I have a long history with coffee–we go way back. I brought a mug of coffee and a hot toasted bagel (before I knew anything about gluten and definitely pre-diagnosis) into my first-period history class in 11th grade every single day. Then I worked my way through college as a barista at three different coffee shops (my favorite job by far!), learning how to froth the milk just right and how to make latte art. I may have even drawn a heart in the lattes of couples that I suspected were on a first date (hehe). So yes, I loved coffee and the whole culture around it!
However, an Ulcerative Colitis flare-up does not allow me to drink coffee, especially while I am on the Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Protocol trying to rid my body of inflammation. So what is a girl to do?
Even though I can’t enjoy a hot cup of joe, I still like the ritual of starting my morning by drinking something hot in a mug. So here are a few Autoimmune Paleo coffee alternatives that work for me.
Here are 3 Autoimmune Paleo coffee alternatives that I love:
- Matcha
This beautiful green and frothy coffee alternative will always hold a place in my heart. When I was bummed about giving up coffee, I discovered having a hot cup of matcha in the morning did the trick. While it tastes nothing like coffee, it is delicious in its own right. You can add all kinds of beneficial supplements to your matcha latte as well. I switch mine up, but generally, I like to include collagen powder, l-glutamine, and sometimes Lion’s Mane or cordyceps powder if I need an extra boost.
The flavor is that of a strong green tea with an earthier tone than its hot tea counterpart. You can sweeten it by adding a small amount of honey.
- Chicory & Dandelion Blend
This caffeine-free blend was an interesting collection of herbs mixed together to create a wide range of flavors in one cup. It was the closest to coffee that I have found so far!
The flavor seemed to meet at a pleasant intersection of spicy tea and coffee, not registering with me as being more one than the other. I added frothed coconut milk to make it a bit creamier, which I really enjoyed.
This option is fully caffeine-free, so you can enjoy this in the morning or in the evening without the worries of staying awake at night. You can make it in a French press or tea strainer.
- Tea
This alternative may be the easiest to switch to, and also the easiest to make. Not only is hot tea a great comfort, but it also has ample health benefits, depending on the type of tea you prefer.
If you are looking for a dark, hearty option, you can try Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or Pu-Ehr. I like steeping one of these black teas and adding a splash of coconut milk and a bit of honey.
If you want something lighter without caffeine, there are endless options of herbal teas and you can choose based on what you are feeling that day…floral, fruity, minty. You name it, there is an herbal tea to match your taste buds.
- Golden Milk Latte
This latte is creamy, spicy, and completely caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it morning or evening. All you need is coconut milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and honey. Blend these together and you have a warm, frothy treat that reduces inflammation and joint pain and may improve your brain and memory function.
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