A caffeine free life.

I have always been a hot drink lover.  Whether it be tea, a starbucks coffee or a hot chocolate.

I grew up in a household that loved a cup of tea.  Namely, Tetleys or PG tips.  I never saw any harm in consuming tea, however when I got to my teens my mother introduced me to fruit/herbals teas and I would occasionally have a one of them.  My favourite was lemon and ginger.  And we also had peppermint in the house.

I was far from a coffee drinker but Starbucks made coffee attractive.  I really liked their Caramel Nut Lattes or their Caramel Mochas.  I want to add that coffee had what I would call a bizarre affect on me.  Rather than keep me awake, it would make me hyper and giggly, but my eyes wold feel so tired. The high lasted for about an hour max and then I'd suddenly feel very sleepy.  I had an unfortunate experience with caffeine a few years ago where for no reason at all I felt depressed -  Sad and very unhappy with a feeling of anxiousness.  I felt very lethargic and unmotivated and I could only relate it to the coffee I had just consumed.  It was a very scary experience.  After it passed, I swore I would never to consume caffeine again.

Following this, a family member told me that tea actually had caffeine in it too.  As silly as it sounds I had no idea!  This pushed me to cut out normal tea completely.

I researched the effects of caffeine and found that it is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system to imitate the bodys "fight or flight" response.  Being stressed can heighten the effects of caffeine.

You may even be surprised to know that milk and dark chocolate contain caffeine.  Although, milk chocolate contains less than dark chocolate.  Caffeine is also present in green tea.

Here's what I'm drinking at the moment.

I have found an alternative to caffeineated tea called Rooiboos, which is a plant that originates from South Africa.  To me, it tastes like normal tea, but obviously does not contain the caffeine content.  I like Tetley's Redbush version (they also do one with vanilla).

There are many varieties and flavours of herbal/fruit teas, and they each have properties that are good for the body, not to mention they taste great.  Now,you will all know what I mean when you hear me say I am enjoying a nice cup of tea.

Next time you are in the supermarket, why not have a look at the fruit teas....you made find there is a flavour that appeals to you.


Much Love.  Peachy x