Counterproductive Caffeine and Coffee

I used to pound down coffee all day, but now I limit it to a cup in the AM when I get to my office. When I need a break, I get up, walk around a bit and drink some water. That usually helps me get back on track.

I usually have one coffee before i hit the gym in the morning then stick to herbal tea for the rest of the day. It works for me

I’ve always had trouble with caffeine, I tend to crash more than anything, so now I stick with naturally decaffeinated water, and only once in a while tea with caffeine, but less than coffee or soda.

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I have 1 cup a day in the morning not really for a wake-up but an on my way to work reward. Sometimes I’ll have a ‘social’ cup w/a friend in the afternoon. Coffee seems to have the opposite affect on me most of the time.?! My coffee is usually just coffee w/some half&half.

Hmm, I’m intrigued — please post more.

I usually only have a cup of coffee mid-morning, because it tastes good in my protein shake. I’m not attached to the caffeine at all, and often times I’ll have decaf instead of regular if it’s available…I used to have a severe coffee/caffeine dependence in university though. Any information I absorbed during caffeine supported all-nighters stuck around long enough to ace the next day’s exam but not much longer than that.

That’s a good point, I never really stopped to think that there may be a biological reason for when I get that fuzzy head. Luckily, I rarely use caffine to overcome it. Only when I need to focus for some reason.

Totally agree with this Joel. And I want to remind people (myself included) that taking a break does not include playing video games on your computer instead of doing work.

It means actually getting up and moving around a bit, giving the body time to stretch and the eyes something else to look at for a few minutes.

And as I say this I realize I’ve been glued to the screen for over an hour now…..Ack!

Catch ya’ll on the flip side :)

Maria

I can’t stomach coffee, so I don’t drink it. Nevertheless, I find that sometimes when I have the time and want to be productive (at home), I’m too distracted (by nothing in particular) to concentrate.

I will have a latte prior to my workouts as I think it give me energy to train. When I don’t have one I am flat or no desire to get through a workout. Is it more a psychological thing than an actual physical need?

When in college, coffee was my friend and I did not realize it was counterproductive but it was something to keep me awake to do all night cramming for exams. Now, I drink 2 cups in the AM and the rest of the day is green tea, water with lemon and if I start to fall asleep, a nice little stretch or a small piece of dark chocolate to get me going. Perhaps you have some other ideas for us

back when i was in highschool…whenever we would have a huge exam…it becomes an all-nighter for me. i spend the entire night studying for that exam…and when i feel sleepy….half a cup of instant coffee goes into a pitcher….with 1/4 cup of hot water to dissolve the coffe and a ton of cold milk and syrup….all in a pitcher and i would sip cup after cup of that cold coffee…it works for me…i spend the entire night studying and then performing super well in the exam…but then i would come home in the most cranky mood…REALLY…THE MOST CRANCKY MOOD…SO I WOULD BE LIKE…DONT TOUCH ME…DONT TALK TO ME….and I would crash. So yes…i know that it just cant be healthy to have all that caffine in one day..let alone in one sitting….so what else can i do to help me stay awake for longer periods of time without having to reach for the coffee jar?

Super-coffee and Greek ex-girlfriends…tell me about it. :)
Coffee is an excellent stimulant if used well. Hourly addiction is not good, daily dose not so bad (me), some can use this as an ergogenic and natural supplement for events, which is well good.
Talking the raw black juice here, and without sugar.

Please don’t tell me to give up my coffee. I will do alot of things, but this is one I refuse to let go.

I have 2 cups in the morning, one thats black w/ a pckt of splenda 15 mins before I have my workout (it gives me a boost and helps block pain transmitters) and the other w/ my b-fast. Thats it not a big caffeine junky

I love coffee like 1 or 2 times per week I hope i can still drink THAT much! But in intrigued to know the other methods.

i’m jacked up on coffee ALL DAY. I know it’s not useful for my (scattered at the best of times) focus, but I don’t seem to have a ‘stop’. I think a little can be good for one, but not the quantities of industrial strength caffeine stew i consume. Plus, most of the coffee we drink is derived from virtually slave labour. I’d bet that even the ‘fair trade’ stuff is often acquired by nefarious means. Sigh. I think it is one more evil thing i do in the service of my addiction–buy coffee, even if i know or at least suspect that human degradation (and environmental) occurs to bring those beans to me. I’m interested to see what your suggestions are, Joel.

I LOVE my coffee and doubt I’ll give up my morning 2 cups. I kicked the all-day-caffeine habit a little over a year ago and haven’t felt better in a long time. Doesn’t hurt that I’ve also started eating better and exercising more.

Are there some detriments to coffee other than that it is counterintuitive to your body’s natural rhythms? If so, and you can provide scientific proof, I might be compelled to further cut back.

I’ve never been a habitual coffee drinker, but if I have to get to work or school or whatever early in the am, that’s a different story. I’m not a morning person. I hear what you’re saying, Joel, about unplugging for awhile. I realized that I retain better if I take a break while studying when my mind starts wandering. At least that’s what I’ve been doing this past week or so while studying for the boards. I hope I’m on the right track there.

CAFFINE IS LIKE ANYTHING ELSE. DON’T GO OVER BOARD.

I started getting up earlier for a new job and started drinking coffee, but now I have weened myself off of it and really see no legitimate loss of performance. Would be glad to hear your thoughts too!

I can drink a 20OZ cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee with crm and Splenda and go to bed and sleep like a baby.

Just don’t tell me you’re going to be thumbs up on artificial sweetners and thumbs down on coffee. You might unravel my carefully constructed universe. ;)

So true! There are studies out there on productivity and the more we try to squeeze in the less productive and focused we become. I became caffeine sensitive a few years ago. Call it getting older or too many cups of java in college. I limit myself to a cup a day and usually tea or I have been know to take in only one of those Xyience drinks. It’s my caffeine limit for the day. I used to be able to down a couple of cokes or diet dews and a the largest coffee available from starbucks or dunkin. I shake and jitter and generally feel sick to my stomach if I try it now. I after a cup, 8oz, of coffee i usually stick with water or tea or no caffiene diet soda like Fresca. I get more of a jump start using a rebounder and then starting the day even on weekends when it’s time to do errands and clean the house. I even found a meal replacement on sale to rotate into my eating plan and it has a bit of caffeine in it so it’s less than I’d get in a cup of coffee. I also limit the caffeine to limit any lumps in girl zone. Dense tissue here makes it that more difficult to detect anything suspicious. Everything in moderation!

i drink 2 big cups of black coffee in the morning . Then in the afternoon, i drink iced coffee. Doesn’t make me hyper like it used to. Myabe because my body got used to it already : )

Oh Joel….I have a cup (most times I don’t even finish it) of black coffee in the morning right after my first bottle of water for the day…..then I spend the rest of the day drinking water. Is it really all that bad?

Originally Posted By RICHCAFFEINE IS LIKE ANYTHING ELSE. DON’T GO OVER BOARD.

Rich, I couldn’t have said it better myself. That’s how life is!

I really do not believe in drinking a lot of coffee. However, I take the occasional cup no sugar no cream maybe two or three cups per week. Sometimes I add a little lime juice. Is that bad? Mostly I drink tea no cream or sugar. I really can do without coffee if its bad for me.

I savor one “made at home” latte sometime during the morning, never as a wake me up, but more because I enjoy the aroma, taste, and experience. Lately it’s been on ice. I agree with John…don’t go overboard. Coffee can have benefits if not abused.

I kind of wonder whether even decaf doesn’t have this affect on insulin resistance because I eat really well but still don’t lose, even with slow carbs. Low carb is impossible though because I also have to watch cals and have developed a huge appetite in recent years.

Come on Joel. Coffee is my drug of choice. I call it liquid brain food. I’ve cut down to just 2 12-cup pots a day. You better have a good substitute.

