I really enjoyed reading this, I became a bit of a coffee snob when I lived in NYC, it pretty hard not to honestly, now I’m more in to tea, black tea , chai, matcha, I find it gives me me a more gentle boost of energy and focus. Wishing you the best on your caffeine free journey!
Like Jasmine, I also am into tea now. I enjoy decaf coffee from time to time, but I buy those drinks and don't make them at home. There is a lot of good decaf tea too and it's apparently a trend. Roasted green tea has 3 mg per serving which is pretty much nothing---I never feel any kind of "caffeine buzz" with that. Also lots of good herbal teas out there.
I do drink a lot of tea and make iced tea concoctions especially since I'm missing iced coffee (I LOVE iced coffee), but somehow herbal tea in the morning was just not cutting it 😅. I'll continue to experiment as I try and add some foods back.
Sorry you had to give up your one vice but glad it is helping you feel and sleep better! (When I gave up caffeine, it didn't seem to have much of a measurable impact on my periodic insomnia.)
You know, the past few days...man. Maybe my body has now readjusted, but yeah. I've had a hard time falling asleep. I've had headaches in the morning too. So maybe I spoke too soon. MEH.
Big hugs! It’s totally okay to feel real grief about this! When my mom was diagnosed with (sudden onset) celiac a few years ago, she felt very punished by her body. After I went to an event where Danielle Walker spoke, I understood that my mom needed to realize that she had to grieve all the foods that she loved and could no longer have. It sucks for her and for you!
Melissa Urban swears by MUDWTR. Perhaps that’s something that might appeal to you.
I have never had a cup of coffee. When I was a teenager, I worked at a 7-11 and made roughly 6 million pots of coffee. That was back in the days when you could still smoke indoors in public places. So, coffee smells like cigarettes to me. Never had any appeal. I do however lovvvvve sweet tea, especially in the summer.
Oh wow. I feel like it's rare to come across anyone who hasn't had a cup of coffee at least once. But I totally get the association! I think I would have stayed away too.
I'll put MUDWTR on my list to try, although I was not a fan of mushroom based matcha, but maybe this will be different.
I can’t be the only one reading this while deep into my morning coffee and now quietly judging all the ways I’m reacting to it.
There are so many evocative phrases about how we take in our coffee (reading “a steaming mug of Joe” will literally make my mouth water), it’s so easy to fall into the trap of casually calling coffee my savior, the thing that makes my brain work, or something else wholly necessary for existence. It’s wild to think that maybe… it’s not? Ooh, that definitely is addiction thinking. 🤔
I’m so happy you’ve found a path to explore that is helping your sleep, even if it’s been a bit of a rocky journey!
I think when you start thinking about it as addiction perspectives change for sure. But believe me, if I didn’t have to I would be chugging an ice coffee now for sure. In fact, I’m really sad I can’t try that espresso tonic that you got at that cafe when you were last here. I might have to steal a sip of somebody’s!
"It seems silly to grieve something as trivial as the loss of your morning cup..." my body actually seized at this sentence (fellow addict showing herself) - there is SO MUCH to grieve here and you are walking this with a lot of grace - I know it's necessary, and/or feels like an affirming choice for your health and those can be easier to lean into but . . . just applause and also tears for you. And thanks for the alternative recs! I love my afternoon cup (may never give up morning) but the older I get, the more I say to myself, "Girl wth are you doing with the PH levels in here." Big ups and big hugs to you.
It's been a process! And as our bodies age, we sometimes need to make changes to accommodate. I think now that I'm on the other side, even if the caffeine doesn't end up being the worst offender of my health issues, I may just stay off. I love the taste of coffee, but turns out, my body doesn't need it.
My journey is similar. Did not drink coffee at all until I was about 24, and I was living in Eugene Oregon. My girlfriend Amy was employed by ALLANN BROTHERS and the coffee was cheap. Of course, I grew up on soda, so the ground was prepared for my transition to coffee. And it was a good meal substitute.
That was 40 years ago.
Like you, I’m transitioning away from coffee. My intake has drastically reduced, and soon I will be in the take it or leave it phase. For me it’s not hard. My stomach can’t take the second cup.
Thank you for sharing your stories. I subscribed,(for free, I’m sorry)
John, never apologize for subscribing for free! Thanks so much for the read and your comment, and much luck on your similar journey away from coffee ☺️
My wife and I revolve around coffee... A long enough layover in a city? Dart out for coffee. Camping? Better pack the Moka. My favorite time of day is before sunrise with my first cup of the day.
I used to be a huge coffee drinker in NY. Loved the look, the smell, the vibe of sitting and drinking coffee. It just feels so cool. Like you have your life together in that moment. Am I crazy? I still love all of these aspects. I moved to Italy and the desire kept getting stronger and stronger for stronger and stronger coffee. Then, I began to realize that it was such a mind thing. But, I still didn't think of quitting. Then I began to esperiment with detoxing and fasting and as I was discovering the benefits, I realized that my coffee dependency was affecting my new passion. Since I had to interrupt the coffee for the detox or fast, I would spend the first two days with a headache. I knew that I had to choose one or the other. Like you, the alternatives aren't the same (but this is probably a mind thing too. I don't like the idea of fake. I need to stop thinking of it as fake coffee and think of it as a good healthy beverage). I love my health more so I stopped drinking coffee. It was challenging, but when you have a why as important as your health, it is doable. Now, I am no longer addicted. I still enjoy, a oatmilk or soy cappuccino when I want one, but I can also go without. I am still trying to feel that feeling of having my life momentarily easeful and together while sipping water and lemon. Let's face it, coffee is culture. When done right, I may even go as far as saying that it is an art. I write and think better with coffee. I feel at peace. But some things aren't meant to be replaced. They may just have to be sacrificed for a worthy cause. I would say that you have one. Thanks Jenna. I remember writing something about coffee a while back. Need to go dig it up. Good luck and love xo
Coffee IS culture. You are right. I think that's why it's so hard to give up. It's not just a beverage, it's the whole social culture around meeting up for coffee and cafe life. I still feel a little wistful walking by my favorite cafes because there really isn't much I can order so there isn't really any reason for me go as much anymore. That is part of the grief of losing something, I think. But thinking about the alternatives as its own beverage and not "fake coffee" is such a good mindset, thank you for that reminder.
Yes, for me it is all about the social aspect. I love sitting and watching people, meeting friends for coffee, chatting with the barista. I have so much nostalgia for the 90's - before smartphones- when every everyone was chatty. 💕 ps i sent you a msg on your website to ask you something. I wasn’t able to msg you here.
I love coffee and caffeinated beverages but have to cut way down as I've aged. Gotta love those "lifestyle changes" doctors are so keen on. Good for you! Thanks for sharing the perspective from the other side, and alternatives!!
I've weaned down coffee from 2-3 cups a day to just one cup in the morning since getting pregnant. But I admire your determination to quit it cold turkey! I'm also looking at herbal coffee replacements during breastfeeding (let's see how that goes), so thank you for those recommendations! I'll give them a try!
Congrats on pulling off such a big change! I'm a devout believer in the power of a 10-minute mid-afternoon nap. It recharges me more than any amount of caffeine!
I know you loved your coffee Jenna! I've read your posts about it before, so I don't underestimate how hard giving it up is. I stick to one generous cup in the morning, I absolutely love it and do look forward to it the night before. However, I do think any more than that absolutely contributes to poor sleep. I think you need to be done and dusted by 10.30am (extensive research conducted on this time on my part!) and would urge anyone suffering with poor sleep to look carefully at their coffee consumption.
I was in such denial! But interestingly, my insomnia was kinda bad this week, which makes me wonder if my body has regulated to having the caffeine out of my system and is now going back to its "normal" state of insomnia 😫
Godspeed, Jenna! Having given up soooo many things in favor of my own healing (alcohol, sugar, dairy, meat, anything deliciously carby), I can super relate. Finding so much commonality in our stories in general…
I gave up coffee as well for a stretch (am now happily hovering at that single morning cup, stable) and the breakup was REAL. More emotional than physical, no contest. Bi-product: discovery the very hard way of a major allergy to turkey tail mushrooms. 😳 Those alt coffees definitely talk a good game.
What are turkey tail mushrooms? 😯 We have a pouch of mushroom-based matcha and it is not my fave :( I think I like the chicory-based drinks so much because it reminds me of the barley tea that is traditional to Korean culture. And yeah, going up so many things feels punishing at first, but then you adjust. but sigh...
Oh, turkey tail… you sounded so gore-may, so full of adaptogenic goodness. Those suckers sent me to the hospital for a very overpriced overnight stay. Swollen lips, tongue, throat; craziness. My first allergic reaction, ever. 🥳
Love that barley tea tho! It really is all about finding those stand-in rituals. Wasn’t a huge beer drinker until I quit alcohol, but something about cracking an n/a can at 5p every day really does it for me.
I really enjoyed reading this, I became a bit of a coffee snob when I lived in NYC, it pretty hard not to honestly, now I’m more in to tea, black tea , chai, matcha, I find it gives me me a more gentle boost of energy and focus. Wishing you the best on your caffeine free journey!
I wish I could drink black tea still. I got such delicious ones in London earlier this year :(
Maybe I'll try some decaf later if I can sustain this longer period of remission from my symptoms.
I hope you can too :)
Like Jasmine, I also am into tea now. I enjoy decaf coffee from time to time, but I buy those drinks and don't make them at home. There is a lot of good decaf tea too and it's apparently a trend. Roasted green tea has 3 mg per serving which is pretty much nothing---I never feel any kind of "caffeine buzz" with that. Also lots of good herbal teas out there.
I do drink a lot of tea and make iced tea concoctions especially since I'm missing iced coffee (I LOVE iced coffee), but somehow herbal tea in the morning was just not cutting it 😅. I'll continue to experiment as I try and add some foods back.
I totally get that herbal tea isn't cutting it in the morning.
Sorry you had to give up your one vice but glad it is helping you feel and sleep better! (When I gave up caffeine, it didn't seem to have much of a measurable impact on my periodic insomnia.)
You know, the past few days...man. Maybe my body has now readjusted, but yeah. I've had a hard time falling asleep. I've had headaches in the morning too. So maybe I spoke too soon. MEH.
Coffee: "come back Jennaaaaaaa"
😂 ahhh!! I feel like it's even harder in the summer because I LOVE iced coffee!
Big hugs! It’s totally okay to feel real grief about this! When my mom was diagnosed with (sudden onset) celiac a few years ago, she felt very punished by her body. After I went to an event where Danielle Walker spoke, I understood that my mom needed to realize that she had to grieve all the foods that she loved and could no longer have. It sucks for her and for you!
Melissa Urban swears by MUDWTR. Perhaps that’s something that might appeal to you.
I have never had a cup of coffee. When I was a teenager, I worked at a 7-11 and made roughly 6 million pots of coffee. That was back in the days when you could still smoke indoors in public places. So, coffee smells like cigarettes to me. Never had any appeal. I do however lovvvvve sweet tea, especially in the summer.
Oh wow. I feel like it's rare to come across anyone who hasn't had a cup of coffee at least once. But I totally get the association! I think I would have stayed away too.
I'll put MUDWTR on my list to try, although I was not a fan of mushroom based matcha, but maybe this will be different.
That’s the usual response I get. “You’ve NEVER had a cup? NEVER????” 😂 Just like I’ve never had a beer! The smell! No thank you.
I can’t be the only one reading this while deep into my morning coffee and now quietly judging all the ways I’m reacting to it.
There are so many evocative phrases about how we take in our coffee (reading “a steaming mug of Joe” will literally make my mouth water), it’s so easy to fall into the trap of casually calling coffee my savior, the thing that makes my brain work, or something else wholly necessary for existence. It’s wild to think that maybe… it’s not? Ooh, that definitely is addiction thinking. 🤔
I’m so happy you’ve found a path to explore that is helping your sleep, even if it’s been a bit of a rocky journey!
To clarify: I meant “the ways I’m reacting to my morning coffee,” not to your piece!
I think when you start thinking about it as addiction perspectives change for sure. But believe me, if I didn’t have to I would be chugging an ice coffee now for sure. In fact, I’m really sad I can’t try that espresso tonic that you got at that cafe when you were last here. I might have to steal a sip of somebody’s!
It is also appealing to think about getting one's body to a point where having a single sip of coffee might be SO potent...
"It seems silly to grieve something as trivial as the loss of your morning cup..." my body actually seized at this sentence (fellow addict showing herself) - there is SO MUCH to grieve here and you are walking this with a lot of grace - I know it's necessary, and/or feels like an affirming choice for your health and those can be easier to lean into but . . . just applause and also tears for you. And thanks for the alternative recs! I love my afternoon cup (may never give up morning) but the older I get, the more I say to myself, "Girl wth are you doing with the PH levels in here." Big ups and big hugs to you.
It's been a process! And as our bodies age, we sometimes need to make changes to accommodate. I think now that I'm on the other side, even if the caffeine doesn't end up being the worst offender of my health issues, I may just stay off. I love the taste of coffee, but turns out, my body doesn't need it.
My journey is similar. Did not drink coffee at all until I was about 24, and I was living in Eugene Oregon. My girlfriend Amy was employed by ALLANN BROTHERS and the coffee was cheap. Of course, I grew up on soda, so the ground was prepared for my transition to coffee. And it was a good meal substitute.
That was 40 years ago.
Like you, I’m transitioning away from coffee. My intake has drastically reduced, and soon I will be in the take it or leave it phase. For me it’s not hard. My stomach can’t take the second cup.
Thank you for sharing your stories. I subscribed,(for free, I’m sorry)
I look forward to the weekly posts.
John, never apologize for subscribing for free! Thanks so much for the read and your comment, and much luck on your similar journey away from coffee ☺️
My wife and I revolve around coffee... A long enough layover in a city? Dart out for coffee. Camping? Better pack the Moka. My favorite time of day is before sunrise with my first cup of the day.
I understand, I was the same.
As a non-coffee drinker, I enjoyed your piece. Well written!
Thank you for reading, Ellen!
I used to be a huge coffee drinker in NY. Loved the look, the smell, the vibe of sitting and drinking coffee. It just feels so cool. Like you have your life together in that moment. Am I crazy? I still love all of these aspects. I moved to Italy and the desire kept getting stronger and stronger for stronger and stronger coffee. Then, I began to realize that it was such a mind thing. But, I still didn't think of quitting. Then I began to esperiment with detoxing and fasting and as I was discovering the benefits, I realized that my coffee dependency was affecting my new passion. Since I had to interrupt the coffee for the detox or fast, I would spend the first two days with a headache. I knew that I had to choose one or the other. Like you, the alternatives aren't the same (but this is probably a mind thing too. I don't like the idea of fake. I need to stop thinking of it as fake coffee and think of it as a good healthy beverage). I love my health more so I stopped drinking coffee. It was challenging, but when you have a why as important as your health, it is doable. Now, I am no longer addicted. I still enjoy, a oatmilk or soy cappuccino when I want one, but I can also go without. I am still trying to feel that feeling of having my life momentarily easeful and together while sipping water and lemon. Let's face it, coffee is culture. When done right, I may even go as far as saying that it is an art. I write and think better with coffee. I feel at peace. But some things aren't meant to be replaced. They may just have to be sacrificed for a worthy cause. I would say that you have one. Thanks Jenna. I remember writing something about coffee a while back. Need to go dig it up. Good luck and love xo
Coffee IS culture. You are right. I think that's why it's so hard to give up. It's not just a beverage, it's the whole social culture around meeting up for coffee and cafe life. I still feel a little wistful walking by my favorite cafes because there really isn't much I can order so there isn't really any reason for me go as much anymore. That is part of the grief of losing something, I think. But thinking about the alternatives as its own beverage and not "fake coffee" is such a good mindset, thank you for that reminder.
Yes, for me it is all about the social aspect. I love sitting and watching people, meeting friends for coffee, chatting with the barista. I have so much nostalgia for the 90's - before smartphones- when every everyone was chatty. 💕 ps i sent you a msg on your website to ask you something. I wasn’t able to msg you here.
I love coffee and caffeinated beverages but have to cut way down as I've aged. Gotta love those "lifestyle changes" doctors are so keen on. Good for you! Thanks for sharing the perspective from the other side, and alternatives!!
SO MANY lifestyle changes as we get older! 😵💫
I've weaned down coffee from 2-3 cups a day to just one cup in the morning since getting pregnant. But I admire your determination to quit it cold turkey! I'm also looking at herbal coffee replacements during breastfeeding (let's see how that goes), so thank you for those recommendations! I'll give them a try!
Do give them a try! I found them to be decent substitutes for the whole "ritual" of having a coffee-like beverage.
Congrats on pulling off such a big change! I'm a devout believer in the power of a 10-minute mid-afternoon nap. It recharges me more than any amount of caffeine!
Oh, naps are wonderful — if you can keep it to 10-20 minutes! Afternoons are really tough, so I might try and incorporate naps when I am home.
I know you loved your coffee Jenna! I've read your posts about it before, so I don't underestimate how hard giving it up is. I stick to one generous cup in the morning, I absolutely love it and do look forward to it the night before. However, I do think any more than that absolutely contributes to poor sleep. I think you need to be done and dusted by 10.30am (extensive research conducted on this time on my part!) and would urge anyone suffering with poor sleep to look carefully at their coffee consumption.
I was in such denial! But interestingly, my insomnia was kinda bad this week, which makes me wonder if my body has regulated to having the caffeine out of my system and is now going back to its "normal" state of insomnia 😫
Godspeed, Jenna! Having given up soooo many things in favor of my own healing (alcohol, sugar, dairy, meat, anything deliciously carby), I can super relate. Finding so much commonality in our stories in general…
I gave up coffee as well for a stretch (am now happily hovering at that single morning cup, stable) and the breakup was REAL. More emotional than physical, no contest. Bi-product: discovery the very hard way of a major allergy to turkey tail mushrooms. 😳 Those alt coffees definitely talk a good game.
Discoveries abound…!!
What are turkey tail mushrooms? 😯 We have a pouch of mushroom-based matcha and it is not my fave :( I think I like the chicory-based drinks so much because it reminds me of the barley tea that is traditional to Korean culture. And yeah, going up so many things feels punishing at first, but then you adjust. but sigh...
Oh, turkey tail… you sounded so gore-may, so full of adaptogenic goodness. Those suckers sent me to the hospital for a very overpriced overnight stay. Swollen lips, tongue, throat; craziness. My first allergic reaction, ever. 🥳
Love that barley tea tho! It really is all about finding those stand-in rituals. Wasn’t a huge beer drinker until I quit alcohol, but something about cracking an n/a can at 5p every day really does it for me.