Take a minute to think about your morning routine.

Really, truly, THINK.

Chances are if you are like 60 percent of coffee drinkers in the U.S., you need a fresh-brewed cup to start your day. Even further, 68 percent of regular coffee guzzlers drink their first cup within an hour of waking up… a HUGE problem. I’ll tell you why.

The Issue: Hormones.

What else is new?

Every day, the human body’s adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol. It’s most commonly linked to research on weight loss or stress tests ­– And there can definitely be too much of a good thing. While a healthy dose of this hormone released in the bloodstream keeps our stress levels at bay and creates homeostasis (a.k.a peace throughout the bod) an overload is super dangerous. Picture this: extra pounds, extra headaches, and extra problems. While we sleep, our cortisol levels raise to give us energy in the morning when we wake up…this is the highest they will be all day!

Yet, on top of this au naturale ‘wake up call,’ we fuel our bodies with coffee: undoubtedly the most delicious tasting stimulant on the planet, from the lips of an avid P.M. coffee drinker.

The sudden rush of caffeine, especially on an empty stomach, absorbs into our bloodstream and tacks onto cortisol, basically causing a rocket ship of blood sugar to take off in our systems.

Remember that ‘I-am-one-with-Beyoncé’ feeling that disappears in 30 seconds after the last sip of a Dirty Chai? Me too. To say the least, we get tired. Totally bogged out. Borderline exhausted. And what better way to pick ourselves up, than with a skinny caramel macchiato? A flat white? A hemp milk cappuccino? Or the obvious – a cup of steaming hot, bold flavored goodness. Or over ice, of course.

The Fix: Turmeric Latte.

Don’t shed any caffeine-free tears yet ­­­– there are many ways to go around this unhealthy morning ritual. Right now, you may be thinking; how will my heart go on without my typical morning brew? Do I go a.m. beverage free? Or worse… DECAF?

Yes, no, and definitely not necessary. The best way to transition AWAY from a pre-office sugar high & very underappreciated #mondayscaries is to start your day with a hydrating choice like passion tea, iced green tea with semi-sweet lemonade, or my favorite: a turmeric latte. The ancient spice contains a world of benefits, including detoxification, metabolism boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties. Read on to create your own dream drink.

THE AMAZING TURMERIC LATTE

You’ll barely notice it’s not a cappuccino.

• 1 cup unsweetened almond & coconut milk blend (I swear by this brand)
• 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric root

You can buy this in most forms at any health food or grocery store. Grate before adding.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

I am OBSESSED with cinnamon. Like pour over everything. So if that’s you too, get sprinkling!

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root powder
• 2 teaspoons organic coconut oil
• Organic honey to taste

Whisk ingredients and ground root in a small pan over medium heat until hot, but not boiled. The more you whisk, the frothier your faux latte will be!

Enjoy the a.m. swap. Your mind & body will thank you. Now, I am off to sip on a post-lunch macchiato… hey, it’s not morning!