As I am reading this article my coffee is brewing in the background, I kid you not! I am addicted to having the moring cups. I go through periods of time where I cut way back but I am finding it’s increasing again with me being back to school full time at my wonderful age of 40 something.. The morning coffees, the first I barely taste or remember, are almost essential to getting my day going. Anything in the afternoon is just because, or the need for a boost, or what I think is one. I have never found drinking coffee late at night keeps me up. I haven’t taken sugar for many years and have been putting skim milk in it for the last couple, so thats good right? :) I am curious though as to what you mean by “carbohydrate tolerance.” when you talk about it being counterproductive?

Sometimes sleep is not an option. Plain and Simple.

he several cups of coffeee in the morning are great!! You can find studies that will tell you coffee is kill you, will make you alert, or anything else that you may want to find. It is all how they go about the study. I for one think that coffee is one of the greatest beverages on this planet.

I used to drink tons of coffee but after my first child was born, I lost all tolerance for caffeine. Now I drink an occasional cup of decaf but even that I don’t drink after 6pm.

I don’t really drink a lot of coffee. I only drink it on days when I did not get enough sleep and need something to wake me up. I’ll drink it maybe once a week. And I agree with everyone else saying not to go overboard. Anything can have negative effects if you consume too much of it, even water.

I’ve been trying lately to get more info on caffine, this information is coming at the perfect time. I would love to hear more.

I like my coffee in the AM….and I like it strong…that said I can take it or leave it…some days it’s good to have a cup (or a pot: ) somedays I can live without it..I don’t know about whether I feel more productive with or without it….mostly there is always chaos going on throughout any given time of the day…( I have two little ones) ….and there are days I wish I could escape coffee or not : )…I do find though that if I’m super stressed coffee makes me hungry….I’m not sure why…it just does. so on those days I try to avoid it….and drink only water, which I drink a lot of anyway.

I often put a tablespoon of instant coffee in my morning pre-workout drink, and I like the little jump… Should I stop?

Also, sometimes I need a cup to stay awake if I’m in lectures for hours on end!

Maybe it’s not ideal, but my great grandmother always said, “Everything in moderation.”

I often put a tablespoon of instant coffee in my morning pre-workout drink, and I like the little jump… Should I stop?

Also, sometimes I need a cup to stay awake if I’m in lectures for hours on end!

Maybe it’s not ideal to supplement with coffee, but as my great grandmother always said, “Everything in moderation.”

can you say ADRENAL FATIGUE?!!!

When I mix my coffee at home, I mix 1/2 with regular coffee and 1/2 with decaf… Just a little kick to start the day… Even when I order a coffee at Starbucks or Second Cup, I ask for half and half…

I was recently told by a medical professional that my body is becoming insulin resistant…and that if I don’t do something drastic I will be diabetic in 5 years’ time. After reading the above, I am wondering whether perhaps my unhealthy coffee habit of the last approximately 10 years has something to do with this.
I have started addressing the issue in other ways. Perhaps coffee is next on the list of things to go…

I’ve already given up sex, drugs and booze. I’m not giving up my coffee! :)

Well I gotta disagree w/you on part of this Joel. Yes, too many people rely on this as a source of energy but what about people like me who simply like coffee because it tastes good? Same w/liquor or anything else people love to indulge in. It’s not good for you in large quantities but there are benefits. “Coffee has been linked to an increasing number of potential health benefits, including protection against liver and colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease, according to some recently published studies”. And yes, there is a downside to drinking too much, too often..but that’s where moderation comes in just like anything else. You wouldn’t ask people to stop eating their favorite Snickers bar in moderation so why would you ask people who enjoy a cup of coffee to stop drinking it?

I don’t drink it anymore, my last coffee was i guess three months ago and i’m really glad i did cut it off. It’s a real poison.

The US government did a study using caffeine gum, 200 mg of caffeine, for help with sleep deprivation times when you really need to be alert. Using the 200 mg of gum every 2 hours produced alertness without the usual “crash” after the period. My guess is that this mimics the body’s own response – you get a high input of immediate caffeine (it’s hard to drink black coffee in a few seconds that you can do with a gum) which turns on the cAMP system but then the body can “recover” and again you can use it 2 hours later without feeling that hype/buzz alternating with the slump. Worth trying if you have to do some sleep deprivation while staying alert…..

I recently have been drink a lot more coffee at work due to the office being so cold. I know I shouldn’t but I have. Any odeas?

After reading coffee will make you store fat and I am not talking about the cream and sugar, I switched to tea and feel so much better.. Coffee doesn’t seem to do much of anything for me as I can crash on it… Have you heard of the skinny coffee with buffered caffine that just came out? I wonder if it is any good? It is extremely expensive… look up Boresha Coffee or
Skinny Science Coffee and see
Glycemic Research Institute

I’m disappointed to read that otherwise health-minded folks are using man-made sweeteners like Splenda. Try stevia — either plain or one with vanilla or some other flavor of your choosing. Just goes to show how much confusion is out there about what’s good for you. We need all the help we can get to steer us in the right direction. :)

Here’s a comment, my interest has been piqued.

Just been to a 5 p.m. seminar; without coffee that ain’t gonna happen!

Agree with Joel. Have read a couple of studies that show that people who drink coffee actually have less energy than non-drinkers! It only appears to them that they get an energy boost after one coffee shot, but in reality they reach the same level of alertness that others that don’t drink coffee experience throughout the day!! I’m not a coffee fan, however, I do drink a cup before going to the gym for a slight boost and perhaps help with fat-loss a bit… I’ve also read a study that said that drinking coffee after your workout seems to replenish your energy reserves much faster.

I try to stay away from it for the most part, maybe have a little bit before working out but I do better for the rest of the day if I just keep moving if I start to get drowsy. I have to agree with the others in the fact it can be alright in moderation but it’s a drug and like any other drug you can over do it.

I have heard that different types of caffeine exist in coffee vs green tea, and that the type in green tea is better for you. Is this true?

I love the smell and taste of coffee, maybe it is a comfort thing. Recently I have had to cut back on my coffee intake. It can increase or stimulate estrogen production and recently being diagnosed with a hormone imbalance of higher levels of estrogen I need to cut back on my caffeine intake. I have switched to half regular and half decaf and hope to ween myself off coffee completely (once again) but I love the wakeup and the energy it gives me right before a workout or right before teaching a spinning class. I know it’s not good to rely on an ‘outside’ energy source but I don’t always wake up refreshed as I would like to be. I have already cut out the precessed foods, sugars etc…
Guess I need to add more ginger to my morning juice for that “natural energy buzz”

I like my coffee black
(“blacker than the blackest black times infinity”)

but i only drink about 2 cups per day (social coffee time).

i agree about the mind needing to relax… trying to force your work by means of coffee results in very low focus in your tasks. also if your coffee is “sugared” (latte, moka, etc) it makes you sleepy after a short while.

thats wraps up my experience with coffee…

interesting article, i hope there could be more info in this subject…

I usually have a coffee in the morning. Because I need it, not sure. But I definitely enjoy it. I also tend to crave a latte in the late afternoon, especially the days I train.

Please tell us more.

I don’t like cofee. Only take, from time to time, a decaf. I take cocoa in my breakfast, and water the rest of the day.

I never feel great after coffee, even thought it tastes great. So , I don’t bother.

Very interesting topic. I’d be interested to hear more about this subject tomorrow.

I agree with the comments about moderation.

I’ve read too many convincing studies that show many benefits from caffeine to cut it out altogether. Interestingly, some of those studies have linked the problems associated with coffee to other elements in the coffee rather than the caffeine.

Lately I’ve been doing 2 wprkouts a day (Noon and Evening) well right around 2:30 i start to get a little foggy so I have to have a cup just to keep my eyes open. I also have to have a cup in the morning to help me wake up from the previous evenings session. … is tha too much?

Joel,
cafeine content depends on how coffee is brewed, typically American Coffee (drip filter) has the most! Expresso (Italian) has the least, even lest than your typical de-caf.

