Diary of a Coffee Detox – Alyse

Diary of a Coffee Detox

Don’t get me wrong, I love coffee; even as a child, the smell and the taste used to see me sneaking sips from my parent’s cup when they weren’t looking, but I hate the thought of being addicted to anything, so every now and then I opt to do a coffee detox.

Day 1

Social withdrawal sets in. As soon as I hear the coffee machine start up and the waft of beans flow down the hallway, I toy with the idea of starting “tomorrow”. If only I didn’t commit to this piece! I start telling myself I don’t need it and convince myself a dandelion and chicory root tea will suffice.  Funnily enough, as soon as my husband has finished his cup, the cravings subside.

Later that day, a dull headache forms at the base of my skull. It’s there, but I jump on the foam roller and do my best to distract myself.

Energy levels start to teeter off in the afternoon, but I used the opportunity to go for a walk and do some stretches (ah the perks of working from home on Day 1). Concentration levels are definitely sub-par but they’re not anything I wasn’t expecting.

Day 2

I slept in a little this morning – maybe 20mins? For some reason, I needed it. The dull headache is still there, but it’s fading. The cravings begin to onset with the sound and smell of the coffee machine. I hate the idea of missing out on it’s goodness – is it really worth it? I’m not THAT addicted, I deserve one, I earned one, maybe I could have just one sip… I realize I’m talking to myself like an addict.  I take pour my dandelion tea and move on.

Energy levels fade well into the afternoon, but the headache is subsiding. I napped after clients today – it was only 20minutes but boy did I need it. Perhaps my adrenal glands did need a break from the caffeine after all?

I’ve also noticed my water intake has increased over the last two days. I’m not sure if it’s because I was subconsciously trying my best to get rid of the headache, but it’s definitely on the up, as it concentration.

I went to bed half an hour early, I was exhausted and ready to retire with the sun.

Day 3

Energy levels are on the up, especially in the AM. I still long for a coffee – just for the taste – but I’m stronger and more determined than I was earlier this week. The dandelion tea is finally cutting it and I’m sitting down to work without any qualms at all.

Mid day, I added a lemon and warm water to my routine – I’m not sure why, but I was craving it. Concentration levels are back to normal and there is a real sense of both peace and clarity.

Day 4

I’m well into the swing of things. I’m coping much better with the stressors of everyday life and I’m finding it MUCH easier to stay on task. Energy levels are back to normal, if not better. I even opted to add an afternoon stretch into my routine.

Day 5 

I had a chiropractic appointment today and my chiropractor commented on my nervous system being much more in check this week. She also questioned whether or not I was doing a detox? How they know these things, I’ll never know.

Day 6

I had to pay $4.5 for a cup of peppermint tea when meeting a friend for “coffee” today. Awesome. I contemplated a decaf, but I didn’t want to ruin a good thing.

Day 7

I start to question whether or not I need coffee in my life? I’m feeling better than I have before. I do miss the taste, but I feel much better than I did a week ago.

Day 8

We’re done with the coffee detox, but I opt to keep it going for the next few days, there’s an overall sense of clarity and grounding without my daily brew.

11 Days on…

I’ve reintroduced my cup of coffee every other day. I opt for a single shot and always black. Long blacks now make me feel jittery, so I keep it simple.

Feel like you’ve got a testing relationship with coffee? Is your coffee habit affecting your health? Feel like there’s no way you could do a detox? Check out this blog post. 

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Meet Alyse

I’m a qualified Nutritionist who believes an evidence-based approach to modern nutrition is severely under-rated. Patients are so often left in the dark when it comes to health-care and as a firm believer in the old saying “knowledge is power”, my ultimate goal is to provide my readers, students and patients with clear and actionable advice that ultimately helps you reach your full potential.