A lot of people have asked about caffeine withdrawals and “how-to” get off the buzz – especially in the face of a cleanse! I’ve been there, so all I can do is tell you what worked for me. Know that caffeine in small doses is not going to kill you – even on the cleanse. But if you want to help your body function more efficiently by using natural & healthy energy, kicking the coffee habit is wise.
As simple as it sounds is as simple as it is. Just like anything else, 90% of the work is in your mind. The other 10% is taking action to replace coffee with healthy substitutions. I used to drink 3-5 large mugs a day, in a variety of styles & flavors, but haven’t had a cup of joe in 10 years! This was my strategy:
First – any coffee you drink, make sure it’s organic. I believe that removing the chemicals, pesticides and junk from anything will help the brain and liver “read” the substance for what it is, and lesson the detox affects.
Second – Do the good ole fake-out. Yes, I switched to half caf/half decaf for a week or two. Have a friend or spouse mix it together, and you wont know the difference. Faking yourself out gets the mind under control, which lessons the “withdrawal” symptoms.
Third – Start replacing. If you MUST have that first cup in the morning then have it, but any other time you crave caffeine during the day replace it with a coffee alternative like Teeccino (found in health food stores or gourmet markets) or peppermint tea. I used Teeccino as my half-replacement for a few days, then went straight to peppermint and green tea.
Before long, the habit, aromas and pleasurable associations with coffee start to change, and you’ll find yourself not “needing” the fix. Especially after a cleanse, you body will find its natural rhythm, and energy levels will rise and fall naturally.
To help your body adjust, you may want to pay attention to your adrenal glands with herbal support. Healthy adrenals give your body the energy needed at various levels during the day. If you want to read about this, go to A Girl Named Guy fanpage on facebook in the discussion section – I’ve written a lot of healthy tips there for adrenal support.
Good luck – YOU CAN DO IT!! I know, because I got off the caffeine roller-coaster and so glad I did!