I am guessing water would be a good sub, as it know i have a ton more energy when i drink a lot of water… but i am a web designer and i love my coffee so i can keep going for hours and hours…. then CRASH

That’s spot on! Just a simple 5-10 min break to space out a bit – enter a vegetative state if you so want gives our bodies and minds a chance to recuperate and rejuvenate.
In fact we have plenty of energy stored but it’s usually blocked and stagnated due to stress so that’s why we feel the need for sweets or other stimulants.
But how relaxed, renewed and recharged a short break can make you feel!

The green tea has many more benefits than the coffee…at least that is what I am told…I save my coffee fix for the weekends and make mine a latte.

Coffee is something that has always been a grey area for me. Some say it’s bad and some say it’s good. I’m not a huge addict but I do have 1 cup or 2 a day during the week but never on weekends. My boyfriend on the other hand will drink 6-8 huge mugs a day of VERY strong coffee and he never drinks a drop of water. No matter how much I try get him to change his ways he is convinced coffee is good for him. Id love to hear more on the subject.

Caffeine and ccaffeine laid energy drinks made me lose concentration and fail a physics exam, i would like to see where this blog is heading ;)

There are studies showing improved performance with moderate caffeine consumption – but as in all things, moderation is key. I only driink coffee occasionally, maybe every few weeks – and it’s a powerful drug when used that way! My daily moderate tea consumption (one black, one green, one yerba mate, usually with my first 3 out of 6 meals) does not seem to habituate me to the level of caffeine that one cup of coffe provides when I really want a boost.

Also, I’ve noticed that if you haven’t slept and consumed caffeine to stay awake it reduces ur concentration, also I’ve heard it rids the body of B6 vitamins which are essential to brain activity :S

For sure want to hear more on this because I have heard many positive things about coffee in moderation. Heck it is called a coffee “bean”.

I don’t tend to drink coffee during the week, whilst at work. I always opt for sparkling water instead, or maybe a cup of weak Earl Grey. I do like to do a pot on Saturday mornings, but find it more relaxing than stimulating. I don’t really find caffeine mentally stimulating though; I tend to just feel a bit jittery and nervy when I overdo it.

In fact I don’t drink coffee at all. I prefer tea to coffee.

Yes,all’s good but what about the headache of the withdrawal symptoms?and besides,coffee tastes good!!!

I drink cofee twice a day on most days, but at least every morning. I just love it. Starbucks is cheap watery full of sugar cofee, is not the same. Puertorican and italian coffe are the best and increase my productivity because the cofee is my break and they are not too strong, cuban and colombian stimulate me too much and I can’t work with those I get stress out, shaking and can’t concentrate.

I’m a cofee freak

Nothing is better than exercise and a nap to increase productivity and energy levels.

I personally love the taste of coffee. But I drink predominately decaf. My am coffee pot has 1 scoop reg to 5 scoops decaf. If I have it any other time it’s decaf.
It’s possible the girl you saw has decaf too…..I guess don’t always assume the negative.

Coffee makes me feel jittery, though not awake. I also know that my dad, who has survived both colon and liver cancer and is working with a holistic nutritionist, has been told a cup of coffee a day is fine, and he treats himself to a second cup on special occasions. It works for him. Oh – - and he stays away from decaf as the decaffeination process introduces toxins. This, with a macrobiotic diet, keeps his acid/alkaline balance in check.

I drink one cup of coffee most days in the morning on m y commute to work. The rest of the day, I usually have one cup of green tea and several cups of herbal tea.

Caffeine is not my vice but I am very interested in finding out ways to get a recharge without stimulants.

I have tried the lets not drink coffee thing off and on for quite some time, i find that i am very lazy and tired . With 3 kids this is not a good thing, 1 cup in the morning with a little skim milk does me great for the day.

Hi
as a coffee junky, you have me hooked…What do you mean by Insulin sensitivity?
Are you saying that it’s linked to caffeine?
E

Coffee is nothing but one of these modern energy booster convenence we “learned” from I dont know where and everybody takes as truth. I use it with care. No more than 1 or 2 cups a week.

I have always started my day off with a cup of coffee, and by mid morning I would finish a half pot. I started drinking decaf. about 3 months ago ( trying to cure panick attacks), for the last 2 weeks I have started drinking my coffee without sugar. That was not an easy thing. Now that I am trying to lose weight, I have been coffee free for 3 days. I know that is not very long, but I hope to see some success because of it. I have always heard that coffee produces belly fat, which is where I seem to carry the majority of my weight.

I’ve recently switched to decaf coffee during the day. I found I just felt more wore out by the time the evening hit if I had it. I do take 200 mg of caffeine though first thing in the morning before my workout. I’ve read studies that it helps with mobilizing fatty acids and the extra kick definitely helps.

I’ve never drunk coffee in my life, but I recently started taking coffee enemas – they’re fantastic for detox. I know, it’s completely weird and disgusting, but it actually cures my PMS like nothing else I’ve ever found.

Used to have a wicked diet coke habit though, for like 20 years. Finally managed to switch to green tea and then taper that down to nothing.

Wiii coffee(either regular or decaf) cause dehydration before workout? I generally feel better if I don’t have coffee before working out.

I’m a graduate student, and therefore drink far too much coffee. Unfortunately I’ve developed such a tolerance that it hardly does anything for me anymore except level me out. In an attempt to get more of a boost, I drink even more caffeine, but I quickly become tolerant to that level of caffeine and start the entire process over.

The one thing I recall about coffee is that recent research indicates it is helpful to our systems whereas research a few years ago indicated it was not. All of which causes me to wonder about research.

I am not a huge coffee fan but I do enjoy a cup once in a while. For me its neither productive or counter-productive because I don’t use it for that purpose but I can see where most people would use it as a boost. Does it actually help someone increase mental focus? If someone were tired or needed a “Pick-me-up” then would coffee be the correct remedy?

I used to drink more coffee than my current a-few-times-a-week-once-in-the-morning schedule. I have never had the same ‘stimulating’ reaction to the caffeine – at least not so I’m aware of it. It doesn’t keep me awake or alert when drowsy, so I guess I have never used its stimulant properties the way your B&N girl was trying to do.

Id agree with others here… drink coffee in moderation. Personally , I drink about 2 cups a week.. I like my coffee on Sat. mornings.. and that one really rough day at the office!! haha

I used to go in very early to work and drink a lot of coffee before most of my colleagues even made it in. I got so hyper that I couldn’t effectively communicate the changes or tests I had made to our software. While it “really got me going”, the caffeine also made it hard for me to really concentrate on what I was doing.

When I was in school and I had to occasionally cram for a test (because I hadn’t done what I was supposed to do and keep up with the work) the caffeine worked to keep me alert.

Now, I drink one or two cups of decaf per week at most, and I don’t miss the caffeine at all.

i like the warm/hot cuddly feeling that coffee brings……silly as it sounds

I can have a triple shot cappacino and take a nap. I usually have 2 cups in the morning and thats it. Love it.

coffee doesn’t work for me. at least for the long run. it could give me that ‘boost’ for an hour or so but no more than that. so I’d love to hear about healthier and better alternatives to caffeinated beverages.

I like being able to go out with friends to have a cup of joe, sit and talk instead of going out to a bar or something where its loud. I savor my cafe, i don’t abuse. however, if i want to abuse, i’ll have a MONSTER!

I KNOW it is counterproductive – I’ve learned that if I have too much coffee, I begin to have a little memory issue where I will go, “umm umm, you know” because I am not quite a sharp as I usually am. Then again, I’m drinking more than one cup – more like 4 or 5!

There might be a little bit of panic in these comments about giving up coffee! It seems to me that rather than a flat NO to coffee it’s more in how much we use it (or abuse it), how much we drink and when that matters. I love coffee, but want to throw in that we have to watch other drinks too. I think a chai latte at Starbucks has more caffeine than the coffee does. Also, I have found that when I stay hydrated with plain water it makes a huge difference in my energy levels during the day and powering through my workout. When I start throwing in other beverages it inevitably keeps me from getting all my water in the course of a day, and I feel the repercussions.

What about decaf coffee? Pros and cons …..
I really like the taste and aroma of coffee. It makes my breakfast taste better.

