Many of us are coffee fiends. We like the taste, enjoy the beverage, and appreciate the jolt of energy we get. However, coffee is rich with caffeine, and this energizer has been linked to a number of health complications. How much coffee is good for you is up for debate. But it can affect the rhythm of our heart and even cause sleep deprivation, so coffee can create some unwanted side effects. Those who become dependent or addicted to coffee often get anxious and irritable when they don’t have coffee for a prolonged period of time. If you want to break your coffee addiction, here are some tips.
Mix Your High-Octane with Decaf
If you want to reduce the amount of caffeine you are taking in, you can start mixing your regular coffee with decaf. Serious coffee drinkers will want to do this slowly, as caffeine is addictive and withdrawals do happen.
To reduce your caffeine consumption without unwanted side effects, mix around 25% decaf with 75% caffeinated coffee for the first week. The second week, increase the amount of decaf to 50%. Continue to add more decaf coffee to your caffeinated coffee each week until you are caffeine-free.
Drink More Water
You are less likely to crave a coffee when you are well hydrated. By drinking more water, you can reduce the need for something to drink and won’t be as eager to grab a cup of coffee.
If you aren’t a fan of plain water, you can add fruit, such as:
- Lemon
- Cucumber
- Mint
- Lime
- Strawberries
Coconut water is also a great alternative. Rich with electrolytes, you can drink coconut water plain or mix it into your coffee. This will add flavor and reduce the amount of caffeine you are consuming.
Eat Energizing Foods
Plenty of foods can give you a natural energy high without caffeine.
If you are trying to cut caffeine out of your diet, eat more frequent small meals that contain complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and omega 3 fats.
Also be sure to add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. These are not only nutritious, but they help to keep your body hydrated.
Eat Chocolate
Cacao chocolate is an excellent alternative to drinking coffee.
Cacao does contain caffeine, but eating it while you are reducing your caffeine intake can help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Cacao has been shown to have a soothing, calming effect on neurotransmitters in the brain, as well, which can help reduce any moodiness you may have during your coffee detox.
Drink More Tea
While tea does have caffeine, some varieties have less caffeine than coffee. Green tea, for instance, has about half the amount of caffeine in coffee. In addition, there are numerous health benefits to drinking green tea, that you will not find in coffee.
Use Less Coffee In Your Coffee Maker
If you make a pot (or two) of coffee each day, one way that you can reduce the amount of caffeine you are getting is to reduce the amount of coffee you are using in your machine.
If you make a big pot of coffee, reduce the amount of grounds you use by ¼. Each week, continue to reduce the amount of grounds you use in your coffee maker until you are caffeine and coffee free.
If your coffee is tasting too weak, but you still want to enjoy the taste, you can add decaf grounds in place of the caffeinated once. This way, you can still enjoy the taste, without the health risks.
Have a Cut Off Time
Drinking coffee within eight hours of bedtime can interfere with your sleep. If you have been having sleep issues, try to eliminate drinking coffee afternoon. If you still want to enjoy a cup of coffee but want to be able to get a good night’s sleep, opt for decaf.
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