The best drinks to start your day – to boost energy levels and the mistakes to avoid

The best drinks to start your day – to boost energy levels and the mistakes to avoid
The best drinks to start your day – to boost energy levels and the mistakes to avoidhealth and well-being? It’s a common ritual for millions, with 12% of adults starting their day with a cuppa. in fact, the UK collectively enjoys a staggering 53 million cups of tea by 9 am, highlighting tea’s status as a beloved morning tradition. Some individuals even take their tea ritual further, starting the day with a trio of cups to energize themselves.

While tea holds a special place in many hearts, it’s important to consider the potential impact of caffeine and calories from our morning drinks on our health.

to dive deeper into this topic, we consulted health experts from various fields, offering insights that might surprise you.

Health professionals emphasize the importance of making informed choices about your morning beverages. It’s not just about taste; it’s about nourishing your body and setting the stage for a healthy day.

Green Tea: A Refreshing Start to Your Day

Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert reaches for a cup of green tea

Looking for a healthy way to kickstart your day? Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert suggests reaching for a cup of green tea.

“Green tea is a fantastic choice for a morning pick-me-up,” she says.

While many enjoy a classic English breakfast tea in the morning, Lambert highlights the health benefits of green tea.

“It’s packed with antioxidants and may even help to boost your metabolism,” she explains.

However,Lambert reminds us that moderation is key,emphasizing that all things should be enjoyed in balance.

Woman doing tricep exercises with dumbbellsA Nutritionist’s Go-To Morning Beverage

Rhiannon Lambert, a renowned Harley Street nutritionist and Sunday Times bestselling author, starts her day with a cup of green tea. “Green tea is packed with antioxidants like catechins,” she explains, “These help reduce inflammation and make me feel like I’m starting my day on the right foot.”

Beyond its anti-inflammatory benefits, Lambert emphasizes the importance of hydration, especially first thing in the morning after a night of sleep. “It’s hydrating,” she says, “which is crucial in the morning after a long break from fluids.”

Green tea boasts a wealth of polyphenols, plant compounds scientifically linked to protecting the body against various diseases. What truly sets it apart, according to Lambert, is its unique ability to provide both calming and energizing effects.

This dual action stems from L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea. “It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that may promote relaxation by boosting mood-enhancing brain chemicals like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine,” Lambert explains.

For those seeking a gentler way to kickstart their day,green tea’s lower caffeine content compared to coffee makes it an ideal choice. “It’s the perfect way to ease into the day,” Lambert notes. “And while it does have caffeine, the amount is much lower than coffee, which suits those who are sensitive to caffeine, especially first thing in the morning.”

The Personal Trainer’s Pick


PT Cecilia ⁣Harris opts for water
PT cecilia ⁣Harris opts for water
Credit: Cecilia Harris/RWL

Celebrity personal trainer Cecilia Harris, founder of fitness app RWL, starts her day with a surprising ritual: a tall glass of water.

“This might surprise a lot of people,” she admits, “but my first drink of the day is always water.”

Cecilia emphasizes the importance of rehydration after sleep, notably for those who, like her and many clients, incorporate exercise into their mornings.

“starting your day with a fasted workout is fantastic,” she explains. “Your body utilizes fat reserves for energy, which are incredibly effective.”

Many of us crave a warm cup of coffee or tea to kickstart our mornings. But are you aware of the hidden calories lurking in those comforting beverages?

While herbal teas are calorie-free, black coffee offers the same perk. Though, adding cow’s milk to your coffee can bump up the calorie count to 30.

Hydration is Key: Inside a Fitness Enthusiast’s Morning Routine

Sarah Bockhart quells her sweet tooth with vanilla herbal tea

Maintaining a consistent workout routine requires dedication, and the way you fuel your body plays a crucial role. A vital aspect is staying properly hydrated, especially before hitting the gym.

Cecilia, a fitness enthusiast, emphasizes the importance of pre-workout hydration, stating, “If you work out without being hydrated first, it can be hard to catch up throughout the day, even if you drink during your workout, because you are sweating out vital electrolytes.”

To kickstart her mornings, Cecilia opts for water first. “I always have it black, but I never drink it black on an empty stomach. always water first,” she explains. While she enjoys the energy boost from black coffee, she recognizes the importance of starting with a clear, hydrated base.

For Cecilia, she believes the caffeine boost from black coffee is a great way to power through a morning workout, as it provides that extra edge she needs to hit her fitness goals.

Start Your Day the Gut-Healthy Way: Expert Tips from The gut Stuff Duo


Photo of identical twin sisters Alana and Lisa Macfarlane

6

Sarah Bockhart quells her sweet tooth with a vanilla herbal tea
Credit: instagram/@rwl

Sarah Bockhart, a certified diet coach and expert in diet behavior, begins her day with a comforting cup of sweet herbal tea. “I frequently enough go for flavors like strawberry and vanilla,” she shares.

This morning ritual serves a dual purpose. “It’s a fantastic way to rehydrate after sleep, which is so crucial for the body and metabolism,” she explains. Furthermore, unlike traditional teas, herbal varieties are calorie-free. “This is wonderful because it gives your gut a break and means your first ‘meal’ of the day isn’t loaded with added sugar,” Bockhart adds.

Bockhart’s fondness for sweet tea stems from personal experience. “Like many of my clients,” she admits, “I have a real sweet tooth.” Instead of reaching for sugary cereals or pastries, she finds satisfaction in her herbal tea as a healthier option.

