I have nothing left to give up.

from JoeUser Forums

I live a pretty 'clean' life compared to some people.

I don't drink alcohol often.  I'll have a little tipple once or twice a year, but I don't drink regularly, and I rarely drink to excess.  The last time I got tipsy was before Christmas - I was celebrating my husband coming home.  I paid for it the day afterwards - actually, that's the whole reason I don't drink.  I don't like the day after.

I don't smoke or use tobacco.  Even when I have a drink I don't smoke.  I used to smoke, but I quit a couple of years ago.

I try and eat relatively healthily.  I don't eat a lot of fried foods, and when possible I eat fresh fruits and veggies rather than canned foods or processed snacks.  Don't get me wrong, I'm no saint when it comes to food...I just happen to like fresh vegetables and fruits and would rather have those than a bag of chips.  Fried foods or foods high in fats upset my stomach so I tend to avoid them.

So, when it comes to vices, I have few.  I don't drink often, I don't smoke, and I don't have a thing for ultra-processed foods.

I do, however, enjoy a nice cup of coffee.  I like to sample different blends; I like to grind the beans myself and spend time in the kitchen when the java is brewing so I can take in the aroma.  I like to sip slowly and taste the subtle differences in the tastes...some are sweet, some are slightly smokey and some are bold and 'in your face' with their taste.  I'lll admit to using a teaspoon of sugar in my coffee, but I don't use any creamer or milk - I like mine black and un-tampered with (apart from the sugar, that is).

I often used to joke about how coffee was the last vice I had, how I could do without cigarettes and alcohol and illegal drugs but I couldn't - and WOULDN'T - do without my coffee. 

So you can imagine my dismay when the cardiologist told me that I'd have to give it up.  That I'd have to give up caffinated coffee and sodas and beverages.  That caffiene would have to go because it's not good for my heart.  That I'd have to switch to decaf instead.

"It's got all the flavor, just none of the bad stuff" he said.  I wanted to tell him that compared to some of the stuff I drink, decaf tastes like someone ran hot water through an overflowing ashtray.  It's gross.  I'd rather drink plain tap water than that.

But I didn't.  I sat and nodded and smiled sweetly and said that I'd be a good girl and give up my beloved coffee, even though behind the smile I was almost in tears - because coffee was the only thing I had left to give up.

But I've done what I'm supposed to do.  I threw away the caffinated stuff this morning and went out and bought decaf instead.  I've tossed the sodas that had caffiene in them and have replaced them with caffiene free ones (I can't drink diet sodas; I have a mild allergy to aspartame and other artificial sweeteners so I drink regular ones - but I just try to limit my intake).  I have waved goodbye with a tear in my eye to my last vice and have come to terms with the fact that I can't drink regular coffee any more.

I've given up all the things that are bad for me.....

...and I have nothing left to give up.

 

 

misc
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Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I like to sample different blends; I like to grind the beans myself and spend time in the kitchen when the java is brewing so I can take in the aroma. I like to sip slowly and taste the subtle differences in the tastes


My sympathy with your adjustment. I too, have what my friends refer to as a coffee fetish... I freshly grind Lavazza Pienaroma Espresso beans every morning for 1 or 2 Americano cups + one shot max and a dollop of heavy cream. Been doing it for a long time along with a few other vices... single malts and cigars, neither of which are daily.

You probably know this but there are some quality decaffeinated beans on the market these days, some of which I've tried. The best so far has been Lavazza Dek Decaf Espresso. This Italian decaffeinated bean is a perfect balance between sweet Brazilian blends and an Asian blend selection. EEC regulations state that the level of caffeine in a cup of decaffeinated coffee cannot exceed 0.1%. It has a full taste with a nice well rounded aroma. Hard to believe it is decaffeinated! You can get it in both whole beans or pre-ground.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
ummmmmmm how about giving up sex? heh heh heh
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

There is one thing that I find disturbing about decaf- decaf beans lose their color during the decaf process, therefore, the color that you see is an additive.

Did the Dr. say exactly why it has to go and why one cup a day of the real stuff wouldn't be OK?  My Grandma has had multiple heart attacks and is allowed to drink up to 3 cups of tea (she doesn't like coffee) a day.  A cup of coffee would not exceed that.

At home, I brew a 75/25% grind.  I grind 75% regular with 25% decaf to cut down on the caffeine.

Like you, the only vice I have is coffee (I even eat a vegan diet now), so giving that up is not something I am willing to do.

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
I just got back from Wal-mart where i ran into an old friend I went to school with. He waa in a wheel chair and I saw he was missing his right foot! What the hell happened!?!? I asked him.

He told me he had some weird, rare disease caused most likely by his 30+ years of smoking (he told me the name of the disease but I forgot what it was- started with a 'B' or something)and it caused the small blood capilaries or whatever in his foot to just collapse. They had just removed his foot on January 3!! I told him I was so sorry and he just smiled and said "shit happens." poor guy! IT was just a few years ago his twin brother was murdered when he came home and surprised a burglar. he has really gone through a lot.

