Decreasing your caffeine intake is the first step you can take to stabilizing your energy and moods. “What’s harmful about a cup of joe in the morning,” you may ask? Sure, starting the day off with coffee may give you a quick burst of energy, but as with any drug, you will need more and more to get the same stimulant benefits as your body builds a tolerance. And, of course, the inevitable “let down” in energy follows.
Caffeine draws water out or your body (dehydrating), as well as Calcium and other precious minerals. You are literally urinating your bones away. Yikes! Would you like to have a better night’s sleep? Would you (and those around you, for that matter) enjoy less moodiness? Caffeine has been linked to insomnia, restlessness, irritability, nervousness and depression. Have feelings of anxiety and stress become a reality for you? The common “Restless Leg Syndrome” may very well be attributed to excess caffeinism. All of these situations and many more can be alleviated by a reduction and /or elimination of caffeine in your diet.
For many of us, it may be hard to imagine going even one day without coffee. Most of us have been introduced to this food-drug since birth… We’ve seen our parents drink it since we were children, at work it’s a reason to take a break, we “meet for coffee” as a social get-together…it’s a major public habit. Not only is it habit forming, it’s down right addicting.
On the other hand, caffeine in small amounts can be beneficial. It can improve physical and mental performance for a few hours, keeps drowsiness at bay and it often helps relieve constipation. Unfortunately, it’s very easy to develop a dependence on coffee for your regular bowel movements (I know, no one wants to talk about that) and morning alertness.
Here are some delicious alternatives to coffee:
- MUD\WTR™ is a coffee alternative consisting of organic ingredients lauded by cultures old and young for their health and performance benefits. With 1/7th the caffeine of coffee, mud gives you natural energy, focus and more without the jitters and crash.
- Celestial Seasonings –
- Roastarama – Strong coffee-like taste, barley beverage – caffeine-free
- Bengal Spice – Rich, sweet and creamy taste, herb and spice beverage. Exotic Indian blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and vanilla. My favorite! Caffeine-free.
- Dandy Blend – Coffee-flavor blend of Dandelion and Ayurvedic Herbs, with antioxidants – Caffeine-free.
A great way to start is by simply replacing one of your cups of coffee with these substitutes. Don’t try to cut caffeine out overnight. You’ll experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, constipation, irritability, etc… Take a more gradual approach. It’s much more pleasant that way. Besides, it’s the little steps we take which add up to something pretty wonderful – feeling great! Good luck!
To Living Heathy!!