I agree with Joel. I actually went to this program and I stopped drinking coffee since January 5th and let me tell you, what a difference. I do drink a cup of coffee (Colombian) every now and then of course, because I like it, but just 1 cup. In the morning, just drink water, sometimes green tea, but mostly just water. What is the difference? I dont get sleepy and tired at work until noon when its lunch time which made productivity increase, hydration levels increased, lost some weight, dont feel much grumpy any more, and I dont know if it is because of the coffee or not, but my stamina increased and can workout longer without increasing much my heart rate. I did drink a cup of coffee in the morning the other day and got the shakes, so no coffee again, or at least in the morning.

I’ll have a cup of coffee @ least 2 – 3 times a week……..didn’t think it was that bad, usually enjoy with a bigger breakfast.

I don’t see anything wrong with coffee if you drink it “as is”, and in moderation. I take a cafe chico (a short esspreso) in the morning and some “mud” (pulverized ground, the kind used in Turkish coffee) with hot water poured over it. Sometimes I add cinnamon and ginger for tastes. In any case no milk or sugar, though I prefer Arabic style coffee with cardamom.

The very best I have tasted is what Arabs call Sa’adah pulverized ground boiled down to a very thick liquid, is supposed to burn fats, too. Very bitter, and very tasty, but you don’t get it very often.

I think my body used to I run on Diet Coke and coffee. I still drink one or the other in the morning, but not 8 cups or more like I used to. I feel 100X better now.

What about drinking Coke or Mountain Dew? How does that fit in with the 7 day core program? When can I drink my coke without throwing everything off?

Since I am still on your program, I am anxious to hear what you have to say on this topic. I love to drink coffee throughout the day and sometimes a cup at home in the evening after work while I am cooking dinner. Please oh please dont tell me I have to give it up!

Hey Joel,

I drink coffee all day long as if it were water.
Apparently not a good idea and it might explain why I sometimes get a headache in the afternoon. I already had a gut feeling it was linked to the coffee but now I’d like to know more about it.

Cheers,
Walter

I burnt out my kidneys on coffee while I was at university (all those deadlines), and now can only handle a small cup of decaf maybe once a month. I’ve also become very sensitive to the caffeine in chocolate, and though I love good dark chocolate I often can’t get to sleep at night if I’ve had more than a few crumbs. I think caffeine can be very counter-productive.

There is nothing better than a steaming hot cup of coffee to get you going in the morning or when socializing with friends. However, I’m not supposed to have caffeine because I have malignant hyperthermia. Also caffeine lowers your potassium level and it is dehydrating and makes it hard to lose weight. Also gives you lumps and pain in your breasts. Also when you stop you get headaches. Why do I enjoy it so much? I can go for months without it but always get hooked again.
Norma

Shift work for 24 years = coffee drinker…..end of story!

I’ve read a study that showed that caffeine intake prior to any activity does in fact promote mental alertness and enhances muscle performance. I have one or two cups each morning…sometimes on the weekend I’m not too quick to get a coffee and end up with a headache. As soon as the caffeine is there, headache is gone.

I have another question Joel…I also heard from my message therapist that caffeine prevents the absorption of water for 1 – 2 hours after consumption, that basically you shouldn’t bother drinking any water for 2 hours after a cup of coffee since it will only end up in the toilet! Hydration is critical for anyone doind serious MRT or HIIT work-outs, so perhaps we shouldn’t be drinking any coffee at all? Do you have any intel on this?

hahaha, I didn’t have my regular morning coffee this morning, after eating lunch I actually felt so run down I napped until 1:30! Forced myself to get up then went into the office, but not before stopping and purchasing a large coffee to go, feeling totally fuzzy headed opened my e-mail to read Joel’s link to “Do you drink coffee?”, LOL . I thought, well, yes, yes I do and now I suppose I’ll find out how bad it is for me. :o(

Although I usually limit myself to 2, I rarely drink more than 1 since beginning a workout routine in January. I just don’t feel the need to drink more than that. But sometimes I use it just for that extra boost when I feel particularly sluggish, like today.

I also agree with many posters that water is very good for keeping the clear!

I can’t stand coffee so I don’t think there is any problem with it for me. Besides, if you take a break and feed your inner hyper-child you will be active enough as it is.

Yep, I used to drink WAY too much coffee and energy drinks! You should say something about those too Joel. I was addicted to stimulants and it got me through long study hours while in college, but the crash was harsh and my sleep was never solid. Now that I have been stimulant free, I sleep like a rock and have energy when I need it without “drinking it”.

Besides, my doctor told me to stop all stimulants due to my heart. I also noticed my dependency was like a drug addict and I was worried about my adrenals, so I stopped cold turkey! The headaches were intense for almost a month, but it eventually went away. Now, my blood pressure and heart rate is better than normal and now I am fun to be around. LOL!

I have 1/2 tsp. instant coffee in a HUGE cup at 4.45 p.m. when my husband comes home. (no sugar) The reason I have this ONE cup of coffee is an excuse to have a mountain of froth on top!! (fat-free milk) I quite like the aroma of coffee but the taste doesn`t really compare. As I said I like it cappuccinoed! I have heard that drinking water when you need a break is a very good thing!! A bit off the subject but I heard too that water helps if one is having an asthma attack or suffers with Emphysema??????

I’ve never really used coffee to wake me up. When I did try, I always timed it wrong, so I’d have the coffee, then finish what I needed to do. Then I’d get the caffeine ‘high’ afterwards when it is time to relax or sleep. And we all know we need a good amount of sleep to let our bodies recover.

Interestng. I never knew about the insulin sensitivity. I am at risk for diabetes having had gestational diabetes during my last pregnancy. I’m guessing that I should use caution with my caffiene!

I recently heard that it can be a great study aid for kids with ADHD. Any truth to that?

I have mine in the morning and that’s it for the day, the rest of the day is water. I did try it before my workout but it didn’t do anything for me.

I think it still depends on the person. I’m capable of multi-tasking whether or not I’m having my favorite iced coffee drink. Maybe some people do need the caffeine to help keep their engine running, and some people don’t. I think my coffee drinks are my “comfort food”. They’re like the baby blanket or stuffed toy that you were attached to as a child. I’m energetic/hyper, in general, so I definitely don’t need the caffeine for the energy, but I do believe that you can be emotionally attached to a food (or, in this case, a beverage). It’s just like other comfort foods. Maybe my iced coffees are affecting me in some way that I’m not aware of. I know too much coffee is not good for you (especially the Iced Caramel Macchiato drinks I prefer). Is there a healthier alternative to the Iced Caramel Macchiato that would give me the same sense of comfort and satisfaction??? If there is, I’m willing to switch. (Don’t say water. I enjoy drinking iced cold water, but it’s not the same as an Iced Caramel Macchiato.)

Joel,

I was very disappointed by this blog entry. There was no actionable information at all. I drink *up to* two cups/day with non-fat non-dairy flavored creamer and no additional sugar (other than what’s in the creamer).

What’s a reasonable amount of coffee? What should we do INSTEAD of coffee?

I have weeks where I drink more than others – Mostly I drink it because I am cold and I like it. lol I try to drink only 1 or 2 cups with caffeine and the rest decaff – but don’t have as much decaff tea though, need to get some more.

It’s funny how people read between the lines, eh? I don’t recall you suggesting that coffee is bad for you, just not ideal when your body needs a break.

I personally like coffee, but with stevia and skimmed milk. I have a cup in the morning with my smoothie (banana, blueberries, linseeds and protein powder) then another about 3 hours later with a handful of almonds. From then on I try to get in at least 6 glasses (250ml) of water.

I heard somewhere that coffee is a good source of fibre; is that true?

There is nothing wrong with a good quality, organic regular coffee at all. It’s all the crap that we put in it that affects our health. Check out:

Coffee: The New Health Food?
http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food

“Consider this: At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones”

And that wasn’t all it could do. Another interesting read is by Ray Peat, Ph.D:

Caffeine: A vitamin-like nutrient, or adaptogen
http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/caffeine.shtml

Coffee drinkers have a lower incidence of thyroid disease, including cancer, thannon-drinkers.

