3 Things to Start Your Day Besides Coffee

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Mug and green algae tablets and herbs on table in the morning light

Coffee is not the enemy.

A clean cup of organic black coffee can be a perfectly fine part of your morning routine. But if coffee has become the only way you can start your day, it may be time to give your body a different kind of morning support.

Some people wake up and immediately reach for caffeine because they are tired, dehydrated, undernourished, or running on stress. That is not real energy. That is borrowed energy.

Here are three simple alternatives to coffee that can help you start your day with steadier, cleaner fuel.

Green algae tablets on countertop

1. ENERGYbits

ENERGYbits are small algae tablets made from spirulina and chlorella. They are simple, portable, and easy to take first thing in the morning. According to ENERGYbits, their spirulina and chlorella contain over 60% protein and 40 nutrients — made without artificial ingredients.

This makes them a good option for people who want morning nourishment without making a smoothie, cooking breakfast, or drinking another stimulant.

They are not meant to hit you like coffee. That is the point.

Instead of a quick caffeine rush, ENERGYbits can be used as a light, whole-food way to give your body:

  • Amino acids
  • Minerals
  • Chlorophyll
  • Natural plant nutrition

Best for: People who want a simple, no-sugar, no-caffeine morning option before walking, working out, or starting a busy day.

Buy ENERGY-bits here.

Green tea on table

2. Green Tea

Green tea is one of the easiest coffee alternatives because it still gives you a gentle caffeine lift — but usually with a smoother feel than coffee.

It contains caffeine, so it is not stimulant-free. But for many people, green tea feels less harsh than a strong cup of coffee. It can be a great choice when you want alertness without the same edge, jitters, or crash you may feel from too much coffee.

Green tea is also rich in plant compounds called catechins. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that green tea consumed as a beverage has not raised safety concerns for adults, though concentrated green tea extracts can cause side effects.

That distinction matters. Drinking green tea is different from taking high-dose green tea extract capsules. For most people, a cup of brewed green tea in the morning is a simple, gentle ritual.

Best for: People who still want some caffeine but want a cleaner and calmer start than coffee.

Buy our recommended green tea here.

Cacao Elixir in a mug

3. Ora Cacao

Ora Cacao is a ceremonial cacao drink that can feel more like a morning ritual than a quick beverage.

Cacao naturally contains caffeine, but its primary stimulating compound is theobromine. Ora Cacao lists its pure cacao as containing 36 mg of caffeine and 212 mg of theobromine per 1-ounce serving.

That is why cacao often feels different from coffee:

  • Coffee tends to feel like a nervous system push
  • Cacao feels warmer, slower, and more grounded

It is also a great option when you want something rich and satisfying in the morning without reaching for sugar-filled drinks, flavored lattes, or processed breakfast foods.

Make it with hot water or unsweetened milk. Keep it simple. Do not turn it into dessert.

Best for: People who want a warm, comforting morning drink with a gentler lift and a more mindful start to the day.

Buy Ora Cacao here.

Woman looking cozy in bed with a warm drink

The Bigger Point

The goal is not to quit coffee forever.

The goal is to stop depending on coffee as your only source of morning energy.

Try this simple experiment. For the next week, rotate these three options:

  • One morning, start with ENERGYbits
  • The next morning, drink green tea
  • The next morning, make Ora Cacao

Pay attention to how you feel. Notice your energy, focus, hunger, mood, and cravings.

Your body may be telling you something important.

Sometimes the best morning routine is not more caffeine. Sometimes it is better nourishment, better hydration, and a calmer start to the day.

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About Dr. Keith Smigiel NP, DC

Dr. Keith Smigiel

Dr. Keith Smigiel is a regenerative medicine physician and pain management specialist. He takes an integrative approach to medicine, focusing on customized solutions tailored to individual needs. Using advanced, non-surgical treatments, Dr. Smigiel stimulates your body’s ability to naturally heal itself.

Dr. Smigiel helps people suffering from conditions such as chronic pain and erectile dysfunction, to hair loss and weight gain. Combining treatments such as PRP Therapy, Ozone, Neural Prolotherapy, and IV Infusions with functional rehabilitation, he helps you look and feel better.

He heals the body, instead of just treating the symptoms!

With his professional qualifications as a certified family nurse practitioner, a doctor of chiropractic, and a fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture, Dr. Smigiel offers patients comprehensive care from a broad perspective of conventional and alternative medicine. He also has extensive experience in functional rehabilitation and chronic pain management.

Dr. Smigiel is married to Angela and has two children, Sophia and Larz. When he’s not busy helping patients, he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, motocross, and boating.

About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

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As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

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Dr. Jack Wolfson is a cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

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Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

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I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.