I Gave up Coffee for a Month... Here's What I Noticed
I’m a huge coffee lover. I typically can’t start my day without a cup, and while coffee gets a bad rep, there are actually proven health benefits. Coffee contains antioxidants and other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against diseases, including Alzheimers and heart disease. So, why did I give it up?
I used to have about 2-3 cups a day, on average, and then days where I felt even more sluggish, I mindlessly threw some back, chasing an energy boost that never really came. It wasn’t until I was having some severe stomach pains that I went to the doctor who suggested cutting back for a little bit until we were able to find the root cause.
Instead of cutting back, I decided to quit cold turkey because friends, that stomach pain was legit and I wanted to do everything that I could. While I felt extremely tired and had headaches for the first few days, it was the weeks that followed that showed me I did not need to be as reliant as I thought on my morning cup(s) of Joe. Here’s what I noticed:
Not only did I not need 3 cups of coffee, I could survive without even one. I mean, think about it. We’re so often mindlessly reaching for multiple cups of coffee and does it ever truly help give you the energy you need?
I felt surprisingly more energized and less jittery
I had a better quality of sleep most nights
It helped my stomach pain (that plus antibiotics and other lifestyle changes)
I felt a little less anxious (a little!!)
So, while that all sounds great, you may be wondering, did I have any caffeine that month or anything to give me an energy boost? Good question, friends. I continued with my warm water and lemon, and green juices in the a.m. (think refreshing celery, lemon, apple and ginger juices) and that really helped me feel better overall. Did I give up coffee for good? Nope, but now there is a method to my madness.
On most days, I have ONE (yes, you read that right) cup of coffee for the entire day, but I try to make it count. I add Ceylon cinnamon, inulin and psyllium husk powder for a fiber boost, ashwaganda for mood and concentration and have been adding coconut oil for taste and a healthy fat to start my day. I drink it while I journal and try to make a ritual out of it.
Depending on the day, I might try to have coffee before an a.m. workout to help with that much needed morning push and then I am done for the day. Lastly, if I am feeling sluggish mid day, I reach for a matcha which is my newest obsession. It was an acquired taste for me TBH, but now, I love it cold and with a little honey (specifically manna honey - you’ll thank me later).
Pique Tea Sun Goddess Matcha is the best matcha ever. It’s the only one that I felt like I enjoyed and it’s 100% organic, ceremonial grade, and quadruple toxin screened for purity. Yes please! For 5% off your first order you can purchase here and use XOCOURTNEYD
Now tell me, how many cups of coffee do you drink and how do you feel when drinking it? xxoo