Caffeine protects the liver from alcohol and acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other toxins, and coffee drinkers are less likely than people who don’t use coffee to have elevated serum enzymes and other indications of liver damage.

Caffeine protects against cancer caused by radiation, chemical carcinogens, viruses, and estrogens.

Caffeine synergizes with progesterone, and increases its concentration in blood and tissues.

Cystic breast disease is not caused by caffeine, in fact caffeine’s effects are likely to be protective; a variety of studies show that coffee, tea, and caffeine are protective against breast cancer.

And again, see the rest of the article to find out about the other benefits. I think Joel is just trying to pull everyone’s chain.

I never use coffee to stimulate me for productivity. Instead, I have always found that a short walk (1-2 minutes) with some stretching or even eating an apple refreshes me the most. I think with the walk, getting outside and getting some sun and fresh air is the actual stimulant.

Coffee is something that I drink but, as I said, not for making me more productive. It helps wake me up before heading to the gym.

Originally Posted By Carl PruittI agree with the comments about moderation.

I’ve read too many convincing studies that show many benefits from caffeine to cut it out altogether. Interestingly, some of those studies have linked the problems associated with coffee to other elements in the coffee rather than the caffeine.

I’ve heard that it is the tanic acid in coffee that is one of the big health concerns. This is stuff that is used to tan leather. Can’t be too great for the body

Okay, after rereading the article and some of the comments posted, I have to apologize for assuming Joel was pulling our chains. Although coffee has numerous health benefits, I don’t believe that was the major focus of the article. Rather, he makes a great argument that we too often use coffee as a stimulant to replace important health practices like proper sleep, nutrition, etc. that leads to naturally high energy levels. That I can certainly agree with.

So I have never drank a drop of coffee my entire life, and I was able to go through and get my BSc in Neuroscience and graduate from dental school (and my wife was pregnant three times while I was in dental school) so no one can tell me that you NEED coffee to function because that is just not true. Caffeine is a drug and like all drugs it has side-effects. I have the occasional cafeinated pop at movies (simply because the only diet pop they have is coke – I wish they had diet 7-up or diet sprite but they don’t) and on if I fill myself getting too tired when I am driving I will have a diet Dr. Pepper, but that is maybe once every other week.

However, I have recently added caffeine to my morning workout unintentionally. A pre-workout drink called naNO vapor was recommended to me. I took it once without realizing that it had caffeine in it. Boy was I hyped up during that workout. I was jumpy and really excited to do my bench presses. It felt so funky. It did give me a lot of energy so I was able to workout harder but I’m not sure I like how it made me fill. My heart rate was dramitically increased and I felt slightly dizzy. I am still using the it because I workout at 5:30 in the morning so the drink helps me with early morning energy. Also it was expensive so I don’t want to waste it. My question is, do pre-workout drinks with naNO vapor really help build muscle and are there any good ones out there that don’t have caffeine? What are some good pre-workout drinks and post-workout drinks?

This is a very interesting fact. I am a Mormon and one thing that has often been said is that coffee is not good for the body. I follow this word of wisdom.

I’ve only had a few cups of coffee in my life. I avoid soda and coffee nearly 99% of the time. When I DO have caffeine, however, I barely notice its effects unless I’m trying to sleep. Only once have I had coffee in attempt to make myself more productive for studying. …All it did was make me feel like I was ADHD and I actually got less done than I normally would have. I sat in the library “studying” for 6 hours and only read through one page of notes.

There is no way I will let her go… http://www.espressoworld.ch/ecm/help/classika07.pdf

I ‘ve always read articles about caffeine, wether it helps or weather it doesn’t help with fat loss…
I’d love to have some scientific advice on caffeine!!

Have a great day

María

As usual, moderation is crucial. I drink one small cup of coffee every morning and that is it. I can’t believe the person who said they “only” had 2-12 cup pots per day!!! I’ve heard that coffee has as much or more antioxidants as green tea, but those that have to put lots of sugar and/or cream in will probably negate the good effects of the coffee. I’ve finally gotten off sugar and have reduced the quantity of cream, but still need a little.

I love coffee, but I can’t drink it often. Something about the acid in it bugs my stomach and caffeine makes me sick if I have too much. I do drink tea about 5-7 times a week, but it’s usually a blend of caf and decaf. I also tend to drink it in 2-3 sittings during the day. ^_^

No more Red Bull for me :(

I used to drink 2-3 pots a day. From early in the morning until I went to bed. I quit completely about 1 1/2 years ago. Now I only occassionally drink a cup of green tea (not every day). The rest of the time I drink plain old ice water. I drink at least 100-150 ozs. per day.

I generally have a cup of coffee in the morning before a workout then if I do have another during the day it’s decaf.

Hi Joel,

I have a question somewhat relating to Caffeine. There are a lot of fat-loss advice that should take caffeine and green tea extract before workout for greater fat loss and N-O ( L-Arginine and the like ) before workout for muscle pumps.

But it never works for me. I tried it several times and failed miserably. My hands are too shaky, I can’t concentrate on my reps/sets ( don’t know it is what you mentioned in the post or not.) The only thing that works well for me though is cardio.

I can take those pills ( caffeine, Green Tea, L-Arginine) and do the cardio – the one you don’t need to concentrate but just mindlessly run or peddle. Somehow, i can do those types of cardios longer without much affecting me with the pills.

Let me know your take on those and oh, while you are at it, can you let us know and discuss what your take on “muscle pump” is ?? :-)

I’ve actually read tons of studies about the benefits of caffeine and coffee on respiratory function, mental accuteness, and as a pre-workout stimulant to get a better workout. I’m not much of a coffee drinker myself because I don’t like to effect my sleep but I think there are definately benefits you should look into before condemning it.

I don’t do well with caffeine as it is, so I only have 1 cup in the morning. I drink water the rest of the day. However I don’t do well with carbs either, so I’m really interested in seeing if their is a link somewhere.

Jessica

Will switching to decaf be any better? I love my coffee taste and I’m willing to switch and fool (Placebo effect) my brain into thinking it’s the real deal. lol

I have one cup of coffee on the weekends just because it is nice. The rest of the week, I start out my day with a soy milk, banana and Amazon Power Shake for energy. During the day, if I start to droop, I get up and move around if possible. If not, then a small lump of the plain powder on a tiny piece of chocolate (for taste) gets me moving again and feeling alert without the jumpiness. Plus, there is no letdown or crankiness. Another thing to get over that afternoon slump is the Amazon Herb Company product – Metabazon – for metabolic energy and carb regulation. One capsule and I feel alert for hours.

You are totally correct (again) Joel.. Years ago I read Dr. Abravanel’s Body Type Diet book which goes on at great length to support your caffeine position. The constant stimulation of the adrenal glands forces the body to release stress hormones which circumvent fat loss and eventually result in Thyroid malfunction too. Some body types are much more sensitive to caffeine’s effects and experience more deleterious side effects. After the initial pangs of withdrawal you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel and sleep. Try it!
Maureen Baker
Dublin, Ohio

If somebody is getting tired (and consequently drinking coffee) more than once a day for some obvious reason, they are on the adrenal system roller coaster. It is not normal to ping pong with fatigue. Dosing the adrenal rollercoaster always ends with adrenal exhaustion, which means high estrogen and then insulin and sex hormone problems.

How did you mean caffeine causes an insulin and thus carb and fat problems?

Real health problems I have solved through diet and exercise include adrenal fatigue as one kind of chronic fatigue, slipping discs, and hormone problems associated with being overweight. Joel has a lot to tell us on hormones for weight control.

