So, I’m working on cutting back on caffeine this month, as part of the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge. And while last week was harder, I was excited that this week wasn’t as hard. Yay!
This week, I cut back from 1 and 3/4 cups per day to 1 and 1/2 cups per day. And I didn’t really even notice that I’d cut back a little. I am drinking a few cups of herbal tea, too, and I think that helps.
I’ve already decided this may not be a habit I decide to stick with, but I’m committed to following through with cutting back for this month.
How are YOU doing on cutting back on caffeine?
Jessica Claire says
I have continued to give up caffeine! I stopped cold turkey October 2nd so I am 14 days in. 🙂 I still crave it daily and I notice I am much more tired during the days. I have actually started taking afternoon naps with my kiddos. I have found that I really miss my morning Coke. I don’t drink any coffee or juice so it’s just water now. I, too, have committed to not drinking it for a period of time and I will follow through but I am not sure if it is something I will continue after that if I don’t start feeling better.
Jayleen Zotti says
I’m on week two, Pepsi free! You know … I don’t even really like Pepsi?! Lol! I have indulged in See’s dark chocolate though …
Rachel says
I think that it’s great that you are determined to follow through with your goal of cutting caffeine this month! I think that it’s brave of you to do this even though it’s difficult for you. You are an inspiration for millions of people. I love reading about how you are always setting goals and striving to meet them and improve your life in different ways. Thank you for sharing these things with us and helping us to be better too!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement! {Hugs!}
Dana says
Hello Crystal! While I think that being too addicted to caffeine is not good, there is super interesting research that shows that drinking caffeine can protect from dementia later in life. I am a dietitian who was super pleased to hear this as I LOVE my coffee! 🙂 Certainly, we need to do what is right for our own bodies, but for those who want to continue to drink it, this is good news!
” In the CAIDE study, coffee drinking of 3-5 cups per day at midlife was associated with a decreased risk of dementia/AD by about 65% at late-life. In conclusion, coffee drinking may be associated with a decreased risk of dementia/AD. This may be mediated by caffeine and/or other mechanisms like antioxidant capacity and increased insulin sensitivity. This finding might open possibilities for prevention or postponing the onset of dementia/AD.”
Here is the link to the study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20182054.
Crystal Paine says
How fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
Jenna says
A few weeks before I found out I was pregnant, I noticed my heart rate was a bit higher than normal, so I went cold turkey and quit drinking all caffeine. I also got a 750 mL CamelBak, filled it with water, and challenged myself to drink at least three of those every day since dehydration can increase your heart rate. (I had a health exam for a new life insurance policy coming up and I wanted that to go as well as possible to get the lowest rate I could.) After the exam, coffee just did not appeal to me anymore. Looking back, it was probably my first food aversion (even though I didn’t know I was pregnant at the time). Fast forward about 6 months later, and I don’t know that I’ll go back to drinking caffeinated drinks. Coffee still doesn’t really appeal to me like it used to, so if I want something hot to drink, I usually go for hot apple cider. I’ll occasionally drop by my local coffee shop and get a caffeine free pumpkin latte (or make one at home), but I’m definitely not drinking the travel mug (or three) of coffee each day like I was this time last year!
Lisa says
Why are you cutting back on caffeine? You don’t seem to have a huge amount daily. Sometimes the simple pleasures in life, like a cup of coffee in the morning brings joy, and not something to necessarily cut out. Maybe you’re seeking a better balance?
Ashley P says
Good job! I was never into coffee (tastes like chalk! Bleh!) but in college, I became a severe Mountain Dew addict. I got to the point I had to have at least 1 can a day just to keep the headaches at bay.
Two years ago, when I first became pregnant, I quit cold turkey. I replaced the Mountain Dew with seltzer (we have a Soda Stream) and never had a single headache. The bubbles helped my morning sickness, and the water kept me hydrated so I didn’t get any headaches. It DEFINITELY helped.
Ashley P says
Forgot to mention, I never went back to the Dew. In fact, I no longer drink ANY soda that has caffeine in it. Colas just taste too syrupy to me now. If we’re out at a restaurant, I’ll sometimes have a Sprite, but I much prefer lemonade. And occasionally, I’ll indulge in a root beer float. Other than that, though, I’ve pretty much kicked soda completely. If I find myself running low on energy, I drink apple juice! Apples and apple juice have been proven to wake you up better than coffee does, anyway! 🙂
cwaltz says
*Sigh* I suck. I really need to cut back on caffeine since my iron levels are lower than they should be and caffeine inhibits the absorption of iron. The doctor wanted me to try and stick to no more than 2 cups of the stuff a day. However, every time I try to cut it back I end up with really bad headaches and the stress of a bad headache morphs into a migraine. *Sigh* Have I mentioned I suck?
charity says
Don’t be so harsh with yourself you can do it. Make sure as you cut down on the caffine that you replace it with something such as a cup of herbal tea and just gradually cut back each week.
Ashley P says
I used to have the caffeine migraine problem. So I totally feel you. You may be surprised to find the migraine isn’t caused by just caffeine withdrawal but also dehydration. Once I started drinking more water, the headaches went away. Now I only get one every couple of months (usually when I’ve been lax on my water intake). Next time you feel one coming on, drink a BIG bottle of water and see if it helps. Before getting off caffeine, I HATED water. It’s still not my favorite thing ever, but I drink a lot more of it.
Hope you feel better!
charity says
Good for you on cutting back as you had commited but I see no reason in you giveing it up for good because its those little pleasures we can look forward to each day and there is nothing wrong with that.
Alexa says
How do you like the bulletproof coffee? I read the Bulletproof Exec Blog from time to time and considered trying the bulletproof coffee recipe but wasn’t sure whether it was all hype or if it was truly better than regular black coffee.
Crystal Paine says
I like it. Not quite as great as coffee with half and half, but it’s a nice change of pace. And it’s especially a great option if we’re out of cream/half and half like we were this morning. 🙂
Sarah @ The Teacher's Wife says
Could you try decaf coffee rather than decreasing the amount of coffee you drink? If it’s just caffeine you are concerned about, maybe that would allow you to enjoy the beverage but just not consume all the caffeine? 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Decaf coffee is not even close to real coffee to me. I wish! 🙂
Lana says
IKEA decaf is supposed to taste like the real thing. My friend who drinks it is a total coffee snob but cannot tolerate caffeine anymore.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for that tip!
Kim says
Right. There is one place for decaf coffee–never, and in the trash. 😉 Unless one has health issues of course. I know I need my doses though. Lol
Crystal Paine says
I would agree with you there. 🙂
Kelli Bhattacharjee says
Great job! I cut caffeine out when I was pregnant with my son two and a half years ago and have not had it since. Honestly I love the way my body feels not drinking it, but you have to do what works for you and your life. Best of luck!
Julie C says
Congratulations!!! Perhaps you could try a THM Shrinker made with a blend other that Oolong tea which has caffeine but a nice smooth texture when you blend in the other ingredient.
Crystal Paine says
Oh, making the Shrinker with another tea that isn’t so high in caffeine is a great idea! Have you tried it with other teas before?
Carrie says
I’ve run out of diet coke and not purchased any more. I think the last diet coke I had was on Thursday when we had lunch at the costco food court. My only caffeine since then has been coffee which I think is less bad than the caffeine in soda.