How to Go Caffeine-Free

"Coffee is good for you. No, wait, coffee is bad for you. Well... maybe it’s one cup a day that’s good for you but any more is not..." It’s hard to keep up with the latest trends. It’s also hard to hear that it’s anything but good for you if you’re a coffee lover.

A morning cup of joe can get you going in the morning or give you a second wind to get you through the afternoon. Before you know it, you can’t live without it. #butfirstcoffee

Chances are the more dependent you are on upon coffee, or your favorite source of caffeine, the more valuable it would be to give your body a break from it. As a nutrition coach, I’ve lead hundreds of people through an elimination diet and detox programs where we go caffeine-free for 30 days.

The greatest concern above all else that we’re eliminating is the caffeine. So, here are the tips I shared with them and invite you to try them out as well.

Keep the ritual

If your coffee or caffeine consumption is based around a daily routine, then I find it important to keep that ritual in place. You’re simply changing the quantity and selection of hot beverage that you’re putting in your mug. This makes it a lot easier than not having the mug in hand at all.

Go slow

The more gradual you take the transition the easier it will be on your body – specifically, your head. You almost want to go at a pace that your body doesn’t even realize it’s missing the caffeine. At first, this can simply mean leaving just a few sips in the cup, then working your way down to a smaller size or even transitioning over to tea. Tea does have caffeine, but there are naturally caffeine-free options like herbal and rooibos tea.

Up your hydration

Knowing that headaches are the most common side effect of caffeine withdrawal, staying properly hydrated is going to help combat those unwanted side effects. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water.

Stay the course

Despite your best efforts, you may still experience some undesirable side effects from caffeine withdrawal, but giving up just means that you gave yourself a headache for no reason. Do your best to stay the course so you can at least experience the payoff. I find it especially helpful when making a change like this to tell myself that it’s not forever. It’s just for 30 days.

Many of those that I lead through the detox felt so much better after the 30 days that they didn’t want to return to their old caffeinated lifestyle. They were sleeping better, which supported them in having a more natural, steady energy throughout their day instead of the ups and downs they experienced with coffee.

I’m curious to know, have you tried eliminating caffeine? What work best for you and was it worth it?