We all love our tea and coffee. They’re not just beverages — they’re habits, comfort, and sometimes even fuel for our busy days. But have you ever wondered when is the best time to drink them, and how much you should really be having in a day?
I’ve been curious about this too. So I did some digging and found some really helpful insights. Let’s break it down into simple moments of the day — and how your tea or coffee habits can actually work with your body instead of against it.
Morning: Start Warm, Not Sweet
In the morning, our body craves something warm. That first hot sip of tea or coffee feels comforting — and that’s completely natural. But one important thing to note: your body doesn’t need sugar first thing in the morning.
In fact, it’s better to avoid sugar in your first drink. Just have coffee — plain if possible. Why? Because it has two main effects that help in the morning:
- It wakes you up.
- It jumpstarts your fat metabolism.
That’s why a cup of black coffee before your workout is actually ideal. It stimulates fat burning, gives you an energy boost, and helps you feel more active. You’ll likely find that your gym performance improves too.
Afternoon Crash: That 3 PM Cup
Many people feel a bit sluggish after lunch — the dreaded afternoon crash. This is when you’ll see people reaching for another cup of coffee around 3 PM.
And it makes sense. A moderate cup of coffee at this time can help you reset, especially if you’ve had a heavy meal. Just don’t overdo it, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine. One cup is enough to help you power through the rest of your workday without affecting your sleep later.
Mid-Morning or Early Afternoon: The Chai Window
Now let’s talk about tea. Some people drink tea at 11 AM, others at 1 PM — and some can go an entire day running only on tea.
It is incredibly useful here — it’s gentler than coffee, and many people feel emotionally comforted by a good cup of chai. However, we need to be careful about sugar and milk. Try to reduce sugar gradually and consider cutting down on milk too if you can.
Personally, I get it — I can’t enjoy my tea without milk either. If you’re like me, that’s okay. Instead, you can try flavored teas — like lemongrass, tulsi, or ginger — without milk or sugar. They’re still warm, soothing, and way healthier.
Evening Reset: 5 PM Magic
This might surprise you, but the most important drink of the day is actually around 5 PM — and no, it’s not coffee or chai
Try a simple glass of lemon water instead. No need to go to a café or order anything fancy. Just keep a lemon handy. Squeeze it into water, add a pinch of salt, and drink up.
Why is this helpful? Two reasons:
- It helps with muscle contraction — especially useful if you’ve been sitting all day.
- It kills that salty snack craving that hits most of us in the evening.
Instead of reaching for chips or namkeen, lemon-salt water satisfies that craving. It resets your body and gives you a small but refreshing burst of energy. Your mind feels more alert, and your body feels lighter — ready to take on the evening.
Summary
So here’s your simple, day-long beverage guide:
- Morning (Pre-workout): Black coffee, no sugar. Jumpstart your fat burn.
- Mid-morning or early afternoon: Chai. Reduce milk/sugar if possible.
- Afternoon (3 PM crash): One cup of coffee to re-energize.
- Evening (5 PM): Lemon water with a pinch of salt — for cravings and refreshment.
Small changes, big impact. These aren’t strict rules — just gentle suggestions that can help your energy levels, digestion, and overall wellness throughout the day. Try it for a week, and see how your body and mind respond. You might be surprised how powerful a cup — or a glass — can really be.
Stay healthy with UState Pulse.