I gave up coffee and sugar for Lent and, after an initial adjustment period that included withdrawal headaches, I found that life without stimulants is easier than I thought. Because I enjoyed a steady, more even supply of energy, I vowed that I after Lent I would continue living this way—except for the occasional treat in moderate amounts.
But here I am addicted again.
Not so much with sugar. Because while I have been carelessly eating small amounts of sugar every day, it doesn’t have as much of a hold on me as coffee does. Honestly, I think I can do without it, so long as I consume enough fruit to satisfy my sweet tooth.
Coffee, however, is another matter.
On a recent trip to Guatemala, I was challenged by the temptation of the local coffee. I resisted, of course, but brought back some organic arabica beans grown on the rich soils of Guatemalan volcanoes. It’s both well balanced and strong, with an almost sweet and comforting aroma that invites me to succumb to its pleasant warmth. Since Easter I’ve been drinking it almost daily.
Even on days when I avoid it in the morning, I find myself visiting Starbucks for an afternoon cup. (Annoyed that I was spending so much money there, I even bought a pound of coffee beans just so I can get the “free” cup. Yeah, real logical, I know.)
So now what to do? I’ve been trying the “half-caf” solution, and that seems to be helpful, although my husband’s not so into the idea. (I guess he’s more of an “all or nothing” type.) I’m also concerned about the purported carcinogens of chemicals that are sometimes used in the decaffeination process.
And as for tea, well, it just doesn’t do it for me. I like the occasional cup, but it’s no substitute for a good cup of strong, black coffee.
So what to do? I know that coffee isn’t the devil, but addiction is, in my book. If you haven’t noticed, I’m really into freedom—not just political, but also freedom from fear and addiction. I’m also into optimal health, and caffeine doesn’t contribute to it.
Vegan fitness expert Brendan Brazier compares coffee drinking to credit cards—you’re “borrowing” energy, but you’ll eventually have to pay it back with your body. Drinking more coffee when your tired is like paying off one credit card with another. Note that he does drink the occasional cup of yerba mate tea, which has some caffeine, to enhance athletic performance. But I haven’t been able to moderate as such.
I would like to moderate the way I do with drinking. (Although I have a history of hard drinking, I am able to stop at one drink, and some days I don’t even drink at all.) But maybe, when it comes to coffee, I’m a true addict and need complete, AA-style abstinence. I’d like to think that I have more willpower than that, but we’ll see. In the meantime, I think I’ll re-read that Steve Pavlina article entitled “How to Give Up Coffee,” and then maybe I’ll have myself a cup.
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