Grrr. I’m giving up coffee. Really.

1 Heart 9

Posted on: August 3, 2009

Posted in: Featured, Food, Life, Video

Comment on This Video

Share This Video

Embed This Video

Grrr. I’m giving up coffee. Really.

Day 12 I’ve been weak.

Today I fell off the caffeine-free-month-of-August-wagon. I’m not proud of it. It was a quarter cup of chai, which is Indian tea. Chai is more than a drink in my culture it’s an experience. That being said, it’s not an excuse for my slip! Sorry friend… especially those of you who decided to join me and by giving up some kind of vice this month. Boo.


Day 7 It’s been a week.

Thought it was time since I’ve been through an entire week to do a simple update. It’s not fancy, but at least you can see that I’m surviving! For those of you taking the challenge with me… I’m happy to have the support. Do let me know about your challenges and solutions… don’t let your friends and loved ones blame me for your caffeineless grumpiness =).

Day 4 Learning New Habits.

(Note: The video for this text is in the featured area above)
Finding substitutes for my coffee (and chocolate & tea) cravings has been interesting. I started with hot water or cup of almond milk the first couple days. Sounds weird to you hard core coffee addicts I’m sure, but it’s been ok. The bigger and more interesting change is in my morning activity. Instead of settling in with my cup of java and my Macbook for the morning… I have been going out for a challenging walk. There are a lot of hills in my neighborhood, so it’s not hard to get my heart rate up. In the video above I actually went to a different neighborhood because those stairs are challenging and the views are spectacular. Why not have a little pleasure with the pain! And by the way, when people have talked about the headaches they get when they give up caffeine I didn’t believe them… that is, until I started to get them myself.

I hope you enjoy coming along on this walk with me. Of course a good soundtrack is essential to the workout and the song in the video is what I was listening to so I wanted to share. I’ll continue to update this post with any new discoveries or adventures from the rest of my caffeine free month. Like I said before, feel free to leave a comment or message. If you want to leave a video comment, you can do that by pressing the + in the bottom right of the video player. Video comments are always welcome! Thanks friends!

Day 1 The Beginning.


If you know me at all you know how much I love and look forward to my morning coffee. Sometimes (actually often) I think about the next day’s cup before I go to sleep. I even have 5 different gadgets for making coffee from an old fashioned drip machine to various presses to a campfire espresso maker. Well, I’ve decided to break the “addiction”. I’m giving up coffee for the month of August.

Since I started video blogging, I’ve gotten a lot of support for many things I wanted to try, like when I wanted to ride my bike to work last year. The encouragement and advice I got from my friends on Seesmic pushed me the right direction. Now I love riding my bike in the City, where before it was just something I talked about doing for years. So, I’m sharing this challenge with y’all as well. Check back here for updates… though beware, they may not be so pleasant! Grrrr = grumpy.

Leave me a message or share some stories if you’ve done something similar. What worked for you? Any advice? And if you feel like challenging yourself this month.. lemme know, I’m here to support you too.

Morning. Coffee... grrr. on Twitpic

  • Japman
    haha this was like a confessional.

    Forgive me, Twitter, for I have Sinned.

    It's good. it's a lil bit of guilt. You'll think of it the next time you feel tempted to take some cha or anything.

    You ever had the experience at an auntie's house where you reject a cookie for the sole reasont hat you just don't feel like having a cookie that day.... and they're like "vaat? you don't like cookies??".. i figure it was probably better to have a quarter cup of cha than to get a reputation as being "the xyz's daughter.. the one who doesn't like cha"

    Chin Up! 12 down, 18 to go. rip it up.

    and you will be happy to know that Godiva is having a 60% off sale. The packages must ship by October 2nd. so you should make a pre-order to celebrate your accomplishment :) (i can't tell if that will motivate you to get through the last 18 days or make it that much harder)
    http://bit.ly/p8fGV
  • Just reading your comment again! HI-larious! I'm actually going to be faced with that exact situation this weekend. Going to my cousin's wedding and there is going to be a LOT of temptation. On top of that I'm at my parent's house tonight and tomorrow morning there WILL BE cha! My Mom makes the best cha in the universe. It's the end of the road for my caffeine free month, but really the hardest part. Thanks for cheering me on! I really appreciate it! --sukhjit
  • Japman
    Not bad!!! Seven Days! Have you yelled at any old ladies or gotten any fits of roadrage as part of the withdrawal?

