A Cup of Change
Coffee has always been my morning hero, swooping in to save the day with its caffeine-packed punch. But what happens when a devoted coffee lover decides to ditch the java and embrace the world of tea? As an elder millennial woman navigating career, family, and personal goals, I decided to find out by embarking on a 30-day journey to switch from coffee to tea. Spoiler alert: it was a delightful adventure filled with surprising benefits and a few bumps along the way.
Did you know that tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water? Originating in China over 5,000 years ago, tea has a rich history of being cherished for its health benefits and delightful flavors. From ancient Chinese emperors to British afternoon tea, this humble leaf has traveled far and wide, earning a place in the hearts (and cups) of millions.
Why Switch from Coffee to Tea?
Switching from coffee to tea offers several compelling benefits that can make a positive impact on your health and lifestyle:
Lower Caffeine Intake: While coffee packs a hefty dose of caffeine, which can lead to jitters and energy crashes, tea generally provides a gentler, more sustained energy boost. This can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Rich in Antioxidants: Tea, especially green and herbal varieties, is loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health.
Better Digestion: Tea can be easier on the stomach than coffee, which is often acidic and can cause digestive issues. Herbal teas, in particular, are known for their soothing properties.
Hydration: Drinking tea contributes to your daily water intake, helping to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Variety of Flavors: The world of tea offers a vast array of flavors and blends, making it an exciting and enjoyable experience to explore different types.
Here's how my journey unfolded, along with some tips, tricks, and some great recommendations to help you make the switch too.
Week 1: The Switch Begins
Day 1-3: The first few days were the hardest. I experienced typical withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability. My body was clearly missing the caffeine jolt from my usual cup of joe. To ease the transition, I started with black tea, which has a higher caffeine content compared to other teas but still less than coffee. This helped mitigate the withdrawal symptoms while beginning to wean my body off the higher caffeine levels.
Day 4-7: By the end of the first week, the withdrawal symptoms started to subside. I noticed a slight increase in my hydration levels since tea contributed more to my daily water intake. I began experimenting with different types of tea, discovering the soothing effects of chamomile in the evenings and the refreshing taste of green tea in the afternoons.
Not sure which tea is your jam? Try a little sampler...there are so many choices it can be overwhelming so let's take the pressure off with a little bit of everything.
Week 2: Settling In
Day 8-14: As the second week began, I noticed a significant change in my energy levels. Unlike the sharp caffeine spike from coffee, tea provided a more stable and sustained energy boost. I felt less jittery and more focused throughout the day. Green tea and matcha, in particular, became my go-to choices for their well-known benefits in enhancing mental clarity and concentration.
During this week, I also started to notice some health benefits. My digestion seemed to improve, and I experienced less acidity and heartburn, common side effects I had with coffee. Herbal teas like peppermint and ginger helped soothe my stomach and further improved my digestion.
If you want to try my go-to morning tea try this Earl Grey. Adding a little milk and honey gives me happy coffee vibes. I personally like the loose leaf teas over a bag, it's a better price and gives you freedom to make more or less.
Week 3: Noticing the Differences
Day 15-21: By the third week, I was fully settled into my new tea routine. I experimented with various herbal and green teas, which became a delightful part of my daily ritual. I noticed that my overall well-being improved significantly. I felt more hydrated, my skin looked better, and I even lost a few pounds.
One of the most noticeable differences was in my anxiety levels. The reduced caffeine intake from switching to tea had a calming effect, helping me feel more relaxed and less anxious. Additionally, my sleep quality improved, allowing me to wake up more refreshed and ready to start the day.
If you love a loose leaf tea like me you'll need these handy tools of the tea trade. This single serve cup is a lazy girl lifesaver! If you are someone who needs a more than one cup than this french press is for you.
Week 4: A New Routine
Day 22-30: By the final week, the switch from coffee to tea felt natural. The ritual of preparing and enjoying different teas became something I looked forward to each day. I no longer craved the intense caffeine jolt from coffee and appreciated the gentler, sustained energy that tea provided.
Reflecting on the 30-day journey, I realized the many benefits of making the switch. My energy levels were more consistent, my health had improved, and I discovered a variety of delicious teas that I genuinely enjoyed. The initial challenges were well worth the end results.
Wait! Don't forget the honey, honey... If you are looking for a honey that's not too sweet and will go with just about anything give orange blossom honey a try. If you want to get a little wild I have a great sampler for you as well.
Switching from coffee to tea was a transformative experience. It wasn’t just about changing a beverage; it was about adopting a healthier lifestyle and enjoying the journey of discovering new flavors and routines. If you’re considering making the switch, I highly recommend giving it a try. Embrace the change, explore different teas, and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with it.
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