I've Had ZERO Caffeine For About A Week. Here's What Happened...

Wasn't expecting this...

To preface this article, before this trial, I was not a coffee addict who had five or more cups a day. The main caffeinated beverage I drank was green tea, specifically an unsweetened variety that comes in bottles of about 17 ounces, which I had once every other day or so. I had coffee about once a week, specifically a certain order from a local coffee shop that I love. I also pretty frequently ate a keto ice cream bar that contains cacao.

I read some anecdotal stories from people on the internet that gave up caffeine, and they ranged from people who merely felt more sluggish to people who said that their anxiety completely disappeared. I am someone who really believes in self-optimization, meaning really finding out what’s best for one’s body and mind and sticking to it. So I thought that maybe going caffeine-free might give me a surprising mind-boost or energy-boost that I wouldn’t otherwise expect. I cut out caffeine completely from my diet, and there were both positives and negatives. Here’s what happened…

The main positive I felt (and continue feeling since I still haven’t had any) is that I’m less on-edge. Now, granted, I generally eat a healthy diet and exercise, so I generally feel pretty well. But there are of course times when my mind fixates on things and causes pressure. This subsided to a large extent, almost to the point of me feeling subdued. There is less overall stamina, but still enough that I feel focused and driven. It’s hard to explain. The best explanation I could give is that it’s like running on 60% fuel instead of 100%. I didn’t experience any major withdrawals like others (who probably were drinking multiple cups of coffee a day). But I do feel like I’m missing a certain something that green tea specifically gave me. An extra push if you will. Not that it’s essential and I can’t function without it, but it seemed like a net positive overall, especially when I really could use the boost (for exercise, long activities, etc.).

My decision? I’m going to go back to consuming caffeine, especially green tea, BUT I could see myself going long stretches (a week or more) without any, especially in times where I need to take the edge off and relax. It’s not something that is completely beneficial nor completely detrimental, but rather a small tool in a grander diet and lifestyle plan that can be utilized efficiently. (Plus green tea has many health benefits). But we’re all different. Consider giving it a try and see what works best for you.

What’s something you gave up in your diet? And what effect did it have?

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