    Keep it up!
  • rachaeljoy
    Well that view makes it all worth it, huh?! reminds me of my days taking the metro to work from DC to Bethesda and climbing the stairs out. It never seemed to get easier although it was always a spiritual experience: just take one step at a time. Anyway, I would love to climb SF stairs with you!! Keep it up! and up! and up!
  • @rachaeljoytv Thanks, my Friend. So, why don't you come for a visit then? ;-)
  • LossAngeles
    I just watched the stairs video. That's much harder than it looks isn't it !! All my LA friends are lazy and I'm usually hiking alone !!
  • Yes, the stairs were hard. Especially the steeper part... but that's what it's all about. I was kind of amazed at the people who ran the entire thing over and over again. I walked it about 4 times, stopping here and there to record, but my heart rate was up.

    I certainly love the SF hills. They are a pain, but worth it... especially when there are views around every corner. Thanks for the comment today! Hope you are well. --sukhjit
  • LossAngeles
    On those stairs and people going up and down...actually I noticed some
    of them in your video and think I should warn you..... and shhhhh mums
    the word ...(they aren't real people they are mutants from another
    planet so BE CAREFUL !!!!!)........
  • Jag
    Hurray for you Sukhjit! Hope you are hanging in there and grumpiness-free.

    I also gave up drinking coffee a years cold turkey realizing as you have that it is more of an addiction. I've never missed it a bit. (Though I can't say the same for I will never give up tea/cha as that stuff is my blood. Never.) Thanks to your spinach drink video, I've started eating better ... had lots of spinach and broccoli over the weekend. And, I didn't buy any junk food. Simply if you don't buy it and bring it home you won't consume it.

    Show us a smile,
    - Jag

    p.s. I see you holding those coffee-making contraptions. LOL! We got many of those also sitting idle in our cupboards too.
  • @JAG Thanks for leaving a story. It's nice to hear about other people's coffee addiction breaking experience. I know I'll be drinking coffee again, I just don't plan to do it daily like I have been for..... years! Chai on the other hand is lifeblood for me too. Unfortunately, this month I won't be having any of that either. I'm pretty serious about this caffeine free month. I'm going to a big Indian wedding in a couple weeks and I know the chai is going to be everywhere. This is gonna test me!

    Yes, I had to hide all the coffee making devices so I wouldn't be tempted. =) --sukhjit
  • Japman
    I watched Day 1 and Day 4, and it's already remarkable how you kind of looked worried about the idea in Day 1, and quite energetic -- or at least ready to tackle the adversity -- on Day 4.

    The headaches are really the worst part. I used to cheat by doing green tea, though as you know, that also has some caffeine in it. This was back when I actually needed to take a stand...back in the days of 4 large coffees/day. Now, i'm back to a small or a medium every day.

    Hang in there, and stay hydrated! You've got twitteran support!
  • Thank you for the support and big giant thank you for taking the time to leave a comment here! That really makes my day. Yeah, thinking back to day 1 (which wasn't that long ago) I felt kind of confused but determined... I won't always have the time to go on a morning walk or to be so focused on my nutrition. To tell you the truth, I kind of wanted a challenge of some sorts that could shake me up and get me energized. We shall see if this does the trick. For now, getting so much great feedback from friends has made it better.

    Thanks again for coming to my site! --sukhjit
  • Boo Hissery! I left a video response but I don't see it.
    Good luck Sukhjit! I just finished a 10 day detox cleanse. I know you can do this. :)
  • chaeseco
    4 days! You can do it, I have faith in you!

    At least you realized your dependency and are trying something new. Most people never get to that enlightened place in their life.