Anyway, I told him I (THANK GOD!) quit smoking several years ago but still drank beer from time to time (like every frickin' weekend).

I too, like you, do LOVE my coffee although I NEVER drink "soda pops" of any kind at all. The closest I come is maybe lemonade and I do like Gatorade after mowing the grass or something.

Damn Dharma! it's SO hard to abandon those things we love! hang in there girl and know I'm on your side.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I have had to nip caffeine in the bud due to being pregnant. The Dr said a cup every once in a while is fine but I was drinking 3-5 cups a day. I don't have a problem with decaf. Sure the color is an additive but color is an additive in a lot of drinks and foods.

My other vice is chocolate which I am pretty sure I would die without (or at least want to die)
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
anyone messes with my coffee Jones, dies!

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Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
When I was really into my coffee drinking phase and wanted to get out...I started using this herbal coffee called Teecino.

I mixed it with decaf half and half and then got where I just used the teecino...buy at any health food store.

It's made from like figs and stuff but tastes like a cross between coffee and a strong cup of tea...but really isn't too bad, plus its good for you...I think your colon especially ....been awhile since I drank any.

You might want to try it.....it helped me get over my coffee fix..
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top

At home, I brew a 75/25% grind. I grind 75% regular with 25% decaf to cut down on the caffeine.

Yea, he did say to cut back gradually.  What Karma said is a good way to start.  That is how I did it.  I cut it by 1/3, then 1/2, and then cut it off.  From a 12 cup a day habit, to no caffeine in 6 months, and I did not get any withdrawal (headaches) from it.  I got some Gevalia (some decaf some regular) I can send you if you like.

I do love coffee, but only drink decaf when I go out now.  Especially to fancy hotels where that is the only thing worth the price!

Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top

My other vice is chocolate which I am pretty sure I would die without

Chocolate has caffeine too.  There goes that one cup I guess.

Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
how about giving up sex? heh heh heh


Thanks for the good laugh. Sex is given up after marriage. Has something changed that I am unaware of?
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top

You might want to try it.....it helped me get over my coffee fix..

I gave up caffeine, but not my coffee fix!

Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
Are you trying to live forever? Drink the goddamn coffee and tell that blood sucking, over-paid meat magician (who makes his living by feeding on your disease, your misery) to go fuck himself (or herself, or itself) with a cattleprod.

Christ on a fuckstick I loathe medics.
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
Sex is given up after marriage. Has something changed that I am unaware of?


Uh, I think marriage gets given up when sex gets given up. Women might think they can give up sex after marriage but obviously men don't or else adultery and prostitution wouldn't be as popular as ever.

Chocolate has caffeine too. There goes that one cup I guess.
Not! There is only about 30mgs of caffeine in an average bar of chocolate whereas there is about 100-150mgs in a cup of coffee.
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top

Not! There is only about 30mgs of caffeine in an average bar of chocolate whereas there is about 100-150mgs in a cup of coffee.

No arguement from me!  I dont come between a lady and chocolate!

Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
Sex is given up after marriage


What???

When did this happen?

Shesh, all these years and....well, you know
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top

..and I have nothing left to give up.


Sure you do.....give up sex! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Yeah, RIGHT! That'll happen. NOT!
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
No arguement from me! I dont come between a lady and chocolate!


Very wise man
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
Dharma you have my sympathies on the prescription to give up caffiene... I have a self admitted Starbucks addicition myself. Mochas, White Chocolate Mochas, Caramel Machiatos, Caramel Fraps, etc.

My doctor gives me crap about leaving those things alone any time I see him... along with telling me not to drink juices (too much sugar) and other similar issues.

For now I'm ignoring the instructions and have been basically ignoring the doctor as well, though at some point soon I'm going to be faced with paying closer attention to those instructions. I'm passing that magic timeline when you have to start getting some nasty tests done, and deal with stuff I actually never really expected to deal with.

Ugh, getting old is no fun.

Anyway, I wish you much luck on giving up the coffee and other sources of caffiene. I know it's not easy, but it can be done if you have the desire and willpower.
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
There is a bright side...borderline diabetics give up pretty much all sugar...including a lot of carbs, chocolate, breads, juices, ICE CREAM!!! It's gotta be tough to find stuff without examining the sugar content every 5 seconds. Yet, still, I bet it does stink to dessert coffee. I empathize (even though I don't really like coffee).
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top

The best so far has been Lavazza Dek Decaf Espresso.

I'm going to check that out.  Thanks!

ummmmmmm how about giving up sex? heh heh heh

Oh hell no!  Not gonna happen.  I have to put up with long dry spells as it is because of these damn deployments, there's no way I'm going to give THAT up whilst I can still get it!

