According to experts, it\u2019s possible to stretch your morning coffee for longer, helping you avoid that mid-morning crash and save some cash. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n
Words by Mia Erickson for bodyandsoul.com.au<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re anything like me and have cut your caffeine consumption down to one cup per day, you\u2019re likely feeling the mid-year strain a little too hard right now.<\/p>\n
While I don\u2019t have a super strong dependency on caffeine, I had found myself ordering multiple a day simply out of habit<\/a>, only to nurse my lukewarm flat white at my desk for hours without ever finishing its contents.<\/p>\n And while it\u2019s never good to jam up your system with unnecessary caffeine<\/a>, my reasons for cutting my intake stem from the financial strain my $5.50 cuppa<\/p>\n So, I\u2019ve limited myself to buying \u2013 or making, if I\u2019m feeling really frugal \u2013 one measly coffee before work. But while my bank account is proud of me, my brain certainly isn\u2019t, having severe withdrawals<\/a> from its second (or third) shot.<\/p>\n But contrary to belief, upping your caffeine intake won\u2019t actually guarantee you sail smoothly through the mid-morning slump, according to experts. While the length of a \u2018caffeine-induced\u2019 buzz varies from person to person, the energy effects generally begin to kick in between 15 to 45 minutes after consumption.<\/p>\n Depending on your metabolism, individual tolerance and how much coffee you have consumed, the overall caffeine high could last between three to six hours.<\/p>\n Given most of our work days require more productivity time than that, here are a few ways you can stretch out your peak energy time without drowning yourself in caffeine.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As London-based food scientist Natalie Alibrandi<\/a> explains to Well+Good<\/a>, taking your time with your morning cuppa may do wonders for prolonging your caffeine buzz.<\/p>\n \u201cDrinking a caffeinated beverage over a longer period of time may help sustain a milder and more prolonged caffeine buzz compared to consuming it quickly all at once,\u201d Alibrandi says. \u201cThis is because gradual intake allows for a slower release of caffeine into the bloodstream, potentially reducing the risk of abrupt spikes and crashes in blood sugar and energy levels,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Pairing your coffee with a source of L-theanine<\/a>, an amino acid known for its enhancing alertness, could also assist your mid-morning energy crash. This can be found in supplement form, or in caffeinated beverages such as green tea.<\/p>\n \u201cTo extend a caffeine \u2018high,\u2019 stay hydrated, eat a balanced meal, and consider combining caffeine with L-theanine, which [according to] research, synergises with caffeine for a smoother and longer-lasting buzz<\/a>, while reducing jitteriness,\u201d says Alibrandi.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n READ MORE: Chewing this gum could give you the same high as a coffee<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n While the taste isn\u2019t for everyone, the London-based food scientist says the ingredient \u2013 a pantry staple \u2013 can actually enhance the effects of a caffeine buzz.\u00a0 \u201cSome research suggests that sugar in energy drinks<\/a> may enhance caffeine\u2019s initial effects, prolonging alertness and subjective energy,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Pic via Getty Images.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n While it\u2019s tempting to roll straight out of bed and switch your coffee machine on, the nutritionist urges us to wait roughly 60 to 90 minutes after waking up before consuming caffeine, \u201cThis allows for the adenosine to get flushed out and allows your body to naturally wake up before you add in caffeine,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cRecent discussions suggest that consuming coffee after breakfast, rather than before, may help moderate blood glucose levels and potentially extend the duration of a caffeine-induced \u2018high,\u2019\u201d she adds. \u201cBlood glucose spikes influence factors like general functioning, appetite, and restlessness, all of which contribute to feelings of being energised, often associated with caffeine consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n READ MORE: This daily habit could be the reason for your insomnia<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As suspected, the fluctuation of our overall energy levels depends on far more than our coffee order. The nutritionist says it\u2019s imperative that you focus on getting enough sleep, moderate exercise and movement throughout the day, and practice mindfulness too.<\/p>\n \u201cConsumption of high quantities [of caffeine] habitually may increase the likelihood of abuse of caffeine over time, further weakening the strength of a buzz,\u201d she adds, explaining the importance of mindful caffeine consumption over drinking coffee out of habit or convenience.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This article first appeared on bodyandsoul.com.au<\/a> and may contain links from their affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, they may earn a commission. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n The post How to make your coffee high last longer<\/a> appeared first on Stockhead<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"#1. Slow and steady wins the race<\/h2>\n
#2. Don\u2019t sleep on L-theanine<\/h2>\n
#3. Add a touch of sugar to your order.\u00a0<\/h2>\n
#4. Drink coffee after eating breakfast<\/h2>\n
#5. Focus on your lifestyle<\/h2>\n