STILL Kicking Caffeine to the Curb

Several months ago, as I started our family journal to more whole foods and less processed foods I talked about my personal struggle with giving up caffeine. So many of you identified with that post that I thought I would check in with those that were also working on the same to see how you are doing and report on my own progress.

It is easy to write when you first start, right? Then weeks turn into months and slowly your resolve slips away in a moment of weakness as your favorite caffeinated beverage is offered on every street corner. You with me on this one?

My go-to beverage on the go.

I am happy to report that I am STILL caffeine free and it has been over six months now. 6 MONTHS! I am so excited. I don’t think I have ever gone this long. There are a few things that have helped me along this journey and perhaps they will help you too.

• Decaffeinated Sweet Tea – I needed to replace my beverage of choice with another beverage and even though i add sugar (cane sugar) to this it is MUCH better for me than my soda alternative. I have slowly backed off some of the sugar on it as well.
• Transporting Beverages – I like water well enough but I don’t LOVE water. So when I am going to be on the road for a period of time or away at a function that I might be tempted to get a caffeine drink, then I take my own along. Yep, I smuggle my beverage. It works!
• Avoid Temptations – Again, I take my smuggled beverages in when I think I might be tempted for a caffeine beverage. Like when we go to our favorite pizza place or I am going out to dinner with friends and want something more exciting than water but not as exciting as a glass of wine.
• Live a little – Yes, I have had a caffeinated beverage a time or two in the last three months. I needed several when I started the journey to come off the caffeine addiction. I also have treated myself to this beverage a time or two as a reward or when having dinner for a special occasion. The key is that I DID NOT do it at all the first month as I was detoxing and I don’t do it more than 1 time in a given month. I need to set limits. Set limits for yourself but give yourself some grace too.