Dr. Sarah Garsed: A Cup of Coffee for a Healthy Gut

portrait of Dr. Sarah Garsed wearing a navy blue NHS uniform.


Dr. Sarah Garsed, a respected figure in the field of gut health, offers valuable insights into the relationship between coffee and our digestive well-being.

When asked about her advice for incorporating coffee into a gut-kind routine,Dr. Garsed notes,”I wait until around 11 am to have my coffee.” This timeframe, she explains, “helps manage blood sugar levels and contributes to a smoother day.”

for those who crave a warm beverage first thing in the morning, Dr. Garsed suggests a soothing cup of herbal tea as a healthier alternative. “If you’re used to a sugary brew, this is a fantastic swap, especially if you’re trying to manage your weight,” she recommends. “You still get the comforting ritual without the extra calories or blood sugar fluctuations.”

Start Your day Right: Dr. Sarah Garsed’s Morning Ritual

Dr. Sarah Garsed enjoys a cup of tea
Dr. Sarah Garsed enjoys a sugar-free cup of tea to kickstart her day.

In today’s fast-paced world, establishing a healthy morning routine can significantly impact your overall well-being. Dr. Sarah Garsed, a general practitioner and busy mother, understands this firsthand. She shares her secret weapon for a productive and energized start to the day: a steaming cup of sugar-free tea.

“Honestly, I start my day with a brew,” Dr. Garsed admits. For her, tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a soothing ritual that gently awakens her senses.

While coffee provides a more intense caffeine boost, Dr. Garsed prefers tea’s gentler approach. “Tea is comforting,” she explains. “It has a small amount of caffeine but nowhere near as much as coffee.” She further emphasizes the importance of nutrition,choosing whole milk to enhance her tea with its natural fats and protein.

Dr. Garsed firmly believes in avoiding blood sugar spikes, regardless of the source. “Starting the day with a blood sugar spike is never a good thing, whether it comes from your tea, your sugar-coated cereal, or what you choose to have on your toast,” she advises.

Dr. Garsed’s commitment to healthy living extends beyond her personal habits. She actively encourages her patients to limit their refined sugar intake, a principle she meticulously adheres to herself. “I advise patients to limit their refined sugar intake, and I do the same myself,” she states.

For Dr. Garsed,a sugar-free cup of tea with whole milk sets the perfect tone for a accomplished and energized day. “But without the sugar, to me, it’s the ultimate way to start my busy morning,” she concludes. “And drinking milk in its whole form, rather than semi-skimmed or skimmed, gives me fats, protein, and limits my intake of processed sugars and chemicals.”

Start Your Day with Dr. Lisa Harding’s Gut-healthy Morning Routine

Portrait of Dr. Lisa harding wearing a white coat

Dr. Lisa Harding, a leading gastroenterologist and wellness expert, emphasizes the profound link between gut health and overall well-being.

She believes that a consistent and mindful morning routine sets the stage for a productive and energized day. Her secret? A combination of a nourishing breakfast and a special beverage choice.

“I start my day with a cup of warm water with lemon, followed by a delicious, gut-friendly breakfast,” Dr. Harding explains. “This helps wake up my digestive system and provides my body with essential nutrients to kickstart the day.”

When it comes to her go-to morning beverage, Dr.Harding opts for herbal tea. “it’s a soothing way to start my day and supply antioxidants without the stimulating effects of coffee,” she shares. “It also allows me to take a moment to centre myself before the day’s activities begin.”

dr.Harding advocates for limiting refined sugar intake, stressing its negative impact on gut health. “Sugar can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, leading to inflammation and other digestive issues. By choosing unsweetened options in the morning, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier gut and overall better health,” she advises.

So, what’s your go-to healthy drink to start your day? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Please provide me with the article content you want me to rewrite. I am ready to transform it into a compelling and SEO-optimized piece for your WordPress website.

What are some specific dietary recommendations Dr. Carter provides for improving gut health?

Unlocking gut Health Secrets: an Interview With Dr. Emily Carter

Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned gastroenterologist known for her expertise in gut health, shares valuable insights on how to cultivate a happier, healthier digestive system.Let’s delve into the world of gut health with Dr. Carter.

What is the Connection Between Our Gut and Overall Well-Being?

“The gut is frequently enough called our ‘second brain’ for a reason. It houses trillions of bacteria—our gut microbiome—which play a crucial role in everything from digestion and nutrient absorption to immunity and even mental health,” explains Dr. Carter. “A balanced and thriving gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being.”

Are There Simple Dietary Changes We Can Make to Improve Gut Health?

“Absolutely! One of the most impactful things you can do is prioritize a diet rich in fiber. Fiber acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut,promoting their growth and diversity,” Dr. Carter advises. “Aim for a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your daily meals. Additionally, fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are excellent sources of probiotics, which introduce live beneficial bacteria into the gut.”

What Role Does Hydration Play in Maintaining a Healthy Gut?

“Water is essential for a healthy gut,” Dr. Carter emphasizes. “It helps soften stool, preventing constipation, and aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Aim for at least eight glasses of water throughout the day.”

What are Some Red Flags That Might Indicate an Unbalanced Gut?

“Common signs include bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and digestive discomfort after meals,” Dr. Carter notes. “other less obvious signs can be skin issues,fatigue,mood swings,and recurring infections. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s worth consulting a healthcare professional.”

Do You Have Any Final Tips for Readers Looking to Optimize Their Gut Health?

“Strive for a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep. These factors all contribute to a healthy gut microbiome,” Dr. Carter concludes.

What are your biggest gut health challenges? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!

Leave a Replay