I’m definitely a stimulant addict! I love my caffeine as much as I love adrenaline. I’ve given up the nicotine thankfully! They all ‘rev’ you up which is what some people need. If I’m sitting down for too long I fall asleep so if I can I get up and move around to get the adrenaline happening. For the times I can’t get up and about (at work for instance like in a class or meeting), then the caffeine does it instead and helps keep me awake! I’d be hopeless without my 3-4 cups a day! Sue

@Tom –
I’m a Mormon as well. Isn’t interesting how things we have been told all our lives actually make sense? It is great to not have to rely on an artificial substance to stay alert and awake. Now, after a couple of years of dieting, I can say that I am truly living the word of wisdom. I have even kicked my biggest addiction – refined sugars

@Joel Marion – more like Nathan Explosion…

What up, Joel! Cool post today. I don’t drink a lot of coffee, probably only one or two cups in the morning and then I usually stick with water. I don’t think that caffine stimulates us to productive for a long period of time. In fact, I have begun to replace my morning coffee with some type of herbal tea and I can tell you that I feel much more alert than I do after I drink coffee, but that could simply be a psychological thing. I have actually heard that eating an apple in the morning has the “wake-up” power of three cups of coffee. Who really knows? Well, I’m someone does. In any case, it seems to me that drinking water continuously throughout the day make me feel much more productive than on the days I drink too much coffee and have a diet coke. I know, but maybe I should switch to caffine free.

Originally Posted By Darrell WhitledgeI can drink a 20OZ cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee with crm and Splenda and go to bed and sleep like a baby.

…does that mean that you sleep 1 hour and then wake up and cry for 2 hours and then go back to sleep and then wake up again?

OK, now you have my attention. I drink 2 cups of coffee every morning before breakfast. I do eat a well rounded breakfast though. Usually a 3 egg white omelet with one whole egg, spinach, mushrooms, and cheese, a 4-6 oz. steak and a whole potato, diced, and sauteed in olive oil. the coffee gets me going so I can cook all that before work. I would be very interested to know what we can substitute for the coffee. And, is the coffee really that bad?

As long as you stop the caffeine early enough in the day to be able to sleep well, caffeine isn’t going to do anyone any harm in reasonable quantities. The data regarding its effectiveness for increasing exercise performance and mental acuity are incontrovertible. Caffeine is good.

It is good to read that many people posting here only have one cup of coffee per day and not ‘down’ cup after cup. I am not what I would consider a ‘coffee-drinker’ but I do enjoy iced coffee. I would probably have a cup of that each day just for taste, not caffeine. I like my healthy cinch tea with a little performance added to it for a real energy boost!

I should add that I don’t drink coffee much at all (one or two cups a month at most). I do take one caffeine tablet first thing in the morning, and E/C/A pre-workout.

What do you think of red bull? Are you familiar with it?

I used to drink at least 5 or more cups of coffee a day – with all the trimmings. After having my children, I went on the Suzanne Somer’s diet. Her diet has caffeine as an enemy. I stopped drinking regular coffee and started drinking decaf. I have been drinking decaf for 8 years now.

About a month ago, my husband wanted to treat me and took me to Starbucks. The coffee tasted absolutely wonderful. It was loaded with flavour – and caffeine. By the time I got home, I was so dizzy and my heart was beating irregularly. I had to lie down for about a half an hour until things stabilized in my body.

Does caffeine have adverse effects on your body? You bet!

Hey Joel,

I like 1-3 cups after waking….getting alert while reading the daily news and then off to a workout….

By the way, I recently started drinking my coffee black….Appreciate the flavors much more than diluting with cream…..

I love coffee, but try to limit myself to one to two cups per day, all before 3pm. One cup is preferable, first thing in the morning. I had a real problem with it and used to drink all day and all night. Of course, I slept terribly. I try not to use it as a stimulant, just something I actually enjoy drinking.

Looking forward to your 3 tips Joel.

I usually do a tea break, but that is mainly giving me a little walk, ok it is to the kitchen at work but that is the way to step away from the computer. Plus on occasion someone will come with me and we’ll have a natter!

I can’t start my day without a coffee & whenever I’m feeling drained during the day I go for another coffee. So I’d be very interested to know how to maintain productivity without the coffee.

I drink it because I like it. Dark Roast Arabica to be exact . A little cafine boost is cool but when I want enegy that’s not where I go. Give me a rhodiola, a can of XS (the original B-12 and amino acid energy drink . check out rredick.qhealthzone.com for XS and other great sport nutrition products), an apple in the morning works great. a bottle of water, and most of all a good night sleep. Like so many other drugs cafine has it’s use but too m,any people abuse it. Just my opinion and that’s what you asked for, right? ;-)

I agree with your comments re:moderation. Personally I feel better since reducing my caffeine intake. Used to be pretty dependent on the stuff. Especially since I get up before the birds even know what’s going on. We really do need to unplug as a society. Adrenal overload has become a way of life.

Hi Joel
After I’ve taken my greens plus vitamins and had a workout, I have breakfast followed by my morning coffee. I just enjoy the flavour. I only have 1 coffee per day. I’m trying to take de-caf most of the time. Of course there are those times that de-caf isn’t available. Is de-caf just as bad, better or worse?
On the other side of the coin, my husband is a transport driver and drinks plenty of coffee. It was to the point that I could smell it on his breath when he’s come home after a week away. He’s trying to diminish his intake but there are those times during a long day that he needs to wake up a little more. Any ideas of what the coffee can be replaced with is greatly appreciated.
Great topic because many of my members love their coffee.
Ginette

I’ll go ahead and throw down a comment, but personally I’d MUCH rather see more on the gain muscle / lose fat topic that we lost.

PLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEE????

I only have two cups a day in the morning – that.. and chocolate …is my only vice … no way I am giving them up!

What about tea? How does it compare to coffee?

Hey Joel,

Interesting topic…i only take caffeine before a workout and none the rest of the day. I work out first thing in the morning and the caffeine gives me an extra boost. And i read somewhere that it actually does have benefits when taking it right before a workout or cardio session. Maybe this can be a related topic we can discuss in one of your blog posts regarding caffeine. But i’m still interested in the rest of your posts regarding building muscle and burning fat at the same time…hope you revive that topic and give us the rest of the ways of how to achieve that…thanks Joel…

I’m a big coffee drinker sorry to say. I love the stuff, can drink it all day, not the flavored kind though, and it’s one thing I don’t think I’ll ever give up. I can do without sodas, fruit drinks, tea, but I got to have my coffee, especially in the morning. I drink a lot of water too.

Oh no, thats one thing I like is coffee. I usually drink 1 maybe 2 cups a day. What about all those thermogenic supplements with added caffeine?

Originally Posted By The FactorI’ll go ahead and throw down a comment, but personally I’d MUCH rather see more on the gain muscle / lose fat topic that we lost.

PLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEE????

I Agree with The Factor. Information on how to gain muscle and lose fat was much more interesting to me than how much coffee one should drink. I really like all these topics, but gaining muscle/losing fat I felt was the most applicable and useful

Well now, isn’t that an interesting topic for today?

Usually I have one cup of coffee (plain, nothing added, great coffee) in the morning, not always, sometimes I just don’t have time or the inclination.
This AM I was up at 4 AM, had a cup.
went to work
then after work I went to work for 4 more hours.
Did I mention I was already thrashed by 2PM?
So, I had another cup. But it did bunkus so I had another and got through 2 hours of the next job. But having 2 more hours to go and feeling like I really wanted to just go lie down and go to sleep (not an option) I had another cup.
I got through it but my kidneys are screaming at me. Guess I should have had some water instead.
The last 20 minutes of the hard physical work I was doing went pretty slow. I was dragging my back pockets. Sheesh! The work took an extra 15 minutes because I could no longer move very fast.
I could not have answered a yes or no question when I finally finished at 7:15.
Think I will now go to bed.

@Sherry – Yeah Sherry, me too!

yeah sure, i love coffe but it dosen’t give me the boost i used to have
I am very interested to see some way of replacing my little failed attempt at productivity, if u konw what i mean

Good topic for study. I find it very hard to not have any caffeine. But (hopefully) there is a balance. Does our body function at maximum without stimulants, or does it make a lot of difference whether or not we have one or two coffee/coke/pepsi? (diet of course)

3 things…

1. Clinical research has shown Red Bull can increase the risk of heart damage or trigger a heart attack

2. Mateine is a great alternative to caffeine without all the addictive and negative medical side effects

3. Research has shown that the caffeine found in green or white tea is extremely beneficial for one’s physical and mental health (along with other goodies like l-theanine) and does not have the negative side effects as coffee’s caffeine

@Brian – The clinical research was specific to those who already have an underlying cardiovascular problem. Mateine can be found in yerba mate teas.

