I used to love my morning cup of coffee, and the stronger the better!
However, I ended my 12-year affair with “the bean” back in 2008. I also wanted to free myself from my caffeine addiction. I was tired of waking up every morning with a headache, needing that first cup just to feel “normal” and alert.
I’ve read about how caffeine over-consumption leads to exhaustion, fatigue, and addiction. I saw parallels with my own experiences, as an avid coffee drinker that I wanted to test this out for myself.
I decided to go off coffee for a couple weeks to see what health benefits I would experience.
It took me two weeks to wean myself from coffee to green tea, which contains a third of the caffeine as coffee. I’ve tried to go cold-turkey before, but the detox symptoms were excruciating and I could only last one day before caving in to my cravings.
How I Quit The Bean Without Suffering (Too Much)
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can range from a mild headache to full-blown flu-like symptoms. To me, it felt like someone was trying to split my head open from the inside. To reduce detox, I drank two cups of green tea the first week but I still had a mild headache for the first couple days. It was manageable, though.
After the first week, I went to one cup of tea. Halfway through the second week, it was late afternoon before I realized that I hadn’t had my tea that day. That was the last day I had a caffeinated beverage.
Since quitting my daily dose of strong, black coffee, I have noticed an increase of energy (ironically enough) that lasts throughout the day. I am more calm and positive as well. I feel “cleaner” inside.
I Was Shocked About What Coffee Had Done To My Body
Two weeks after going caffeine-free, I brewed myself a cup of coffee. What I experienced was not pleasant and I was amazed that I used to drink that amount or more every morning just to feel “normal”.
That one cup had me feeling anxious, jittery and restless all day. I felt like my entire body was vibrating and my heart was pounding. I had trouble sleeping that night.
The reaction I had was from just one cup of coffee! This experience was a wake-up call. I wondered what this daily dose of stimulants was doing to my body, especially in the long term.
Life Is Sweeter Without Caffeine
I don’t drink coffee anymore. I don’t miss it, really. I like being free and waking up without a headache. When I do have a cup now and then, I know I’m in for an anxious ride that reminds me why I gave it up in the first place.
If you are struggling with low energy, try making green smoothies with raw maca powder or cacao. You’ll get a boost of energy and perhaps even a lighter mood that helps to offset caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
Instead of reaching for your morning cup of coffee to kill your headache and help you feel “alive”, try reaching for a green smoothie!
