Millions of people around the world wake up every morning, and hop straight to the coffee machine, or the caf? around the corner. No matter what the day entails, somehow a cup of coffee can make one feel better about their dead-end job, or that dreaded DMV trip. It?s that warm, smooth taste that pushes you through the morning fog and makes you see clearly. It may seem harmless, but it?s like a drug for many.
I started drinking coffee when I was 18, and it has gradually become a full-blown addiction. It got bad when I was in college because I would keep drinking it to stay awake to write a paper or study. Nowadays, I?ll have one or two in the morning, and one in the afternoon because I work most nights waiting tables. Even if I?m not tired before going to work, I?ll still have some because it makes me feel better about going to a mediocre job. I wish I could just be a human being, and be able to function without coffee. I’ve tried so many times to cut back or to quit altogether, but the success never lasts long.
I?ve struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life, and I?ve found that coffee helps in those departments. In the past, I?ve had worse addictions: Adderall and alcohol. So I think it?s safe to say that coffee is much better for me than those two things.
There are tons of articles that boast about the benefits of drinking coffee, which are true, but there are also downfalls:
-Heartburn
-Wearing Down of Tooth Enamel
-Adrenal Fatigue
-Accelerated Bone Loss
-Dehydration
Not so glamorous, huh?
If you?re a coffee lover like me, here are some tips on how to stay healthy while enjoying your daily java:
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Exercise.?
Always do at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, or 15 if you don?t have enough time. If you?re an introverted writer like me, you like to work out in your room. Stretch beforehand, and watch a yoga video on YouTube. Try and switch it up, too. Sit-ups, squats, weights, push-ups, etc. Go for a run or a long walk in the park. You?ll feel better and be healthier!
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Eat Well.
Cut out the junk and eat less carbs, dairy, and red meat. Eat more greens, fruits, beans, and healthy grains. Try some avocado toast for breakfast, an apple as a snack, arugula salad for lunch, and roast chicken and veggies for dinner. It is really hard at first, but a few after days it becomes habit.
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Supplements.?
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Since coffee can accelerate bone loss and decrease tooth enamel, it is important to get the vitamins needed to maintain healthy bones and teeth – and, of course, any damage to the teeth should be followed up with a routine visit to your Dentist Santa Barbara. Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Vitamin D, are among the most important vitamins for this. If you don?t like taking a bunch of different vitamins in the morning, find a good multi-vitamin.
Little to No Alcohol.
Water is the most important liquid for the body, in fact, we need it to live. Coffee dehydrates the body. Alcohol does, too. So if you regularly do both, your body is extremely dehydrated. Try to cut down on alcohol use exponentially, like only on special occasions or once a week. Make sure it is only one or two drinks to prevent hangovers and liver damage.
Coffee Alternatives.
For short periods of time, I have given up coffee for other alternatives. It is worth a try, or maybe even just when you?re reaching for your second cup of joe reach for something different instead. My favorite is Matcha Green Tea because it tastes good and is full of antioxidants, so it?s very good for you. Chai tea is great too it?s a blend of sweet spices, real good.
Pick A Dark Roast.
It may be surprising that a ?light roast? means lots of caffeine. You would think that ?light? means ?lite caffeine? but it?s the opposite. Then ?medium roast? has a medium caffeine level. Dark Roast has the least caffeine. Look at the label when you?re buying your coffee, and go for the dark.
I am still learning about lifestyle habits to go along with my coffee addiction. It?s a daily thing for me, but the tips above definitely help!
