How To Perk Yourself Up In The Morning Without Coffee

To help you perk up in the morning without that cup of coffee, we compiled a list of energy-boosting foods and drinks that will definitely keep you alert and happy.

"Almonds have vitamin E, magnesium, and protein to help sustain your energy reserves throughout the day."

- Shane Allen

"Apples are low-glycemic, so their natural sugars are less likely to cause a spike and crash of your blood sugar, helping you to maintain consistent energy without feeling like you need a nap by 11 a.m."

- Shane Allen

"The unrefined carbs in bananas give your body sugar for immediate energy use. Their fiber also helps with a more sustained release of energy over the next few hours. With bananas, you avoid the crash associated with caffeine. For these reasons, they are often consumed by athletes for energy. In addition, bananas supply you with 25 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin B6, which helps the body convert food into energy."

- Danielle Hamo, registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist

"I love to use chia seeds for energy in the morning — throw a couple teaspoons into your smoothie, and they will give you lasting energy for hours. The omega 3s help to boost your mood and reduce inflammation, and the unique fiber helps to keep you hydrated, fills you up, and supports digestion and energy! A green juice is another great source of energy — I like to toss in chia seeds or some avocado oil — because the fat helps to keep your blood sugar level and supports longer lasting energy. Plus, it's needed for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins."

- Sara Vance, certified nutritionist and author of The Perfect Metabolism Plan

"I love to add a teaspoon of coconut oil to a smoothie. Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid, so it is more easily converted to energy. That also means it is less likely to get stored as fat. It is a good fat for before a workout, because it is easier to digest: it doesn't require bile for digestion."

- Sara Vance

"Protein is your best source of energy, and eggs are packed with it. Protein helps build muscle. Muscle helps maintain a healthy metabolism, which means more energy for you!"

- Shane Allen

"One of the best wellness investments I ever made for myself was a professional-quality citrus juicer. Orange juice isn't just more delicious when freshly squeezed: it's also more nutritious, and will perk you up almost instantly. This may not seem exotic, but trust me — freshly squeezed OJ is a completely different experience than store-bought cartons. The juice is beautiful, pure energy."

- Chris Kilham, The Medicine Hunter

"A bit of salsa or sriracha not only adds a delicious kick to eggs: it also helps dilate your blood vessels, which helps get you going."

- Katy Bloxsom, registered dietitian

"To gain energy, you should eat a lot of raw produce. Raw fruits and vegetables that are loaded with nutrients, water, and 'live energy' are the most helpful. Try starting your day out with a nutritious green smoothie. Also, supplementing raw fruits and veggies with enzymes will also free up some of the body's energy usually used for digesting. Raw, unfiltered, and non-heat-treated oils, like the kind in raw nuts and seeds, are a more portable energy-boosting food snack that makes a great breakfast pick-me-up when you're on the go. Protein smoothies made with fast-digesting pea protein are also a good energy source. Add extra greens to the smoothie for even more energy benefits!"

- Ana Goldseker, director of nutrition for Nava Health and Vitality Center

"Water helps increase oxygen levels in the body. Your body is mostly made of water, and any level of dehydration will slow you down. Staying hydrated throughout means you'll be more alert, so start your day with two glasses to get you going. Remember: When you wake up, you've basically fasted all night."

- Shane Allen