Today it's been three weeks since I last had caffeine. I didn't think I could live without coffee, but apparently I was wrong. I've discovered that decaffeinated coffee is just plain icky, but that I like herbal tea. I had to find a coffee alternative quickly because my social life wouldn't be the same without coffee shops.
I've turned my back on caffeine before, but never for as legitimate a reason as I have this time around. My acid reflux had gotten well-nigh unbearable and the doctors were all pretty unhelpful about it. I admit I was thinking to myself early on, "Yes, I could follow their evil food restriction guidelines, but I shouldn't have to!"
Well, I did have to if I wanted any relief from stomach, chest and throat pain.
When it comes to breakfast, I tend to eat as though I stepped out of a 1950s speculative documentary about THE FUTURE! "Each day, Jane unwraps a nutrition bar that provides her with 180 calories and 10 grams of protein."
I was starting to get the idea that having the same flavor of Luna bar for breakfast every single day might not be doing my stomach any favors. I've now switched to a daily bowl of vanilla yogurt topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and some granola. It's a lot more satisfying than a peanut butter flavored bar and probably has more nutrition to boot.
I'm on yet another acid reflux medication called Aciphex (pronounced "ace-if-ex" by the doctor, even though you and I both know that it's spelled "ass-if-ex") and it seems to have helped a lot. Maybe if I keep the spicy, fatty foods to a minimum I can eventually stop taking it altogether.
At first, having to give up foods and beverages I like made me feel like a petulant toddler. Now that it's actually helping me, though, I'm a lot more sanguine about the whole thing. It's amazing what you'll trade for freedom from pain.
Luna bars are awesome! I think I may have squealed when I Costco finally started selling them.
Posted by: cagey | May 30, 2007 at 08:23 AM
BlogHer roommate - absolutely! Sorry it took me so long to snap out of it and reply. My brain has been a little slippery lately.
Posted by: Suebob | May 30, 2007 at 10:47 AM
I'm so in love with Dr. Pepper myself, but don't drink it too often.
My Dad's sworn off Coke after his nasty bout with kidney stones this spring, evidently colas aggravate stones.
Posted by: Michelle | May 31, 2007 at 12:25 AM
I'm tempted to try and give up caffeine. I hope I am able, but we still want another child and the first year is hell without caffeine. Great excuse I know!
Posted by: Huts | June 04, 2007 at 09:52 PM