Let the Light In // Caffeine-Free Mornings

I was never a coffee drinker. My natural state is very anxious. Managing my anxiety is a continual work-in-progress for me, and coffee only serves to intensify my anxiety.

About a year and a half ago, at the the height of my sleep-deprivation, I started drinking caffeinated tea. It started out as a cup in the morning and within months, it led to a dependency on two-to-three cups per day. I couldn’t get through the day without it.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with it necessarily. The research on caffeine dependency is all over the place, there is good research that says that a moderate daily intake has health benefits. On the other hand, there is other good research that says that daily caffeine intake creates health-risks. As with most things, it’s wonderful to to be informed, but I believe that we all need to make the best decisions for ourselves, based on what our own bodies tell us, and based on our own instincts.

I still love tea and I will continue to enjoy decaffeinated, herbal teas. I will also have a delicious caffeinated latte once in awhile, too. But as of now, I’ve decided to cut my daily cups of tea out of my routine. Earlier this month, I became very sick. The sickness was some type of flu/sinus infection and it lasted over two weeks. A lot of things compounded the issue, I was physically exhausted and under a lot of stress from moving house. Due to the sickness/exhaustion, I was not eating well. Convenience became king for awhile there and pizza was all too common.

One day, when I had really had enough of being sick, I decided to do a cleanse and sure enough, I got better within two days of starting it. The morning part of my cleanse made me feel so good, that I’ve decided to adopt into my routine permanently.

Each morning, in place of breakfast, I have a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar (ACV), followed by a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of raw, organic honey mixed in, and a splash of chocolate almond milk. Yes, getting the ACV down is difficult, but the honey/milk/water is so good that it makes up for it straight away. With the splash of almond milk it tastes almost like a latte. On hot days, I pour the mixture over ice and enjoy it cold.

Both raw organic honey and organic ACV are said to have numerous healing properties, and even antibacterial properties. I can’t be certain if starting the routine cured me of my sickness, or if it was just a coincidence that it ended just after I started it; but I am going to keep up the practice either way.

Among its many healing properties, organic apple cider vinegar is said to help with acid reflux (which I suffer from regularly since my second pregnancy), lower blood pressure, improve diabetes and support weight loss. The benefits of apple cider vinegar come from its powerful healing compounds, which include acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, probiotics and enzymes.

As for raw honey, it contains antioxidants called phenolic compounds which help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals which cause aging, cancer, and heart disease.

So, while, I’m not certain that the drinks cured me, I’m confident that they are great for my health going forward. In all honesty, I still crave caffeine a lot, it’s been only a week since I’ve stopped drinking it. I especially crave it when my afternoon crash sets in, but I am determined to stay this course. In the coming months, once I am settled from the move, I plan to increase the percentage of raw foods in my diet and to start regular exercise again. I know that these natural methods of boosting my energy are ultimately a much better option for the long run.

I hope that you are having a beautiful week, friends. It is extremely hot here where we are, which means lots of time splashing in the kiddie pool and lounging in the shade. I love these warm months dearly. Find a way to let the light in to your life today. You’ll be glad you did. xo