    Keep it the good work!
  • LossAngeles
    OMG why torture yourself have the coffee !! lol
  • Hey! Thanks for leaving a comment on my site! I appreciate it.... as for the torture, really, I agree with you. I'm not normally one to cut things completely out of my life. I believe in balance and moderation (when I can) but I want to see some improvements in my health and energy and I decided to do something simple like give up caffeine... little did I know how much caffeine I have been consuming daily! Now that I am not having I'm aware of how imbalanced my diet has been. This has been a good challenge for me... it's not for everyone.. but I'm feeling good about it! (tortured but good!) Thanks again for the visit! --sukhjit
  • I have decided to reduce my Coffee to once a week, as a treat, I started in July. I have used Yogi Detox tea as a substitute ( http://www.yogiproducts.com/products/details/de... ) but I drink a lot less of this than coffee. I have since found a big difference in my energy levels. I have also coupled this good habit with an increase in exercise. It is amazing what a few small changes can make.

    Best of luck with your new "Good Habits"

    Regards,
    Mark.
  • Mark! That's great. I really love hearing that other friends are trying this coffee free life too! I just updated this post with a vlog post about some of my new habits too. Exercise is at the top of the list. I also like Yogi teas! This month I'm staying away from all caffeine so tea and chocolate are out too. And to top it off I am not having alcohol. I know... but I wanted a challenge!

    I really appreciate your well wishes and I'm sending some back to you. Once this month is complete, I will go back to coffee, but I'll do it like you... occasional use. Do you have a particular day you drink coffee? Is it the same every week? Just curious. --sukhjit
  • thepete
    I totally understand--I used to take a month away from any caffeine intake at all just to prove to myself I could do it. The last time I did it was 2007. The past couple years I just haven't wanted to put myself or Sierra through it. It's just too mean. So, good luck!!!
  • You are mean without coffee! Oh, come on Pete! Well, actually I can understand. I don't think I've been the most pleasant person the last 5 days... but I've been blaming it on the full moon too! I just did a vlog update to this post so if you get a chance check it out. You can see for yourself my day 4 progress! =)

    Thanks for the comment! --sukhjit
  • chaeseco
    day 2? how's it going? I hope you're withdraw is going well. I find a nice hot shower always wakes me up.

    but don't make the mistake of swapping out your coffee for energy drinks! instead, have some fresh OJ and have a good healthy breakfast. if the body can't get a kick start, at least consume things that will let your body find the energy for you!
  • Oh my goodness. It has taken me forever to respond to your comment. I saw it and really wanted to leave a video.. but since I can't I just figured I'd show you how it's going via a proper vlog update. You can see I'm trying to find some good substitutions. It's been ok. This morning (the morning I did the video) I passed by so many coffee shops and cafes and it really was a challenge! The smell is mmmmm. I better stop talking about it.

    So, your tweets say your super busy these days Alan. That's good, right? You seem like someone who loves to be challenged and constantly working on something... however I can tell you are a bit tired too. Are you taking care of yourself, my friend? Don't make me worry about you! =) --sukhjit
  • chaeseco
    Heh. I'm doing alright. Just busy. Early morning meetings, late night work elevations, then early morning activities with other projects. Then add allergies keeping me up at times. I'm not getting a lot of "me" time to sit around and rest. But, I'm alright.

    Don't worry! But thanks for the thought. Okay time to watch your new vid!
  • You are awesome Alan! Ok, I'm gonna stop worrying about you.. but I do hope you take care of yourself. It's important. Are you using any video communities anymore? Would be nice to catch up with folks via vids, I just don't know where they are. It was not so bad with my video comments worked, but it's been a long time since they broke and now I'm feeling so disconnected from y'all. I need to see you all and video back. Boo.
  • chaeseco
    Heh. Well, I'm not eating junk food. =) I'm just not sleeping as well as I should; allergies. Compress, that into a very busy work and life schedule and I have fewer chances to "sleep the day away"; to regain my balance. That's what I've been struggling with as of late. But, don't fret I will figure it out.

