Dear Coffee, it’s not you it’s me

One of my favorite things to observe while I am telling someone that I am a nutritionist, is within one minute their eyes bug out of their head, their voice squeals higher, they look so frightened and then they ask in one breath “is coffee bad for you and don’t you take away my coffee.”

Ahhh, coffee. What is it about you? Is it the ritual, the bitterness, the warmth, you open all of our senses to help us be alert after we wake up? It has been over 3 months since I tasted you and I miss you everyday.

Why did I take some time away from this mystical bean? I didn’t drink coffee everyday and would have it as a weekend treat to feel rebellious and free. Then our relationship began to become a bit more co-dependent and I noticed my energy level was slumping. No, it couldn’t be coffee, it had to be something else.

Some people have a constitution that coffee doesn’t effect their adrenals, hormones and immune system. Some of us more sensitive types tend to have reactions to coffee and other stimulants.

Here are some guidelines from the Ayurvedic Traditions to enhance your relationship with yourself and coffee.

Monitor and adjust your coffee intake if….

1.  You have physical signs of indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, or skin rashes. Try releasing coffee for awhile and observe your body’s healing effects. If you are mentally and emotionally sad, I understand, however, don’t let the coffee have the power over you, you are readjusting your relationship.
2.  You are often agitated, irritated, hypercritical, judgmental, or angry. This is NOT a good time to have an extra cup. Hydrate, nourish your body and observe the emotions before the coffee jolts you out of it.
3.  You experience dehydration, dry hair, dry skin, constipation and insomnia (add cinnamon with a splash of nut milk)
4.  You notice you are forgetful, restlessness, or if you feel scattered, spacey, or frazzled. You brain and nervous system need a break and coffee can effect your adrenals causing you to run on adrenaline.
5.  You are constipated and have trouble losing weight, try your coffee just black.
6.  Coffee can be medicinal in small amounts. Try a morning ritual of plain warm water or with lemon prior to breakfast then have your coffee after and by 10 am.

Please play with your relationship with coffee, your body and that stubborn mind of ours. The goal is that we feel so supported with quality nutrition and self care that coffee doesn’t effect our health and can be for medicinal purposes and enjoyment.

Love you a latte,

Heather Fleming, C.C.N

P.S.

Check out this video and have fun adding the different flavors of nut milk to your coffee, shakes, smoothies, curries, and desserts. Also, if you want to learn more about why you crave different flavors, check out the Follow Your Cravings Guide