Do you start your morning with tea or coffee?
Many people are in the habit of drinking coffee or tea as the first thing after waking up, on an empty stomach. However, no matter how ‘badly’ you think your body needs that cup of joe, it is not healthy to have it on an empty stomach. The reason: having tea or coffee first thing in the morning can lead to increased stomach acid production, potential digestive discomfort, interference with nutrient absorption, and blood sugar fluctuations. Here are better and healthier alternatives to choose instead:
Turmeric-black pepper water
2-3 pinches of turmeric and black pepper each in warm water can make a super healthy morning drink to start your day with. This powerful drink can help boost your metabolism and also help to get rid of excess fat.
Jeera-sauf-ajwain water
Take 2 cups of water and boil a pinch of jeera (cumin seeds), saunf (fennel seeds), and ajwain (carom seeds) in it. Once the water is reduced to half, strain it and sip it slowly. This weight-loss-friendly drink can help in improving digestion and dealing with bloating, especially during your periods.
Read more: Weight loss: High protein South Indian breakfast recipes that will make your day!
Lemon water
Squeeze half a lemon into warm water. If you find it too tangy, you can add a little amount of honey to the drink. To make this drink more powerful, you can also add a pinch of cinnamon. Drinking this first thing in the morning can be super refreshing and also help in flushing out the toxins from your body. It is also a healthy drink for your skin.
Plain or warm water
If you do not want any hassle in the morning, just drink a glass of plain or lukewarm water on an empty stomach. This will hydrate your body and speed up your metabolism. It can also help in flushing out toxins from your body.
When to have your morning tea or coffee?
Once you have consumed any of these drinks, make sure you eat some nuts like soaked almonds or seeds like pumpkin seeds. If you want to consume something sweet, you can opt for raisins, dates, or fresh fruits. A little while after eating any of these, you can have your morning tea or coffee. It is important to note that it will take you some time to step out of your usual habit of consuming tea or coffee as the first thing and replacing it with any of the above-mentioned drinks. However, if any of these drinks do not suit you, then consult a nutritionist for personalized guidance.