How Did You Give Up Caffeine!?!
I get asked about going caffeine-free more than going alcohol-free, which I find fascinating. I’m still trying to figure out why. Is it because caffeine is an easier conversation to talk about or because it isn’t as stigmatizing as alcohol? Maybe or is it because 90% of Americans (80% worldwide) drink or eat caffeine in some form.
Here is a list of items that contain caffeine along with the number of milligrams per 1 ounce serving:
1. Dark Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans | 336 mg
2. Coffee | 95 mg
3. Energy Drinks | 91 mg
4. Espresso | 63 mg
5. Sodas | 49 mg
6. Green Tea | 28 mg
7. Black Tea | 26 mg
8. Dark Chocolate | 24 mg
9. Coffee Liqueur | 14 mg
10. Chocolate Cake w/ Frosting | 8mg
I decided to give up caffeine ultimately because I didn’t want to contribute to the anxiety that I was experiencing. I figured if I could stop drinking then I could also give up caffeine. I will say that it is easier to give up caffeine (in my experience). I used to drink a cup of coffee in the morning and maybe a cup of coffee in the afternoon and once in a blue moon at night. I would also drink one diet soda a day. My favorite was Diet Mountain Dew.
The big question is what the heck do I drink now??? I start my day with hot water with a slice of lemon and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The benefits of apple cider vinegar are long but to name a few: lower cholesterol, reduce belly fat (who doesn’t want that!), lowers blood sugar levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall heart health. I also drink sparkling water, sparkling probiotic water (found in the produce section of the grocery store..check out Kevita), hot tea, ice tea, and the occasional latte from Bigby.
Now Josh and the kids will tell you that my order at Bigby is high maintenance and embarrassing. I have been told by several different baristas that my order is child's play compared to some. Here is what I ordered: 20 oz hot caramel marvel latte, with sugar-free syrup, decaf, and skinny (skim milk and no whip cream).
The other question I get asked is about the withdrawal. Did I get headaches? The answer is YES! I had pretty bad headaches for about 3 days. The withdrawal symptoms begin about 12-24 hours after stopping consuming caffeine. I didn’t think I was dependent physically, I figured emotionally I was but my body was telling me I was both physically and emotionally dependent. Common withdrawal symptoms are headache, fatigue, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, irritability, tremors, and low energy.
Do I miss caffeine? On most days I don’t miss it. There is the occasional day when I’m tired for whatever reason that I could go for a coffee. Or when I see someone drinking a Diet Mountain Dew I want to rip it out of their hands and guzzle it. But I know that is my subconscious pulling at a memory where I enjoyed who I was spending time with drinking that drink.
Here is what I found: the anxiety disappeared and I have way MORE energy. But I truly believe it is because I removed both stimulants and depressants from my body. I do not drink soda anymore either. Even the caffeine-free options. I just don’t see the point. There is no health benefit. And ultimately I do this for my health and wellbeing.
If you want to learn more about caffeine and the articles where I pulled my data take a look here:
