We’ve replaced their regular coffee with Folger’s Crystals. Let’s see if they notice!

So it has been three weeks without coffee. I have heard that it takes 21 days to make or break a new habit, so it should be smooth sailing until the end of the month (right?).

It actually has been easier than I imagined. There were mild headaches for the first few days, but they have subsided. I had imagined that mornings would be much more difficult than they have been. I have felt more tired than normal just getting out of bed (like I am ironically sleeping worse since ceasing coffee), but once I get moving I don't miss the caffeine boost as much as I thought I would.

But I do miss coffee so.

As I mentioned, I typically drink only two cups a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon when I can get it. I think I miss the afternoon cup the most. And quite frankly, I miss the visit to the coffee shop. Coffee shops are kind of my home away from home, and have been for more than fifteen years. I love a quality cup of coffee, and the shop has been where I go to read and write.

Work has been slow, so I have been spending much of the downtime editing and rewriting. I am more easily distracted at home, so I would normally head to Starbucks to write. But since I wasn't drinking coffee, it was like my office was closed. I still went in a couple of times, but without a cup of coffee, it felt like something was missing. I don't know if it was my body jonesing for it, but it seemed like the smell of the freshly ground beans was stronger than ever before.

When I said I was giving up coffee for the month, I "negotiated" that I could have four "emergency" cups during the month. I haven't had to go there, but there have been a couple of afternoons where it was tempting. I am glad that it has been easier than expected, and that I have found that I don't need coffee to function. But there is no doubt that I still want it.

I have been drinking decaf tea in the mornings, and I have discovered that I like Chai tea lattes, but it isn't the same. I will be going back to coffee in June. Not because I have to, but because I want to.

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And for further encouragement, one of the podcasters I listen to - The Nutrition Diva - posted a video last week called, Coffee: Health Boon or Bust? As of now, it looks like moderate caffeine consumption is a good thing.