We’ve all heard of having too much of a good thing. Coffee is definitely a good thing – and you can definitely have too much of it. An extra cup or two can go a long way in getting you through a tough day, but regular overconsumption of coffee can be detrimental to your health, ability to focus and more.
As with most things in life, balance is key. If you feel like your coffee addiction is becoming a real issue, don’t worry about kicking coffee to the curb cold turkey. While distance does make the heart grow fonder, the secret to controlling a coffee addiction is by making slight changes to your behavior. Follow these simple tips and before you know it, you and coffee will be back on track!
While the thought of reducing coffee consumption may make one quake with fear (although, that could also be the high levels of caffeine), the trick is to set goals for the amount of coffee you are aiming to drink per day. Setting limits can feel negative and discourage a coffee addict from sticking to them. By referring to the amount of coffee you should drink per day as your goal, you’re mentally framing yourself for success.
For example – instead of telling yourself that you can only have two cups of coffee per day, tell yourself that you can have up to two cups per day. The difference will feel surprising!
One of the easiest ways to stick to your coffee goal is picking a specific time of day to drink your coffee. Did you know there is a best time of the day to have coffee? Stick to that time! Even if you crave coffee at different points in the day, you’ll feel more motivated to stay with your goal.
Let’s be honest: coffee is a gift. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one gift in life. Don’t be afraid to swap your morning, afternoon or evening cup of coffee for a cup of hot tea, a smoothie, fruit juice or flavored water.
While coffee does have several awesome health benefits, nothing is better for your health than water. Did you know that drinking water can have surprisingly similar effects to drinking coffee? Staying hydrated over time leads to higher energy levels and sharper mental focus. When you feel the itch to have one cup of coffee too many, reach for a water instead. Your body will thank you!
Drinking coffee a few hours into your morning routine can help wake you up and give you the energy to get you through your day. However, many coffee addicts are guilty of reaching for a third, fourth or fifth cup to push them through their post-lunch urge to have an afternoon snooze.
Set yourself up for success by eating a low-carb, high-protein lunch. Your body uses more energy to digest carbohydrates like pasta or bread, so try eating a handful of nuts or some tuna to skip the afternoon fatigue.
Curbing a coffee addiction can take practice; different techniques, tips and tricks work differently for everyone. Find balance in whatever way works best for you, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a little cup of happiness every now and again.