5 Weeks No Caffeine

I started this blog on February 12.

I actually quit caffeine around the end of February (see red arrow).

Notice how my weight seemed to somewhat stabilize. I weighed 235 in 2013, so I know it's not like I've reached my weight limit or something. There really is something to maintaining a healthy weight and not having caffeine. I know how to eat right. But the stress that comes with caffeine is so subtle I don't think we realize that we tend to indulge a little more on the sugars and fats. Also, my sleep has been awesome. I ran 5 miles for the first time in a while last week because I have the energy from sleeping. I've also been reading late at night before bed, without any trouble. Again - I was not having insane amounts of coffee - only about 16 oz, or two 8 oz servings per day! Once at 9:30 am, once at 2 pm. Not a big deal according to most people. Well it's turning out to be a big deal. Let's see where this goes.

Two Weeks No Caffeine

Here is a chart of my weight showing the day I stopped having caffeine. I have continued to have cream and sugar in decaf coffee. A week into this, I had the motivation to begin having protein shakes for breakfast and lunch, fruit as snacks, and mostly-healthy dinners (I've cheated on weekends).

One Week No Caffeine

I'm up at 5:00 AM this morning, working. I helped my daughter with some medicine for her cough and a foot problem that she has. Since I don't need caffeine to wake me up, I drove to Starbucks to use their wifi and get a head start on the day with some work. Yes, I had decaf.

I asked my supervisor yesterday for more hours and he said he would try to do that.

Also, a milestone, I read a non-fiction book for a long time last night. I can't remember the last time I did that on a week night. I just haven't had the mental energy.

It's 50 degrees day so far. Good for running. 10k Race on March 25.

I spent 15 minutes with Jude at bedtime explaining the Gospel to him. I've done this before, but without needing caffeine, I had more energy to do this with him. No caffeine is making me more present with my family.

I've also decided that I'm not making fast enough progress so I'm having protein shakes for breakfast and lunch until I see the results I want. Not needing coffee, while restricting calories, makes being "hungry" easier. The day goes by faster because I'm not waiting to fulfill a craving.

Vitamin Water Power-C Zero is a good alternative to an energy drink!

Two Full Days No Caffeine

Two full days, no caffeine. I slept so well last night.

I discovered Power-C vitamin water Zero has no calories, no caffeine, but has essential vitamins in liquid form (quickly absorb-able as opposed to a pill), and Taurine an essential (amino-acid-like) acid that they sometimes put in energy drinks. I bought six of these instead of taking a 5-hour energy and ran two miles in 39 degree weather.

My weight is still hovering around 208.




I had to pay a $1,200 medical/prescription bill for a family member, so my savings is back down to $600.

Visiting Mom is Usually Bad for My Weight

I think I ate everything bad for me this weekend.

Now I weigh more than I have in over a year.

I think it's taking me longer than usual to muster up the "want."

I'm having a protein shake for lunch.

I'm drinking black decaf coffee this morning.

I'm running in the park this afternoon if it's warm. If I don't feel like running, I'll have some more decaf coffee. The tiny amount of caffeine in decaf might help motivate me to get out there.

Confession: I have three energy shots that I plan to use as a last resort if I'm not exercising. I want to do whatever it takes to be active. Eventually, when I'm 170, I won't need that at all.

The goal is to be active every day. Even if I was up all night with one of my three kids.

A Rocky Start

My progress doesn't look like progress to me.

I may or may not have lost two pounds in the last 9 days. Most of that could be water.

Also, I'm still hanging on to a cup of coffee at 1:30 PM.

I was doing well until I flew to Toronto and was trying to train a school for 8 hours on how to use our product, and I wanted to bang my head against the wall. Instead I had some coffee.

I have successfully avoided caffeine both in the morning and caffeine at night.

Now I'm more awake, and upbeat with my family in the evening.

I sleep much better.

I wake up much easier.

It's going to be 60 degrees today, so I may go running outside for the first time since sometime in December. So whether is going to be a factor here.

I also signed up for 10 k race in March.

Here is a chart of my savings progress showing virtually no movement! Inspiring!

About a year ago I scanned a drawing of a horse created by my mother, printed it, and framed it. I just sold it for $30. I found frames with glass for $1. It would be nice to have some semi-passive income selling prints!