Decaf Coffee

Over a month ago I decided to switch to decaffeinated coffee. Yes, I am still drinking coffee because I love my coffee.

Coffee can have some great benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic:

“Studies have shown that coffee may have health benefits, including protecting against Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease, including liver cancer. It also appears to improve cognitive function and decrease the risk of depression”

But I was concerned about my caffeine:

According to the Mayo Clinic too much caffeine can cause the following:

• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Stomach upset
• Fast heartbeat
• Muscle tremors

Once I made the switched, I was shocked at what happened to me. As a health coach I knew the withdrawals would happen in the first couple of days but what happened after was incredible.
Before I tell you what happened, let me share why I did it.

My sleep patterns began to change. I was no longer sleeping soundly and sometimes not through the night. I have learned over the last several years just how important sleep is for me and my overall health. We have had several life changes recently that have added to my stress level. For me and pretty much every other person on earth….stress is not good for the body. Unfortunately, I can’t eliminate all stress but I can change how I react to it. I have learned to listen to my body.

Along with my lack of sound sleep, I was grinding my teeth. This is something I have not done in years but it took me back to a time when I was so overwhelmed with my career and health. I knew this could not continue.

So in addition to cutting out my morning caffeine, I have done other steps to help manage stress. These include things like salt baths, breathing techniques, and proper daily goal setting. As I have stated before, the way I manage stress can have a huge impact on my health both short and long term.

Will I never drink regular coffee again? I might, there are some great benefits to regular coffee but for now I am going to stick to decaf. Here is why:

1. I no longer feel dependent on my morning coffee. I enjoy the routine part of it but I don’t need it, which is a big change for me.
2. I notice I don’t have the urge to grab a coffee while I am out shopping or working.
3. I am sleeping through the night
4. I fall asleep really easily at night
5. The best for last….I actually feel more awake during the day. I thought my coffee was waking me up. It is a different type of alertness and it is INCREDIBLE.

I also didn’t just switch to any decaf. Many decaf coffees have had their caffeine removed with the use of chemicals but you don’t have to settle for that.
Swiss Water ® is a process that uses water to remove caffeine. It is done in small batches and is 100% chemical free. Learn more about it here. http://www.swisswater.com/

Check out our wellness store to find your new favorite.
Please note: not all caffeine is removed from decaf coffee.