    As far as vid communities. I think they're all lacking focus, IMO. Seesmic had it just right for a short period of time. But, they just didn't have the proper architecture to support the growth. For a while now, I have been thinking I should build something more complete and scalable. But I don't have the personal time or energy. I did buy the DNS and I know my general plan for the look, feel and backend. Of course I will "crush it" with some mobile phone support and an API.

    You can always leave me private messages on TokBox. I check that from time to time.

    Well I'm glad you're hanging in there. I have to get back to work. Good to talk to you, even if it's not video. =(
  • Selina
    Sukhjit! I too love my coffee and think about my morning cup the night before, and look forward to it. Cold turkey is tough, but I've done it, and you can too! Change/Shift your focus....do a morning bhangra boogie instead :)
  • Bhangra boogie to replace my morning coffee fix?! Could work. Maybe I'll try that tomorrow morning. Funny, giving up coffee has certainly made me think about it a lot more today, but the truth is... day one is almost over and I'm feeling some empowerment! you are right about shifting my focus. Besides heath.. I'm also doing it to break some bad habits I've developed. Hey, thanks a million for the comment. I really appreciate your visit.
  • This is a ploy to get a year's supply of Peet's, I just know it!

    Good luck, Sukhjit. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with coffee. But addictions are wrong. So I hope you can make it a month, and then find a happy medium.
  • Yes! That's what it's all about.. oh wait, no it's not about getting an unlimited supply of Peet's.. it's about breaking what some might call an addiction. I know I'll drink coffee again, I just don't want to be a daily slave to it... like I have been. It's kind of the start of breaking some bad habits I've developed over the last 8 or 10 months. But in any case it's awesome to get all the support! I love hearing the cheers from friends here! --sukhjit
  • i know that feeling, i gave up caffeine for 6 months last year. As someone who pretty much runs on Red Bull it was extremely hard, the first week was absolute torture. Good luck,
  • Thanks Eric! Today was a surprising challenge. I've gone without coffee before, but not on purpose... so it's psychologically different, I guess. I didn't realize you'd given up caffeine before... why was it so hard.. I mean, I know why for me.. but I'm hoping that only lasts for a day or so.. what other challenges do I have ahead? --sukhjit
  • it was really tough for me because i pretty much drank nothing but caffeine drinks. some mornings i would mix a Red Bull with a Mountain Dew just to get started not to mention caffeine pills most days. after i quit i found myself feeling tired even after a full 8 hour sleep, even fought insomnia and headaches for a bit. i had built up a tolerance so a single cup of coffee was like drinking water to me. i doubt you'll have the same issues, a cup of coffee a day is actually pretty good for you, just dont fill up a Big Gulp cup with coffee like i did. Good Luck.
  • I just had to tell you that I also gave up tea and chocolate for this month... so it's more than the cup of coffee a day. I didn't realize how much caffeine I had daily.. I just didn't pay attention.

    How are things with you? Still going to the gym as much? I'm turning up the dial on my workouts too. --sukhjit

    ps thanks for the retweet! =)
  • ChazFrench
    I've given up coffee a few times, once for close to a year. It's not that hard if you really want to do it.

    Good Luck!

    Chaz
  • Chaz! Yes, I'm determined. I've also decided to stop eating as much meat as I have been. I guess I'm starting to lean more toward a vegetarian diet. Wonder if knowing you has something to do with that... I know am looking forward to more recipes from you. --sukhjit
  • ChazFrench
    Oh that's funny, me, the dedicated omnivore has you leaning veg... I'm certainly eating less meat myself, and school is bound to lower that more, but I'll never call myself anything other than Omnivore. ;)

    Good luck with it all, and if you want the directions on that okra & tomato dish drop me an email.
  • Sukhjit!! I have not had any coffee today, and have decided to join you on your valiant quest -

    One thing that really works for me is just a little ten minute yoga session when you roll outta the rack each morning... Energizing, centering, a great warm up, and crisp and clean - no caffeine.

    Course, I don't really drink coffee anyway - but I do grab a Zipfizz or a 5 Hour Energy on occasion. So I'll have to live without those.