Hi :), the funny thing is, I’ve experienced just how bad caffeine can be for productiveness :). I will drink a cup of coffee, and half an hour later I’m yawning like nothing else. I like the decaf, as it gives me the pleasant taste, without the side-effects. Its just damn expensive in comparison.

i agree I do not feel that coffee increases my productivity! Nor does it keep me awake, i drink it more because I am craving it than for any positive assistance from it.

Hi all,

i can remember at one point as a busy PT drinking about 10 cups of coffee per day, thinking that it would get me through the 8+ session days, but soon realised this was not good for me. I cant remember where i read it but it went something like this:

“If your going to buy organic products, make sure they are butter, coffee and fruits”

These products (when not organic) use the most additives/pesticides etc and most damaging to long term health. So from then i use organic decaffinated coffee. after 2 days of getting used to the taste, it tasted great. in fact when i drink the odd non-organic coffee it tastes more bitter/metallic. i was addicted to the taste of coffee not the caffiene, try it out

Nathan, Bahrain

Everything in moderation. I love a really good cup of coffee, one cup only, and not every day, and not after 4pm or I am kept up! There are some really nice teas out there which are naturally low in caffeine; in Australia the brand in Madura, and there are several types including breakfast and green tea with jasmine.

I don’t usually drink coffee… perhaps 3-4 times a month or even less. Usually more during exam period or when I need to finish writing essays and reports.

And if I do drink coffee it’s organic and I drink it as it is, no sugar or cream/milk added. I think it’s better to taste the real thing =)

Probably like most things, moderation is the key. I have a coffee first thing in the morning, and then green tea for the rest of the day. If I’m travelling on a long journey & feel tired, then I have a black coffee or two – but there must be better ways to stay awake…

Caffeine is an essential stimulant to get me up in the morning. Otherwise, I will not be able to get out of the house that early for classes. Another function of caffeine is to stimulate me into some kind of action in hot weather. This can easily be substituted for with a quick shower or working in an air-conditioned room. Coffee is not necessary for me; I could easily pop a caffeine tablet or have 2-3 cups of black tea, which by the way, are more economical ways to get caffeine.

FYI, I teach classes, not fortunate enough to indulge in being a student like I once did.

I agree. Caffeine for me, does the opposite. I’m much more alert ongoing not drinking coffee consistently. Actually find this is probable related to as much the water levels in my body as when I’m on creatine, I am amazed how much I can focus and how alert I am to when I’m not. Coincidence?

Simple solution to caffeine in coffee, drink De-caf. Tastes a little different, but most places serve it and you can enjoy coffee without having to worry about caffeine, especially when on things like creatine, as too much caffeine and it negates a lot of the water holding promotion of it.

That’s why i feel week when i take one cup of coffee, usually i go to the Gem 2-3 days a week with reducing my meals. but after my exercising i feel tiered when i drink coffee. i try to drink orange juice or take some fruits to feel better.

yeah i wish i could just get some coffee and wake up

Whenever I was studying for any subject I always went for 45 minute sessions. I’ve read that 45 minutes is the magic number for your brain to focus on any one thing. I do try to drink water instead of coffee if I feel myself dragging and need a little energy. Sometimes all you are is dehydrated. There does come a point of no return with coffee consumption…when you fall asleep drinking a cup, you probably drink too much.

can’t wait to read more on cafine.
love my daily late in skim or 2%, before a workout!

Good stuff man… Eben Pagan posted a wicked video on a similar theme (http://www.wakeupproductiveblog.com/2008/09/time-mgmt.php) regarding the need for a break approximately every two hours to maxmise your productivity and let the brain do exactly what you said, let it recharge naturally without trying to prop it up with coffee or any other means, eg, energy drinks, etc.

i sent this to my personal training clients late last year and they loved it. Still to this day I am yet find a better source of info on time management.

Regards, Clayton
Personal Trainer | Adelaide, Australia

For about a year now, I’ve been using Teeccino, an herbal no caf coffee. I weaned myself gradually. However, I still put one tablespoon organic coffee with the teeccino. Haven’t been able to go all Teeccino. Definitely, a mind addiction. I’m working on it!!

Hi Everyone;
Thought I’d chime in with my two cents worth. I used to be a coffee-holic, drinking coffee all day long, in place of eating since I was always on the run in my business. I then discovered diet Pepsi and Persian tea. I’m sure that these have probably as much, if not more caffeine, but I guess I kind of switched addictions. I’ve been told by my doctor that the amount of diet sodas I drink are definitely detrimental to my body being able to metabolize well (I’m hypothyroid, also). I’ve also noticed that when I’m drinking these beverages, I don’t ever get in as much water as I should. When I do drink more water, I feel much better and I notice that my skin looks a lot more hydrated too. Now, if I could just get rid of the caffeine headaches I get when I try to go off of these, everything would be great! Any suggestions as to the least painful way to do this?

“If your going to buy organic products, make sure they are butter, coffee and fruits”

I believe Chris from Fit and Busy Dad (http://fitandbusydadblog.com/) wrote that in one or more of his weekly emails. He’s an admitted espresso junkie and is one of the big name health individuals like Joel, Craig Ballantyne, Brad Pilon, etc.

I have a double shot of espresso every morning. I don’t miss it, and if I do, I pay the price with a massive headache… I realize this screams addiction, but I’ve toned down the 6-8 shots a day I used to consume to the two in the morning…Sometimes, on Fridays, I will buy another double shot before I teach my first class. Other than that, I try to limit the coffee/caffeine intake to two shots a day.

I have decreased my intake to 2 cups in the AM – preferably before AM workouts to increase metabolism. Is there any truth to the idea that coffee 1. has antioxidants or 2. has a “fat releasing” component? Can’t wait for more info.

Originally Posted By Joel Marion

Originally Posted By LeslieI LOVE my coffee and doubt I’ll give up my morning 2 cups. I kicked the all-day-caffeine habit a little over a year ago and haven’t felt better in a long time. Doesn’t hurt that I’ve also started eating better and exercising more.

Are there some detriments to coffee other than that it is counterintuitive to your body’s natural rhythms? If so, and you can provide scientific proof, I might be compelled to further cut back.

Caffeine decreases carbohydrate tolerance and acute insulin sensitivity; this is a problem if you have a high carb breakfast and include 2 cups of coffee with that breakfast.

If you’re low carbing it, not as big of a deal.

Joel

Now that is interesting Joel. . I’ve used strong coffee in the mornings combined with a protein rich, low carb morning meal for ages now.
Get good training results.
I did not like the effect of using coffee around my carb loaded post workout meal, something felt wrong. Could this be a natural sensitivity to the way (my) physiology works?

@Nathan –
In relation to coffee then I’d agree with your comment on flavour.

Also makes sense that fruit would be good at taking on pesticides through the outer membrane, compared to root and some other veg.

Good post. Thanks!

Can’t stomach coffee. I’m more of a tea gal…green usually but sometimes I like a good Earl Grey.

Looking forward to your non-caffeinated suggestions on improving productivity…I can share them with my boss who drinks a 12 cup pot by himself before lunch.

Caffeine is one of the famous ergogenic aids in the athletic field. Caffeine has been known to stimulate lipolysis that spares stored glycogen utilization during moderate intensity exercise (1). Endurance times were increased after caffeine ingestion during running and cycling (2) and during short-term intense exercise (3). Caffeine included in a “thermogenic drink” increased resting metabolism 4 hours post consumption compared to a placebo drink (4). High caffeine consumers reduced weight, fat mass, and waist circumference more than low caffeine consumers (5). Several human studies found an acute increase in lipolysis , ground caffeinated coffee and instant caffeinated coffee. No increase in lipolysis was found after ingestion of decaffeinated coffee drinks (6).

1. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2001 Apr;47(2):139-46
2. J Appl Physiol. 1991 Dec;71(6):2292-8
3. Int J Sport Nutr. 1995 Jun;5 Suppl:S84-99
4. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008; 5: 6
5. Obesity Res. Vol. 13 No. 7 July 2005
6. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:682–93.

@Clayton –
So Drucker et others? (My first edition copy fell apart years ago.)
Excellent link! Thanks!!! :)

@Tanya Zilberter –
This ties in with published info that I’ve seen.

I was given to understand that using coffee as an ergogenic boost for competition was very effective (but the caffeine levels were way short of any drug limits required for fair competition). Habitual daily use of coffee however made this infective though. Know any more, Tanya?…(‘cos I don’t). :)

Joel,
Good thread man! I would like to know what you think about the interaction between caffeine and calcium. I know caffeine causes some minor calcium depletion and also affects its absorbency. Since calcium is directly responsible for muscle contraction, is it best to avoid caffeine when trying to recruit as many muscle fibers as possible when we workout? Thanks for your opinion on this.

I (had to) quit on coffee, now when I’m in need of some extra power I take a pill of Guarana (GNC), it is said to contain the equivalent caffeine of 1 cup of coffee while releasing it slowly over a longer period of time, it works.
I will start watching the 33:33 rule and see if it helps, that is intense work for 33 minutes and 33 seconds and take a short break, what do you think?

Seriously, Joel, that would be amazing. I’ve read up on a man named Martin “Farmer” Burns and some thing called the Magnificent 7. They’re breathing exercises that he used to train his students back in the 19th and 20th century, being a wrestling and strength coach/instructor. Anyway, I’ve been getting up at 4:30 or so every morning and reading my Bible and stuff. Well, I naturally have a cup of coffee (a cup being a 20 oz. travel cup!) So it would be great for you to give that information. Thank you so much!

I would love to hear your ideas on what to use besides caffeine. I’m a DMD user myself (diet mountain dew!) but would love to give it up. Just enjoy the jolt every afternoon. But no, productivity is not a result of the drink. So, do tell…!?

Originally Posted By The FactorI’ll go ahead and throw down a comment, but personally I’d MUCH rather see more on the gain muscle / lose fat topic that we lost.

PLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEE????

me too

Please don’t drink your coffee at Starbucks. They were found to be sending their profits to ersatz israel. They money was going to buy hand guns for the so called Settlers (terrorists). You may have heard that they recently closed down 600 outlets in the US and also many here in Australia. That is the power of the people. Keep the pressure on Starbucks and like minded groups; of which there are many ie AIPAC.

Coffee gives the energy to help me awake the rest of the day,especially if I’m working on with my (research)papers..maybe because of the sugar(glucose) if i may say that gives the thing”energy” that makes me agile during the day..hm mm I’m a coffee lover.. thanks for that info..

Very useful information. Do you recommend a short few minute break every hour or so?

@Joel Marion –

I know im going back onto the diet soda debate, but i just read a post that reminded me of something. Drinking carbonated drinks will reduce natural stomach acid and allows you to properly digest the nutrients in food?

agree or disagree?

@Uncle_Bulldog –

ive never read that blog so he must have got it from someone else! haha

Coffee is nice to indulge in once in a while when it might taste good for a change or when your out it the cold. However, like most things use sparingly when incorporating it with a healthy life style. Now when I reach for a cup of coffee or caffiene I will think about the effect it has on carbs.

I drink my one mug in the morning (breakfast) and usually don’t touch the stuff again all day. If that’s being hooked, then I am. But I don’t relate it to “productivity boosts” during the day or evening, or something like that.

Why do we need a certain amount of comments for another article to be written?
Is it .25cents per comment? I’m starting a blog..I need to know this! haha
I drink 1 cup in the morning. I used to go to Tim Hortons at night with my friends when I was a bit younger and get a double double (2 cream, 2 sugar) and it was oooooh so good. And my friends and I would bond over our coffees. And when we went to anyone’s house it was almost expected that if you were drinking a Timmy’s coffee you MUST bring one for each person at the house. And if you were late for work, it’s not only okay but great if you stopped at Timmy’s to get everyone a coffee. lol
Now I can only have coffee in the morning because even the slightest big of caffeine at night keeps me up.

I will look forward to your take on the coffee thing. I have read about some studies lately that point to coffee as a way to lower blood sugar ( from a diabetes site- dlife I think) I have just had a knee replacement 3weeks ago and had my shoulder rebuilt in March.. mobility is not optimum but I’m taking in all your posts and applying as much as I can in my lifestyle changes.. Thanks for all your hard work.. much appreciated..

I’ve switched to organic tea and cut back to 4 cups in the morning. 1/3 the caffeine and a bunch of antioxidants. Now I just do the occasional cup of great coffee just for taste. I ride a desk so I’m all too familiar with the need for movement. Just to get up and walk around, get hydrated and maybe a few bodyweight squats, push-ups and jumping jacks will get the blood flowing and oxygen to the brain. Also deep breathing and stretching thrown in helps.

I have migraines, and choose to go with managed caffiene rather than no caffeine, primarily because I LOVE good coffee, though I have cultivated some other excuses as well. (see below) My current routine is two to three doses (regular coffee cup equivalents) per day, usually one in the AM and one in the PM. So I might get a cup at Java Roasting Company (BEST coffee in Little Rock – highly recommend anything African or Caribbean there!!) or Java City (grab the Indonesian Green Dragon or Sumatra Mandelhing when they have it – yum!) in the AM, drink a large glass of iced tea before any exercise in a hot enviroment, and/or maybe a small cup in the evening especially if I need to stay up and do any work, though it does not realy help that much. Then when I need a slug of it to go with my migraine meds I use a double or triple dose depending which meds. Midrin plus an “eye-opener” (Java City’s most-caffiene for the buck drink – a shot of espresso in a cup of coffee) or a triptan plus a “tall” or “grande” will usually take care of my headaches, which are usually hormone cycle related +/- overheating, undereating or underhydrating +/- sound or flashing light triggers for me. Midrin does not work at all for me without the added caffeine in some form, and caffiene alone does not stop a headache once I have it.

I’d also like to recommend a coffee shop in Pittsburgh PA called The Blue Horse that is absolutely excellent, with free wi-fi and great healthy/organinc food available as well. Starbucks is usually way over-roasted, though I can drink their Verona or organic Mexican in a pinch.

I react a little unusually to coffee I guess, I tend to get increased appetite if I use too much but that’s been less prominent since I have lost weight, and I don’t get insomnia unless I drink a whole pot, but by then I would have muslce cramps and a tremor too. I’m not hypertensive, but tend towards low BP. And I’m not a low-carber – tried it several times, because of all the research favoring it, but just couldn’t, because I coudn’t think straight and felt terrible. So I rarely need to switch to decaf, though I will if I’m just really enjoying the coffee and drinking more than two cups at once. And I don’t get withdrawal headache for up to 36 hrs with no caffeine (I rarely go half that long, plus those seem different from actual migraines and do respond promptly to just a little caffeine.) There are supposed to be health benefits to filtered coffee drinking for those of us familially prone to diabetes and atherosclerotic disease as well.

One last comment on the ADHD thing – it is a stimulant and should help focus, but effectiveness varies from significantly helpful to zilch from what people tell me, and nowhere near what they get from Rx stimulants.

hi joel,
coffee has really a different effect on me. just the opposite of the other people say that it makes them alert and energized. coffee makes me very sleepy after drinking a cup so a don’t really drink it when i needed a break. i just lay back close my eyes and take deep breaths or take a walk for a few minutes. it helps really… and thanks for the info it makes me feel i am doing the right thing…
more power to you
euna

I don’t drink coffee because it’s a stimulant. I drink it coz I LIKE it and I like the atmosphere in coffee bars like Starbucks. I don’t make a habit of it though. Not only is the coffee itself bad, but the dairy and sugar you add to it as well. Funny that I find coffee bars relaxing!

well i heard,,,that drinking coffee before a chest workout, will improve your strength.