WSG:10 Caffeine Alternative by Jennifer Shirk

Writer's Survival Guide 10: Caffeine Alternative by Jennifer Shirk

This week's writer's survival guide post is from one of my favorite writers/bloggers--the lovely Jennifer Shirk. I asked Jennifer to share one of her health tips with us today because she's very open about her commitment to fitness. I want her secrets! When I exercise 4-5 times a week and make an effort to eat plenty of fruits and veggies, I stay at my healthy weight. But more often than not, I slip into old habits and find five extra pounds creeping on.

Jennifer has found a really cool way to get her coffee fix and add nutrients to her diet, and I'm excited she's sharing it with us today. So here goes!

***

Hi, all! Jennifer here.

I’m so excited to be part of my friend Jill’s new blog segment today!

I’ve been on a health kick now for well over two years. (I guess it’s moved beyond just being a “kick”) LOL

But recently, I’ve cut down my use of caffeine. Yep, that means COFFEE too, for all you coffee addicts—er, lovers out there!

I had gotten myself to a point where two cups of coffee were not enough and was even becoming sluggish in the afternoons, needing a little cup or even a cup of tea to get me through the day. Not only that, but if I didn’t have that cup of coffee in the morning, I would get a migraine by late morning. Ugh! I didn’t like the “dependence” I had on it at all.

Did you know?

Caffeine is the most commonly used mood-altering drug in the world

Caffeine use can be associated with several distinct psychiatric syndromes: caffeine intoxication, caffeine withdrawal, caffeine dependence, caffeine-induced sleep disorder, and caffeine-induced anxiety disorder

With regard to cardiovascular health, caffeine produces modest increases in blood pressure, and concerns have been raised about a role of caffeine in cardiovascular disease

Large caffeine doses (200 mg or greater) may produce negative mood effects. Although generally mild and brief, these effects include increased anxiety, nervousness, jitteriness, and upset stomach

**more info from the John Hopkins School of Medicine

I know. Doom and gloom. But don’t get me wrong. I still drink coffee and enjoy it. However, I’ve modified it a bit by adding an herbal organic coffee to it called Teeccino.

Energy is the reason why many people drink coffee. With Teeccino, people experience an energy boost that comes from nutrients, not stimulants like caffeine. It’s a blend of Mediterranean herbs, grains, fruits, and nuts that are ground and brewed to taste like coffee.

Cool, huh?

I really enjoy it. Right now, when I make a pot of coffee, I blend coffee with Teeccino in about equal parts, so I’m only getting half the amount of caffeine I would normally be drinking. And I don’t feel tired at all. In fact, I have more energy now than I ever did—which is way better for me and my writing. J

Thanks for having me, Jill!! It’s nice to get healthy together!

***

Thank YOU, Jennifer, for sharing this with us. I can't wait to try it! I have had trouble with the jitters and the afternoon energy crash. When I cut down on my caffeine, I notice a difference, but even when I switch to decaf, I'm not getting the health benefits of a product like Teeccino. Love this!

Everyone, Jennifer has a new book, Sunny Days for Sam, out right now, and not only has she graciously offered to give a copy to one lucky reader, she's also throwing in a package of Teeccino! To enter the contest, simply include your e-mail address in a comment below. I'll announce the lucky winner on Friday (winner will be alerted by e-mail also.)!

Sunny Days for Sam released April 6, 2012 through Avalon Books. Available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble and a library near you! Also, be sure to check out Jennifer's fun blog, Me,  My Muse, and I.

Sunnyva “Sunny” Fletcher is a firm believer in fairy tales. With the recent debt she’s acquired, the hope of something magical happening in her life is the only thing keeping her going. She needs a job fast. So when Sunny learns the sexy new vacationer in town is looking for a nanny, she starts to believe she just may have a fairy godmother after all!

Internet guru Sam Calloway is only in town for the summer and needs a nanny for his two small children. However, the beautiful and inexperienced Sunny is not exactly the kind of caregiver Sam has in mind. It doesn’t take long for Sunny’s tenderhearted and bubble-blowing ways to soon have the children—and Sam—enamored with her. She’s a dream come true. But after what Sam’s been through, he’s stopped believing in fairy tales long ago.

Sunny manages to work her way into Sam’s closed-off heart, but at the end of the summer, will the workaholic dad go back to his life in New York City, or will he decide his days are much sunnier here with Sunny?

 ***

Thanks again, Jennifer!

Are you addicted to caffeine? Or do you try to avoid the stuff? I'd like to hear your tips!

Have a wonderful Monday!

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