    Who knew that we needed so many EXTERNAL energy sources!! I'm going to use the time to focus on my INTERNAL energy sources...

    And when I make it up to SF soon, I'm buying you a nice mocha choco triple latte super decaf non-coffee. :)

    PogoBrian
  • Brian! Thank you for the support. Love that you are willing to "do without" along with me! When I have a weak moment, I'll remember that you're doing this too.. it will keep me motivated because I do not want to let you down!

    When are you coming to SF?! Let me know so I can make sure to be in town! So nice to see a comment from you PogoBrian. --sukhjit
  • Good Luck girl, I don't think you will have a problem. I have done the no caffeine thing before. Also the no soda thing, and earlier this year I did the Vegetarian Month. You are strong, you will pull through with flying colors, and make us all proud!!
  • Aww thanks! I like hearing about other people's experience too, so thanks for letting me know you've done this no caffeine thing before. I feel a little less crazy about it! Many people have reacted the opposite... wondering why on Earth I would give up coffee. I think I've actually been one of those people before. I don't believe in sacrificing the small pleasures in life.. but this time, I think it's a cleanse and also proving to myself that I can do this. --sukhjit
  • rachaeljoy
    wow! i would have never imagined this in a million years. i'm shocked! you look positively petrified in the video! but you can do it sukhjit! i support this cause! i love taking breaks from coffee. I know that doesn't mean much since I don't drink it regularly but I really feel so much better drinking tea. The highs and lows aren't as extreme and you feel healthier overall.
  • Coffee.
  • Sukhjit, you are brave to give up coffee. Good luck with it. Probably once you get through the first few days, you'll be just fine.
  • Hello My Friend! How are you? Yes, I'm doing it. Feeling like I'm inflicting unnecessary pain on myself and my friends... but I think it's just something I need to do right now... know what I mean? It's a cleanse.

    So, I'm glad you wrote cause I've been meaning to be in touch with you! Remember when I told you I'm coming to Denver? We'll I'm coming the 3rd week of August. Would be great to see you while I'm there. --sukhjit
  • I can't wait to see you! I think that may be the week of Master's National Track Championships in Colorado Springs. I stay in CS starting Tuesday night, the 18th through Sunday. When do you get in? Let's chat over email!
  • I think it is that same weekend! Awww. Bummer. I knew I should have messaged you sooner. The wedding BTW is about 2 hours outside Denver so our time to hang out would have been crunched. I would love an update on you and your life.. do email me when you get some time. --sukhjit
  • Oh my...you looked like you were about to cry there for a sec!

    You're a better person than I. I couldn't give up my java.

    Be strong! Rooting you on from over here!
  • Thanks David! I'm surprised at how effected I am. I've obviously done without coffee before, but knowing it's a long term thing is making it a little harder. Also, I didn't make a big deal about it, but I decided minimize caffeine in general which means I'm axing tea and ... CHOCOLATE. It's true. Thanks for the message of support! Hey, BTW- have you put your kodak to use yet? Looking forward to some helmet cam footage! --sukhjit
  • Yes! I've put the Kodak to good use! I've been putting some scooter helmetcam videos up on my YouTube channel. It's here - http://www.youtube.com/davidhowellca
  • I'm working on a personal project.. and i am going to share it with friends to keep me honest! Good luck with the no coffee thing.. you always have tea to fall back on!
  • Seriously, Owen.. telling people about something always forces me to do it. I think that's a good thing. Yeah, keep your eye on me and don't get mad if I'm a bit of a grump... though I can't imagine being a grump around you, you always make me happy. Can't wait to hang out with you soon! --sukhjit
  • You poor baby. You look stressed already.
    This must be a new meme. My daughter gave it up, too. Are you having withdrawal headaches?

