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Instagram / @livezolausEver wished you could get energized in the morning without feeling like you have to give up hydration and health in exchange for a little cup of magic (or coffee)?
Ideally, a morning pick-me-up shouldn’t feel like a bargain with your future self, and it would be better if that energy wasn’t accompanied by a “crash” a few hours later.
The more energy you get, the more tired you’ll be — something that sounds straight out of an instructional folktale.
Recently, I realized that drinking coffee and staring at the low pulse of my desktop monitor gives me a persistent headache and started looking into healthier alternatives.
Energy is good — there must be ways to get it that don’t require a heavy compromise.
In my research, I stumbled across a good old-fashioned win-win in the form of Zola’s 100% Natural Coconut Water with Espresso. It has as much caffeine as a 2-ounce shot of espresso, but more potassium per can than a whole banana. And thanks to a public consciousness of athleisure that borders on single-minded, most of us have at least heard that coconut water is really good at keeping you hydrated.
That last part is important because one of the main reasons you feel tired hours after drinking coffee is because it leaves you dehydrated. Zola’s beverages give you energy, while their combination of essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium saves you from feeling fatigued.
Like most win-wins, it feels like you’re cheating. It’s also all natural, gluten and GMO-free, 100% vegan, low in calories, and comes in a BPA-free can.
If you’re concerned about taste, it’s probably helpful to note that I’ve always hated coconut water — as great as it was for your body, I couldn’t bring myself to drink it. But I recently had a chance to try Zola’s newest coconut energy drinks with other fruit influences added, and I actually liked them. I can only speak for my palette, but I didn’t exactly start at a neutral point either and I consider myself a fan now.
All in all, if you’re looking for a way to get your fix of caffeine without the crash — or want a healthier way to caffeinate — this would be a great place to start.
Try Zola 100% Natural Coconut Water with Espresso, (Pack of 12), $ 37.24