Like you, the only vice I have is coffee (I even eat a vegan diet now), so giving that up is not something I am willing to do

It's not something I'm willing to do either.  I'm going to stick to the half caff and see what happens. 

He wants me to quit because it has an adverse effect on my heart rate.  He thinks that if I come off of it then it will get the meds I'm on to work better and stabilize my heart rate. 

 


Damn Dharma! it's SO hard to abandon those things we love! hang in there girl and know I'm on your side

Thanks, Shovel.  I'm so used to getting a cup of java before I do ANYTHING in the mornings....I have a little routine, and if that gets broken the whole day seems to go...well, wrong.

 

I started using this herbal coffee called Teecino

I'm going to check that out too.  There are some really good herbal stores around here.

I have had to nip caffeine in the bud due to being pregnant

I never quit when I was pregnant.  Back then I was only drinking one or two cups a day anyway, so it wasn't a big deal.

Yea, he did say to cut back gradually. What Karma said is a good way to start.

I made my first pot of half caff this morning, and it's not too bad.  

 

I got some Gevalia (some decaf some regular) I can send you if you like.

yes please!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Sex is given up after marriage

Since when?  Nobody told me about that!

I gave up caffeine, but not my coffee fix!

That's what I'm trying to fool my mind into thinking....that I'm getting regular coffee, when in fact it's only decaf.

 

Are you trying to live forever?

Nope.  I'm just trying to NOT do anything now that will have me wishing I'd done things differently 10 or 20 years from now.  I don't want to be hooked up to cardiac monitors, waiting for surgery or unable to do much of anything for myself wishing I'd just done as I was told and followed doctor's orders all those years ago.

Uh, I think marriage gets given up when sex gets given up.

I think so too.

What of various teas?

I have some PG Tips that I enjoy, but I hate Earl Grey.  I don't care for green tea (tastes like grass clippings to me) and I haven't found any herbal teas that I olike well enough to replace coffee.  Besides, most teas are caffinated.

I dont come between a lady and chocolate!

Smart move.  Not doing so can get you hurt - or worse.

 

Shesh, all these years and....well, you know

Me too!

For now I'm ignoring the instructions and have been basically ignoring the doctor as well, though at some point soon I'm going to be faced with paying closer attention to those instructions.

See, that's what I DON'T want to happen.  If I don't do as I'm told now, the consequences could be worse than the original instructions are.

 

It's gotta be tough to find stuff without examining the sugar content every 5 seconds.

Thanks for the reality check!   

Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top

 

Sex is given up after marriage.

Damn...glad I'm not in your marriage.  I thought marriage = more sex.  I guess I must be doing something wrong...


What of various teas?

Herbal tea typically doesn't have any caffeine in it.
Green tea has about 12 mg per cup (cup = 8 oz)
Black tea has about 20-40 mg per cup (3-4 minute infusion)

Coffee has on an average 135 mg per cup

Coca-Cola has about 45 mg per 12 oz can

I like caffeine.....

 

Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top
borderline diabetics give up pretty much all sugar...including a lot of carbs, chocolate, breads, juices, ICE CREAM!!!


That's not true... it depends on the level of diabetes and body type. I was diagnosed Type II diabetic about 6 years ago. With my system, limited amounts of sugar, like a tootsie roll or Dots now and again has no effect, since it's in and out. Course excess of anything blows my sugar readings out the door. I keep things in check with pills and visits to the gym every other day, and very long bicycle rides when time allows.

Heavy carbs, that's another story. Two fingers of single malt in the evening is fine, limited amounts of Red wine has little effect. On the other hand White wine, can reek some havoc, so I keep that a minimum. Orange juice in the am adds balance for some of my breakfasts. Ice Cream, BAD. But my real blood sugar killer is PASTA. I have to keep consumption at a minimum and take a special pill (I call it my whamo pill) along with my other pill before a dinner of pasta.
Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top
Sex is given up after marriage.


So, the better question might be give up sex or coffee? Then another question pops into my head, bad sex or mighty good sex, verse always good coffee, humm

Been married over six years and to my surprise, it's not nearly as prevalent as it was before marrying. Go figure.... But, that's another subject all together.
Reply #25 from JoeUser Forums Top
Sex is given up after marriage.

Damn...glad I'm not in your marriage. I thought marriage = more sex. I guess I must be doing something wrong...

What of various teas?

Herbal tea typically doesn't have any caffeine in it.
Green tea has about 12 mg per cup (cup = 8 oz)
Black tea has about 20-40 mg per cup (3-4 minute infusion)
Coffee has on an average 135 mg per cup
Coca-Cola has about 45 mg per 12 oz can
I like caffeine.....


And Pepsi's "Mountain Dew" beats most of all the soft drinks except Jolt and Red Bull with 55mg. Jolt has 71mg of caffeine Red Bull has a whopping 80mg.
Maybe I need to start drinking more Red Bull"! I hear it'll give me wings.....