If you’re considering quitting caffeine you may need some help. Here are six easy tips that will help you quit caffeine and have more energy than before.
Coffee is an extremely acidic beverage that upsets our internal ecosystem. Caffeine stresses the adrenals and can cause blood sugar issues. That’s why we can get the “shakes” on coffee. Caffeine also dehydrates the body, which leads to aches, pains, and sluggishness.
Mike was a HUGE coffee lover! He had this whole morning ritual with dark roast beans, his coffee grinder, and French press. He seemed to cherish each sip.
Well, I guess I’ve worn off on him through the years, because he decided, all on his own, that he wanted to quit coffee. If he can do it, YOU can too.
Also, if you’re expecting, you may want to check out the research on consuming caffeine while pregnant and or breastfeeding.
Quitting Caffeine: here’s a quick video rundown of how to kick coffee
Here are six tips to help with quitting
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Drink a hot morning alternative
As you wean off, it’s important to replace your hot morning Joe so the ritual remains. Try Roastaroma by Celestial Seasonings. It seriously tastes just like coffee, and it’s all HERBAL (crazy!) Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage is my latest obsession. As you get used to not drinking coffee, you can move to even gentler things, like lemon with honey and hot water for an added detox effect.
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Drink plenty of water throughout day
When I started quitting caffeine and my 6-diet-cokes-a-day habit years ago, I knew I had to replace it with something. So I bought a pretty water bottle, filled it twice a day and made sure I drank it. I couldn’t believe how much more energy I had. Even today, when I’m feeling drowsy, I drink a glass of water, and sure enough, it does the trick. Try it yourself and see!
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Use a skin brush
As random as it sounds, skin brushing is an invigorating body exercise that gives you a jolt of energy. In fact, I would NOT recommend skin brushing at night for this very reason. Running the brush over your skin before a shower moves your blood, stimulates the lymph system and gets your motor running. Give it a whirl and see for yourself.
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Try juicing!
Quitting caffeine (or any addiction) can be rough on the body at first. Enter juicing. Mike and I upgraded our juicer at Christmas and I’m amazed at the “kick” I get from freshly juiced veggie and fruit drinks! Loaded with minerals and enzymes, fresh juice goes straight into your system without having to go through an extensive digestive process. As a result, your whole system feels revitalized.
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Fresh air exercise
When quitting caffeine it’s important to find a jolt of energy elsewhere. The fresh air and elements combined with some brisk activity gets your blood pumping faster than any caffeine. Outdoor activity boosts our oxygen intake and vitamin D levels too. Woo hoo!
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Get your ZZZs
We need 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night… easier said than done for a mama but so important. If I have a busy week, I make myself go to bed a few nights super early to build up a “sleep bank” to get me through. Another option is to nap when baby naps. No matter how we do it, we need to get our sleep! By doing so, we’re reducing our likelihood of relying on crutches like coffee/caffeine to keep us going.
Now, I know that there are articles out there that say that coffee and caffeine can be good for you, and I’m sure there are some health benefits. BUT, overall, I still think there are more drawbacks than benefits.
How about YOU?
Are you a coffee or caffeine drinker? Are you considering quitting caffeine? Share your experience with us!