    Now Sukhjit, the challenge behind the challenge is not to increase your chocolate caffeine intake to compensate for the missing coffee. Nuh-uh... { wagging finger.. }

    Seriously, though, thanks for the heads-up. I will keep a low profile between the hours of 6 and 10 Pacific Time. :)
  • JOE! This is a moment I really wish I had video response! You put a big smile on my face... as for headache, none yet.. thought I did walk around dazed and confused for a big part of the morning! So how come your daughter is giving up coffee? Maybe we can be a support system for each other!

    Always glad to see a message from ya Joe! --sukhjit
  • Why oh Why? I love my daily Iced Coffee..It's all over my tweets and my blog/vlog..Speaking of....Did you see the SNL spoof on Celebrity Bloggers. It's soo funny. She's nothing like you...of course....but she is sipping on Iced Coffee! haha. So many of us on the caffeine that they include it in the skit. http://bit.ly/HAOe

    I hope to see you soon :)
  • Zane!! You crack me up! Yeah, that skit is so funny. I'm watching it again. I could never understand why she sounds so nasally and out of breath. As for the coffee ban.. I just gotta do it. My morning ritual includes getting out of bed, going directly to the coffee maker then once it's done getting back in bed with coffee and laptop. My plan is to skip the coffee and laptop time and get some exercise instead. It's a lot to ask all at once, but I'm doin it! Nice to see a note from you Mama! --sukhjit
  • You can do it! I sometimes just have a cup of warm water. I think I'm going to cut back too or maybe get a smaller cup out in the morning.
  • LOL! Frieda, you and I think so much alike! I'm on my 4th cup of hot water for the day! Thanks for the message my dear! --sukhjit
  • Anyway, American Coffee is terrible ! You won't be missing a lot ! !

    Keep it up ! Whish you success ! !

    (I used to stop coffee and replaced it by strong rooibos (red tea) or even black smoked russian tea. Pretty much helpful !)
  • Yeah, I'm going to search for a good green tea or mate. I think American coffee in general has been bad. Now the coffee culture has made it change a bit. In San Francisco there is a love for good espresso and coffee beyond Starbucks and things like that. There are some excellent roasters and cafes. I just think it's time for me to break some old habits and I'm starting with my biggest!

    Thanks for the support Emilio. =) Wish I could leave you a video response, but it's still not working.
  • Damm ! A real argentine Mate ! ! ! Big business ! ! That's stronger than coffee ! !

    Having a "real" coffee in the US remembers me that nice european-like café I've found down Boston were customers were "savouring" a cup of "Expwessoh !" - So snob ! !

    And what about "chicory" ?
  • Yes, the alternatives are plenty.. and since I was stuck on one thing, I didn't try anything new. Time for new adventures! Not sure about chicory... will read about it... but from the little bit I'm seeing, I can not imagine it being a coffee substitute? I'll give it a try.

    By the way, even without the video I can picture you making fun of the American's you met! I'm glad we American's are a good source of humor for other parts of the world! It's good to make people smile.. that being said, can't judge a country by one town. When you come to SF I'll show you the places I like... not that people are snobby about the coffee drinking.. it's more that there is a true appreciation for making it good and doing it right. --sukhjit
  • I've always been respectful with the Americans (and will always be), just like any other people, except for the French who truly piss me off 'cause ... they remind me I'm french ! !

    That's true that you cannot know a country from one of his cities and in your lovely little country, i lived mainly on the east coast (btw NYC coffee is what we call here "sock's juice"). But i'll soon take my pilgrim stick again to go and bless west coast with my holy presence ! And I'll be honored to by guided by you to go and drink ... well ... a soda ?
  • Emilio! If you come to the West Coast this month, I'll be drinking water and... um soy milk! But if you come here any other time I'll be back in business (in moderation) and I promise to make sure you see places that you will enjoy... that means no "sock juice".

    I went to a conference last year and one of the panel discussions was about why so many startups come to San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. The consensus was that one of the many factors wast the appreciation for good food and drink here. Of course it's different from the European epicurean experience but fantastic none the less.

    When are you coming? =)
  • Think you got plenty of times to shape a guided tour schedule. Planning to come to West coast - i hope - during first semester of 2010 ...
blog comments powered by Disqus