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I have no problem with giving up meat, cheese, or dairy. Turns out, I ate a lot of vegan things already without even realizing it! HOWEVER, I really enjoy coffee. I don't need it to function, but I do like the taste and the little caffiene kick. Why is it important to quit the coffee? Is decaf just as bad? And do the replacements taste as good?
I'm with you, Abby! Coffee has been the hardest thing for me to give up. Alicia makes some amazing points in the book about why caffeine is so bad for you though, and gives some healthier alternatives:
"Caffeine stresses the immune system and your heart, reduces your ability to feel safe and peaceful, and can mess with your fertility! It also steals minerals from your blood and bones and dries you out, causing wrinkles. Caffeine sucks...literally! The one thing the coffee people will aknowledge it causes? Breast cysts. But who cares? They're just breasts!
You may be attracted to caffeine and coffee drinking for a number of different reasons:
- If you use it to stay awake or because you're just addicted, try black tea, green tea, or yerba mate instead. They're much easier on your body. Green juice can also be a good waker-upper. By the way, after a while on the Kind Diet, you shouldn't feel the need for stimulants.
- If you simply like the ritual and the smell of that morning cup of joe, go for a water-processed decafe, Teecino (or any other grain coffee), or decaf instead.
- If you're just looking for that pause in the day to indulge yourself, take a real moment out of the hustle-bustle: Go for a stroll, pet your dog, or meditate for 5 minutes. I understand that indulging in a coffee break seems like self-love, but how kind are you being if you're never really at peace, never settled in your true self?" (quoted from page 49 of The Kind Diet)
So, it sounds to me like decaf is okay, it's just the caffeine that is bad for you. Green and Black Tea are good alternatives, and I personally think they are both tasty!
Hope this helps!
xoxo, Jacei
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