Hello November! Kinda impressive we've been doing this since August.
This week has been plagued with fear and emotional tumbles. Half because Hubby has 3 more lbs to lose. Half because they told me to go off my birth control for now, so I'm kind of a lunatic. I haven't been off birth control for... Since I started it almost a decade ago.
In other news, I've decided to give up caffeine completely. I was told to anyway, but I thought I could have it once in a while, like on D&D nights. So Monday night, D&D night, I got a coffee from McDonald's. I know, boo McDonald's, but they do have salads with grilled chicken. It's not perfect, but at least something I can pick in a pinch. Better than starving to death or spending a bunch on a restaurant.
Back to the coffee. I hadn't had a lot of water today because we went to the movies and I can't take my jug of water into the theatre. So, pretty dry first few hours of the day, then add COFFEE. Not my brightest move. So for the first half of D&D, I was going to the bathroom a bunch and my guts hurt. Fortunately, we got some G2's (a type of Gatorade that's allowed) and that finally started to take effect after a couple hours.
Lesson learned. No more caffeine in any form.
Another note: I'm really sucking on the walking every night thing. Must try harder!
There's some healthy natural alternatives to coffee:
ReplyDeleteTeeccino Caffeine-free Herbal Coffee
This coffee alternative is popular among those who have removed regular coffee from their diets because it tastes very similar to coffee but is caffeine free. A mix of carob, barley, chicory nuts and other flavors (there are all kinds of varieties) it is truly tasty, can be brewed like coffee (in a French press, via tea bags or in an espresso machine), and mixes nicely with milk, soy milk or just plain honey if you’re more of a black coffee/milk-free person.
Yerbe Mate
If you're not necessarily seeking a coffee taste, this herbal tea with numerous health benefits is a great choice. Not only does Yerbe Mate taste great hot or cold but it has powerful antioxidant properties, and it can also accelerate weight loss as it revs up the metabolism.
Green Tea
Green tea has less caffeine than a cup of coffee but enough to give you a boost without any of the coffee jitters. Its also packed with Catechins, which are powerful antioxidants and potent disease fighters.
Licorice Tea
Licorice tea is actually caffeine-free, but supports overburdened adrenal glands, which are organs that respond to stress. “Licorice is an adrenal tonic and increases energy. It adds a pleasant taste to tea blends and can also be taken in tincture form,” explain Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster, authors of TheHerbal Drugstore.
Wheatgrass Juice
This natural energizer is known as a liquid shot of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Some people don’t mind the taste and others do, but all agree that wheatgrass is one of the most nourishing juices. “Because of its easy digestibility and rapid assimilation, it’s a natural energy supplement, whether alone or added to a protein-type supplement drink,” says Gloria Gilbère, doctor of natural health.
Reishi Mushroom Tea
If you’re looking for a unique coffee alternative, try mushrooms in the form of tea. A staple in traditionalChinese medicine, the soft, flat reishi mushroom makes for one invigorating (and healthy) libation. White and Foster recommend combining 1/3 ounce of chopped or powdered reishi mushroom with 3 cups of water, then bringing the tea to a boil and simmering for 30 minutes before drinking in doses.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is another full-flavored tea that can be mixed with any kind of milk and has plenty of flavor all on its own as well. It's a refreshing pick me up and some health experts say it has immune-boosting properties.
Thank you so much!
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