Getting back into your routine after the vacations isn't easy and the most normal thing is to feel unfocused, sleepier when you wake up and lacking in energy. And here comes the coffee trap. We know that coffee has benefits, such as antioxidant and neuroprotective capacities, but it's a problem when we overdo it and depend on caffeine to function, entering a vicious circle. Not least because drinking a lot of coffee is not synonymous with stable, long-lasting energy, Did you know that?

These are our natural alternatives to make you feel more awake and focused throughout the day. 

But first... what happens in the body when we drink coffee?

Coffee stimulates levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine. O brain sends a message to the pituitary glandwhich in turn releases a hormone that prompts the adrenal glands to produce the so-called stress hormones - a adrenaline and cortisolwhich are released by the body when we are in imminent danger.

Dopamine affects our concentration levels by blocking adenosine receptorswhich tell our body when to slow down and rest, for example at bedtime. Adrenaline activates our fight or flight - affects our sympathetic nervous system and that's why we feel our heart rate accelerate. More blood reaches our muscles and the liver is commanded to release sugar into the bloodstream (a process known as glycogenolysis) so that we have more energy to face the supposed danger.

This surge of energy we feel with coffee is temporary. Slowly, the body returns to its previous state or to a state of even greater tiredness, and we feel the need to drink another coffee to compensate. And so on and so forth.

Should I stop drinking coffee?

It depends. The advice is to listen to your body and understand the effects caffeine has on you. How do you feel shortly after drinking it and a few hours later?

The gene that metabolizes caffeine in the liver is CYP1A2, the same one that metabolizes estrogen. It's estimated that half the population has a variant of the gene - these are the so-called slow metabolizers. What happens is that the liver uses more resources to expel caffeine, which can cause some adverse effects - anxiety, tremors and even too many trips to the bathroom. These sensations are a reflection of increases in cortisol and insulin levels, which end up being a inflammation. They can last up to 24 hours, affecting sleep, so the next day we may need to keep drinking coffee to stay awake.

It's also very different to calmly drink a cup of quality, organic, fair-trade coffee than to drink three or four conventional espressos a day, without even thinking about whether it really makes sense to have one more. Intensive coffee production, as well as negatively affecting ecosystems and economies, is also very susceptible to the development of mycotoxins. 

Medicinal plants and stimulating adaptogens

There are plants that not only give us more energy, but also bring us other benefits. hormonal, metabolic or immune benefits, without o crash of caffeine. It's a more holistic way of looking at a drink that simply wakes you up. 

Focus Blendwith Matcha and Ashwagandha

This powdered mixture is ideal for starting the day, just add 1 teaspoon to your favorite milk, smoothie or recipe. It's a blend of energizing plants, such as matcha, ashwagandha e hericium (mushroom), capable of increase concentration, mood and energy, gradually and lastingly. 

Super Woman capsules

Here's another way to feel more energy and good mood, control anxiety and stress, and also support the hormonal system. The Super Woman Capsules are a natural and bioavailable supplement, perfect for those who don't have time to prepare a drink or don't even like the taste. Just take two capsules every day, in the morning, for at least 3 months. With adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Tulsi, they are designed for support the body in managing stress peaks, regulate cortisol levels e prevent chronic fatigue. 

Super Feminine Protein

If you're a fan of smoothies, there's nothing like starting the new season with a new ingredient. A Super Feminine Protein is a blend of bioavailable vegetable protein (hemp, pumpkin, chia and pea), for more energy e satiety first thing in the morning. Contains a good dose of greens and fiber, in plants such as chlorella, spirulina or wheatgrasswhich improve digestive functionas well as being highly nutritious. Contains adaptogens such as ashwagandha, tulsi and shatavaricapable of regulate the nervous system, giving it more energy and a good mood, e reducing stress and anxiety. 

Matcha

Yes, matcha also has caffeine, but it also has a phytonutrient called L-theanine, which causes the caffeine to be stored in the body and released much more slowly. In other words, it keeps the body energized for longer, without causing that crash that coffee gives you. In addition, matcha is a rich source of chlorophyll and therefore has a detoxifying effect. It also contains iron, calcium, potassium and vitamins A and Cthe latter antioxidants allied to healthy skin.

You can take it straight or with vegetable milk - the so-called matcha latte (see recipe here). It has a particular flavor and you may not like it when you try it for the first time, which is why we suggested it above. Foco Blendin which the flavor of matcha is combined with other plants, or even the Protein Creativity, if you prefer to take advantage of the benefits of matcha in a protein supplement, ideal for energizing breakfasts!

Mucuna

This adaptogen from India has an amino acid that turns into dopamine, the happiness hormone. As well as giving us energy, mucuna also regulates the nervous system and improves mood. You can use 1 teaspoon a day, in drinks or other recipes.

Maca

This adaptogen comes from a root of the cruciferous family, native to Peru. It contains essential minerals such as potassium and calcium, vitamins of the vitaminssuch as niacin (B3), and is also rich in iron. It is used for its natural energizing functions, in addition to also stimulate libido and mood. You can take 1 to 3 teaspoons a day, in drinks or other recipes.

Ashwagandha

This powerful adaptogen is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its many benefits. In addition to stimulating focus and concentration, it stimulates the immune system and balances the nervous and hormonal systems. You can take 1/2 to 2 teaspoons a day, in drinks or other recipes.

See the Matcha Latte recipe hereSee also.