. Add chia seeds in smoothies and oatmeal or better yet, make some healthy chia seed pudding.
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Water
Believe it or not, water is one of the best pick-me-ups you can have any time of day. If you’re feeling tired or irritable, chances are you may be dehydrated. Take a swig of water first thing in the morning and you will immediately feel awake. Make it a habit to always drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
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