Yes, it’s that time again. Coffee and I are taking a break.
And no, it wasn’t mutual.
Ok, before you guys freak out and think I am writing a post about how coffee is bad for you–because I know most everyone loves coffee–hear me out.
Every so often, I have to take a step back from coffee. Not because I want to, trust me. But in the name of health, I choose to kick my caffeine intake to the curb every once in awhile in order to keep myself in check, and give my body a break.
Heck, I love EVERYTHING about coffee. The whole caffeinated experience, in fact. My morning routines were built around it. I’d get up early, see my hus-band off for work, grind the whole beans, take in the coffee aroma, listen to the trickle of joy as I poured it into my mug, and the warmth I felt as I held it in my hands while journaling + reading for my quiet time each morning. But if I wasn’t careful, I very easily could have downed a whole 10-cup pot by myself in one morning. Yikes.
Over the last year or so, whether it be compounding stress from starting back in school, coaching CrossFit multiple early mornings in a row, or the daily life of just adulting, I noticed anxiety slowly starting to wedge it’s way into my world. UGH. I had never experienced anxiety before (except for maybe once in college) but it was becoming debilitating. I felt like I couldn’t catch my next breath, I worried about meeting deadlines, disappointing others, and any little thing that anyone asked of me stressed me out to the MAX.
Coffee/caffeine is something that has become second nature to us. If we need a little pick-me-up, we head straight to the Starbucks drive-thru line. Often times we reconsider eating a cookie, but we don’t dare think twice about a 5 shot Venti coffee drink. Just like everything else in life, moderation is key. And yes, I think this needs to be applied heavily to our morning cup of joe, too.
So besides the fact that I can sometimes feel my heart coming out of my chest, and suffer from the annoying coffee jitters, why should you consider giving up your beloved coffee for a little while?
- I’ll just shoot it to you straight. Being dependent on anything is NOT a good thing. Plain + simple.
- It is extremely diuretic. Anything that is not pure water, depletes your body of H2O in order to process it. You should be drinking a minimum of 1/2 your body weight in oz of water each day. And MORE if you are drinking caffeinated beverages.
- It inhibits collagen production which can lead to premature aging. See ABOVE. ^^^
- It is a stimulant + puts your body into a state of stress. Chronic stress = chronic Cortisol output = a whole list of dysfunction in the body if left unaddressed. Suffer from stubborn weight gain around your middle section? It is most likely directly linked to your coffee habit.
- It is a vehicle for crummy add-ins. Let’s be honest. Fall is here, and you know you want that #basicwhitegirl pumpkin spice coffee creamer that will be hitting the shelves. Just don’t. Adding processed junk to an already stressed body is no bueno. If you MUST add something to your cup of joe, try bulletproof coffee with grassfed butter, MCT oil (or coconut oil) + a little stevia for sweetness. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top and you basically have a fancy latte. Also, for all you basic white girls like myself, check out Stephanie of Stupid Easy Paleo for her Protein Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe. YUM.
- It depletes the body of B vitamins, calcium + iron absorption. Especially in women! If you are struggling with infertility, PMS and other hormonal issues, listen up + ditch the cup, ladies!
- Caffeine suppresses your appetite. YOU NEED TO EAT, PEOPLE! This is so important. For women, athletes… ok…really just everybody. Most people don’t eat enough as it is anyway, so get your hearty breakfast in if you must sip on some joe.
Don’t get me wrong, I really LOVE my coffee. But I know it’s time to give it a break. Shoot, I haven’t NOT had coffee in 8 years. (Hello, college.)
It might be time for you to give your body a break and give up your coffee habit, too.
And you may be thinking…Not MY coffee! I just CAN’T give up my coffee!
Why do we get so defensive when asked to give up something? Why do we put the word “my” or “mine” in front of it, like we own it or something?
But really when you think about it…does IT own you?
Do you feel like you can’t function without it? Which leads me to ask WHY do you think that it is normal?
Coffee addiction is real y’all. Even if you don’t think you have an issue with it, I guarantee you’ll experience those lovely caffeine headaches like I am having right now as I write this post. BUT there is light at the end of the tunnel! If you can get through the suck that is coffee withdrawals, you will be SO MUCH BETTER OFF. I promise!
Don’t want to give it up cold turkey? Here are 5 steps to cutting back on the caffeine:
- Start small. Use a smaller mug, don’t make a full pot, or order a smaller size.
- Have one cup a day instead of two. Wean yourself off by having less than your normal amount each day.
- Switch out that nappy creamer + artificial sweetener for full fat butter, stevia + cinnamon. Blend it up. YUM.
- View it as a treat, and limit it to visits with friends and weekends only. (That’s what I am doing now!)
- Did I mention you CAN do this?
beWELL!
