Two red apples growing on a tree. Image Credit: TongRo Images/TongRo Images/Getty Images

When you wake up feeling groggy in the morning, should you reach for an apple or a hot cup of Joe? That answer depends on the kind of pick-me-up you need. Everyone knows the expression, "comparing apples to oranges," but at least those are both fruits. Apples and coffee are even harder to compare because they make you feel energized for completely different reasons. If you really want to boost both your mind and body, have your coffee, and eat your apple, too.

Coffee

Coffee zaps you with zip because it contains caffeine. One cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine, which works as a stimulant for your brain and nervous system. That stimulation may make you feel more energized, but coffee isn't actually giving your body energy because that cup only contains 2 calories and no sugars or other carbs. If you add milk, sugar or creamer, however, the calories in those will give you a small amount of energy, but an apple will still provide far more energy. For example, 1 tablespoon of a flavored coffee creamer contains only about 20 calories and 3 grams of carbohydrates.

Apples