The Best Coffee Replacement Morning Elixir For a Better Brain and Body!

Coffee is delicious… And it can also stress out your adrenals and keep you dependent, depleted, and dehydrated which is definitely not cool.

After successfully avoiding the coffee trap in university, I went through a multi year phase of on again then off again relationship with coffee that kept me over stimulated, stressed out, impatient, and dependent on this addictive drink in order to feel good and push through my days.

The craziest part was that before I started drinking it, I had no energy issues, my mood was mostly calm and collected, my patience was strong, and I never found myself feeling dependent on caffeine of any kind in order to feel and function at my best.

And so it begins with most of us, we are doing relatively OK but then whether for studying or for working or just socially we start to indulge and that initial fantastic high of coffee when you first have it or after a prolonged break convinces you that this is indeed the best drink money can buy!

And so it begins, although now, after days or weeks of daily dosing, you don’t get the same buzz and excitement, now you’re using it to bring yourself back to baseline because you’re waking up feeling a bit foggy and groggy and you just can’t wait to get that cup.

I have definitely been there and can empathize because it’s a delicious and powerful drug and it’s only because it’s socially acceptable and marketed so heavily that we think of it as normal to take this powerful stimulant everyday of the week and don’t think much else of it.

Well, this recipe here is one that I’ve found to provide more nutrition, better energy stability, and to do so without any risk of jitters, overstimulation, or long term dehydration/mineral deficiencies as are common with daily coffee drinkers. These risks are especially true if you’re drinking non-organic, mass market commodity coffee which tends to contain pesticide residues and other toxins that over time can cause serious immune dis-regulation and contribute to all kinds of pesky health issues.

So if you want to reverse or prevent any of the following:

• Low bone mineral density and joint issues

• Stained and/or cavity prone teeth

• Chronic fatigue (and caffeine dependence)

• Chronic dehydration (dry skin, pre-mature aging of the face, circles or bags under the eyes, poor circulation etc.)

Try this recipe out and give yourself a break from the bean to discover how good you can feel once you get off the caffeine roller coaster.

The “Better Than Coffee” Nourishing Cacao Elixir

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1-2 Cups of your favorite hot beverage - decaf coffee or herbal tea, Chaga tea (a medicinal mushroom and a personal favorite that packs anti-cancer, gut, and immune system support)

• 1 tsp of either grass fed butter, coconut oil, or cacao butter

• 1/2 - 1 tbsp of organic raw cacao powder (or organic cocoa as a substitute if you can’t find real cacao)

• 1 tsp MCT oil powder or coconut milk powder

• 1 tsp organic lions mane powder (we use this brand)

• 1/2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) – balances blood sugar and tastes great

• 1 tbsp non-gmo sunflower or soy lecithin – helps emulsify fats and supports brain and liver health

• Sweetener of choice, I like 1 tbsp maple syrup and/or a few drops of liquid stevia

  
  Optional Add ons:

• 1 tsp maca powder – energy, libido, and fertility enhancing adaptogenic herb

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 tbsp collagen powder or 1 scoop of vanilla vegan protein powder

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients into your high speed blender with your favorite hot drink and blend for 15-30 seconds (depending on the power of your blender).

If you don’t have a blender you can combine everything in an airtight travel mug and shake it vigorously until well mixed. Be careful when opening.

You will be left with a delicious, creamy, satisfying beverage that will keep you energized, focused, and feeling great! Especially if you included 20-25 grams of protein along with the fats and maple syrup, this helps to increase satiety and stabilize blood sugar.

If you don’t add the protein powder then be sure to have something like eggs or some rice and beans and veggies or a fruit protein smoothie etc. for breakfast as this alone without a good amount of protein is not suitable as a small meal / breakfast replacement.

And, if you want an easier option where you can simply add ONE powder to your hot liquid base and blend, then checkout this amazing medicinal mushroom dark chocolate brain and body supportive blend from my friends at BiOptimizers. Code HARDY10 at checkout will also knock 10% off your order.

Other Flavour Varieties: The following are based on the recipe above and just make a few substitutions or additions. Get creative and feel free to share in the FB Group your favorites!

Salted Caramel

Same recipe as above however add a pinch of sea salt and use english toffee stevia for sweetening

Pumpkin Pie

Omit butter/coconut oil and use 1-2 tbsp full fat coconut milk

1 tsp organic pumpkin pie spice

2 tbsp organic pumpkin or squash puree

1 tsp pure vanilla extract plus stevia as needed