Of all the research I’ve done in preparing for my Elimination Diet, I have to admit I feel a little foolish for not considering the negative outcomes of giving up coffee cold turkey. Realistically, I’ve likely consumed (on average) 2-3 cups of coffee a day for the past several years.
Even though my diet hasn’t taken full swing yet (check back tomorrow!), I stopped drinking coffee on Sunday (three days ago). I did this because I wanted to force myself into the idea that I would be giving up something I was used to. I would be changing my daily habits and routines. And I figured starting a few days early with something intense would allow me to hit the ground running come the actual start date. Unfortunately, I later discovered this is not recommended for someone who is used to consuming a lot of caffeine, on which our bodies and minds become dependent. A better approach would be cutting down to 1 cup a day, to then a 1/2 cup, and maybe a decaf consumption before eventually removing it from your diet entirely. I just woke up one day and said, “bye bye!”
Now, I’ve had a perpetual headache for days, and feel at this point it’d be just as bad to pick it back up again because my body is obviously already going through the withdrawal.
I guess all there is to do is tough it out, but first I had to call myself out – I felt “so prepared,” but of course there is still always room for error or misjudgment, (or plain stupidity haha). I am staying positive though 🙂 🙂 🙂 and am at least glad I am forcing myself to continue to research and read throughout the process – for this exact reason!! As long as I’m living and learning…
