For those who have stopped drinking coffee.....

[gonnabea5]

......what, if any, changes did you experience after you stopped? I've heard caffeine can cause cravings and sugar spikes. Did you see a difference in these when you stopped?

Thanks

 

[exercise-lover]

I just had headaches and took Tylenol. Otherwise, no differences. I've felt great!

 

[melagras]

I cut out caffeine in 1997. I think I experienced headaches for a few days. I'm glad I quit. I didn't realize how high my anxiety level was until I quit.

While I'm typing this, ABC News will have a story about how caffeine affects our bodies.

 

[tralaiven]

When I cut out caffeine I got a terrible migraine in which I saw "lights" and got the shakes really bad. I did not realize how addicted I was. Now I cannot even have caffeine without experiencing heart palpitations.

I think my experience was because I went cold turkey. Maybe your experience will not be so extreme if you cut it out gradually.

 

[webbgirl]

I stopped cold turkey and had a head ache for 3 straight days, then gone. I didn't take any medication, I don't like to take meds if I don't have too. Also, I take cream and sugar in my coffee. I noticed that I now need a morning snack since I don't have that bit of cream to keep me satiated. I drink green peppermint tea instead to keep my that "full" feeling in my stomach and eat a piece of string cheese if I need to. I, too, get the shakes if I have caffeine now that I have stopped the coffee. I find if I crave coffee, I have 1-2 pieces of 90% cacao chocolate (Lindt) and that cures the craving.

I hope that helps.
webbgirl

 

[maddiesmum]

I quit coffee for a year. I don't drink sodas anyway so that has never been a source of caffeine.

I noticed no appreciable improvements to my health or mental functioning at all. Since it served zero purpose to have given up one of life's pleasures, I have resumed and drink one medium latte daily. I love it. It makes me mentally alert, helps get rid of that sluggish feeling I wake up with and releases energy for tough workouts.

For me, coffee has only brought positive effects. I will never give it up again.

Clare

 

[buneknek]

Too funny you asked this question coz I insult quit coffee 2 weeks ago. I used to drink 2cups a day with lots of creamer! I had headache for 3 straight days, took ibuprofen first day. I could not really tell the difference. I drink decaffeinated tea with agave in the am before I workout. I'm still planning to drink coffee but not daily basis. I stil get very tempted every time I see coffee.

 

[RapidBreath]

I like regular green tea for caffeine and dark chocolate. I tend to avoid caffeine most of the time, I drink decaf or caffeine free teas. I don't like the headaches I get from caffeine. It just depends on the person. Every body is different.

 

[mfv3]

I quit caffeine last Jan when I found out I was pregnant. I'm now breastfeeding so I still don't drink it. I had a headache for the first few days. Now i don't notice any difference in how i feel. I do drink decaf just because I enjoy the flavor and having that warm drink in the morning. I know it has a little caffeine but nothing compared to regular. One time I forgot to order decaf at Starbucks and was jacked up alllll day from it and couldn't sleep that night. I'm good with my decaf from now on......even when I do quit breastfeeding