My jaw dropped when I saw this fact a while ago. Did you know that there is a drug that 85% of us use every single day? If you’re one of them, I have a little assignment for you. 🙂 No, I am not going to ask you to quit.
It’s caffeine … and we use it to get going in the morning, power through workouts or work, and keep us going through the mid-afternoon slump.
The upside of caffeine?
- It gives you energy
- It boosts your alertness and ability to concentrate
- It can come in beverages filled with antioxidants that have health benefits (ex: tea!)
That’s all well and good …But there are a few downsides.
- It can take up to 10 hours to clear your system – which means it can also get in the way of relaxing – and falling and staying asleep.
- You can build up a tolerance after your body gets used to it, which means you might need to drink more of it to get the same effects.
- It can raise your blood pressure.
- It can make you “wired-tired”: jittery, overstimulated, and tired at the same time.
- It’s linked with migraines.
- It doesn’t mix well with some medications and health issues.
- Suddenly quitting caffeine can give you headaches and leave you feeling tired, achy, and even nauseous.
This leads me to that little assignment I mentioned earlier. Today, take some time to ask yourself:
Are you using caffeine – or is it using you?
If you are feeling jittery and stressed, having a hard time sleeping, getting headaches, or finding that your tolerance for caffeine is increasing …Or maybe you feel like you NEED it to keep going through the day – it might be time to reevaluate your caffeine use.
Just something to think about!
REFERENCE:
FODMAP Diet Guide: Why Healthy Foods Might Be Causing Your Gut Issues
Have you ever enjoyed a healthy, colorful salad only to feel bloated, gassy, or crampy later? If you’re nodding yes, the problem might not be what you’re eating, but how your body processes certain carbs. Welcome to the world of FODMAPs and a powerful tool for people...
5-Ingredient “Hall of Fame” Pre-workout Drink
I’ve got a surprisingly good-for-you recipe that’s perfect any time you want a little extra “kick” of energy (including before a workout). How does a mocha iced latte sound? (Answer: delicious.) Here’s why it’s surprisingly good for you – and why it’s a great pre-workout drink:
5 Easy Ways to Meal Prep Without Leftovers
A lot of people tell me one of the reasons they don’t meal prep is because they hate leftovers! I can totally relate!
5 steps to Build a Workout Plan You’ll Actually Stick To
Creating a workout plan is one thing; sticking to it is another. Many individuals start with motivation and good intentions, but quickly find it challenging to maintain consistency. That’s not because they lack willpower — it’s often because the plan they started with...
