Encouraged by wellness influencers, I decided to ditch my daily coffee fix. Persistent claims on my social media feed suggested that coffee could lead to various issues such as stress, anxiety, headaches, sleep problems, irritability, digestive discomfort, acne, or hormonal imbalances. I heeded this advice and gave up my morning latte for 30 days in hopes of experiencing the promised benefits.
After the trial period, I didn’t notice any significant improvements. It dawned on me that quitting coffee might not be the solution for me. Interestingly, I felt less energetic, more prone to procrastination, and experienced worse afternoon slumps. Despite not feeling better, I contemplated sticking it out for more extended benefits like hormonal balance and improved digestion. However, after weighing the pros and cons a la Rory Gilmore, the coffee lover in me triumphed. For me, the advantages of having coffee in my routine outweighed the potential gains of abstaining.
It’s important to note that I’m not discrediting the idea that quitting coffee could bring transformative health changes, nor am I advocating that everyone should consume coffee. The key takeaway here is that we should heed our bodies’ signals as individual responses can vary. Amid the pervasive social media messages urging people to ditch coffee, here are my reasons for embracing my coffee-loving self.
1. Coffee helps me establish a morning routine I enjoy.
Enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning is a vital part of my daily routine, setting the tone for a day I look forward to. Dr. Kate Ferguson, Naturopathic Doctor and Founder of The PCOS Confidence Code, emphasizes the importance of a robust morning routine in priming us for the day’s challenges. Savoring my coffee enhances my morning experience, putting me in a positive emotional state throughout the day.
2. I still had afternoon energy slumps without caffeine.
My attempt to eliminate coffee aimed to address the persistent afternoon energy crash I faced daily at around 2 p.m. Surprisingly, even after 30 days sans caffeine, the slump persisted. Dr. Ferguson shed light on potential causes for such crashes, citing factors like protein intake, sunlight exposure, physical activity, hormonal imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies. Understanding individual triggers for energy dips is crucial to address them effectively.
3. My mood was worse without coffee…
Skipping my morning coffee led to noticeable shifts in my mood, including increased irritability, reduced concentration, and heightened anxiety. While there might not be definitive scientific backing for this observation, the absence of coffee disrupted my morning routine and impacted my motivation for activities that uplift my spirits. Acknowledging these mood alterations helped me listen to my body and prioritize my emotional well-being.
4. … And so was my digestion.
Surprisingly, my digestion suffered during my coffee hiatus, marked by bloating and constipation. Reintroducing coffee swiftly alleviated these symptoms, emphasizing the individualized nature of how our bodies react to coffee. While research presents conflicting views on coffee’s impact on digestion, monitoring personal responses is key to making informed choices.
5. Coffee is beneficial for brain health.
Prioritizing brain health is crucial for me, and coffee plays a role in bolstering my cognitive function. Despite not seeing immediate effects post-coffee cessation, growing research supports coffee’s positive impact on brain health. Dr. Uma Naidoo highlights coffee’s role in enhancing brain function through various mechanisms like serotonin elevation, acetylcholine stimulation, and neuroplasticity promotion.
6. My workouts weren’t as good without my morning latte.
My exercise performance suffered following the break from coffee, manifesting as reduced motivation and endurance. Coffee’s potential to enhance physical performance, strength, and endurance, coupled with its dopamine-triggering effect, underscores its value as a pre-workout ritual. Investing in activities that bring pleasure, like my morning coffee, can significantly influence physical performance.
