Day 19! As day 19 draws to a close I find myself reflecting on what I could have done better during the week. I am happy that I had another 5 pound loss this week. A few nights I enjoyed a light vegetarian dinner with my family, while juicing during the day. I still had success in the weight loss, and held normal blood sugar levels. I've basically given up every staple for this experiment. I gave up coffee for the first 10 days, as part of the Lenten fast that this whole idea stemmed from. But I'm torn.... should I give it up until the end?
No.. scratch that! listen up 'merica, I'm NOT giving up coffee! I enjoy it, and I know there are reports of good health benefits from drinking it and contrary reports of the like. I will however, no longer dump milk and sugar in each cup, and I've limited myself to only good, fresh ground, French pressed snob coffee. Occasionally I will add a teaspoon of Agave Nectar (really good stuff). I have maybe 1 to 2 cups a day, along with about 64 to 72 ounces of water, and 3 to 4 cups of hot water or herbal tea.
I have read that most juice cleanse/reboots ask you to stay away from THE coffee. Limiting it, or removing it from the diet likely helps your body focus on healing and cleansing. I am willing to slow the process a little for this one "cheat."
I'd be interested in some feedback here. What do you all think? Give up coffee? Keep it in? Has anyone done any sort of research or cost benefit analysis of Coffee on a cleanse/fast? We all have our vices I guess.... But for years I've had several... I'm down to one, and I'm going to fight for this one! I will add a couple of links regarding the pros and cons...
The next entry I will provide a little feedback on buying a good juicer. A friend on Facebook asked about this earlier today, and my wife and I labored over the decision when we started. I will share our thoughts on it soon!
11 DAYS AND A LIFETIME TO GO!
http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-drink/6-surprising-health-benefits-of-coffee
Analysis?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/19/is-coffee-bad-for-you_n_1895557.html
Sure, I'm partial, but coffee really does have
ReplyDeletebenefits.
The one benefit that you should really think about is Type 2 Diabetes. Now, this doesn't mean you should have a latte, or mocha, or anything other than the coffee itself. That's where the perks are (pun intended).
Ultimately it all boils down to how much you really want it. You can live without it...You can. I can't. :) I really think that it really has its benefits and it tastes good so why not?
Enjoy your coffee! If you want some good beans I can point you in the right direction. There are plenty of beans and ways to brew the coffee so you don't need any of the added calories/sugar stuffs.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/coffee-new-health-food
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/coffee-and-health/AN01354
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DeleteCan't let this one go. I would definitely have to have my coffee, and think the way you have cut down and cut out the milk and sugar sounds like a great way to go.
DeleteKathymom, You are absolutely right! I've simply found life not worth the living without a cup of coffee to help me suffer through it! I'm glad to see you've joined us on the blog! Thanks for your comment!
DeletePure black coffee certainly has it's benefits, and that's not debatable. However, you asked about coffee during a cleanse.
ReplyDeleteMany people adovcating for cleanses speak about "balancing your pH levels." The scale ranges 1-14 with 7.0 being neutral anything below - increasingly acidic and anything above - increasingly alkaline. Your body naturally keeps an alkaline state between 7.35-7.45. If you fall above or below this your body will go into alkalosis or acidosis, respectively. A cleanse won't making any significant changes in these levels.
A probable goal of some cleanses may be to wean individuals from certain highly acidic foods that over time can disrupt metabolic activities and lead to negative health consequences. Coffee is generally considered moderately acidic, depending on the bean. The real culprits are soda, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, white sugar, white flours etc.
Coffee on a 30 or even 90 day + cleanse will not be detrimental to your progress and overall health, in moderation. Keep it up! I'm excited to hear about your journey.
Thanks to all for your reviews and comments on this post. I've learned a great deal from you, Kelli, Stephen, Scott, and Vincent. You all had very interesting points... mostly you've all given me permission to continue on drinking my coffee (as long as it's fair trade... as scott indicated.)
ReplyDeleteThis blog sparked a bit of information that I was not aware of from regarding Agave Nectar. My friend Vincent provided an article, and some of his personal expertise and experience regarding the cons of Agave. Here is an article he shared with me. I hope you find it as informative as I have.
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.integrativenutrition.com/2013/01/agave-nectar-how-bad-or-good-is-it-for-your-health
I came across your blog today, somehow from Google+ (I'm fairly new on there). Anyway, I have toyed with a juice fast and I have actually inadvertently encouraged other people to start juicing because of a podcast I started back in February. I interviewed 2 different people who love juicing and they shared the great health benefits. All that is fine and dandy but I still like to chew my food, so I'm a bit stubborn and reluctant, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI like my coffee too and have considered the impacts of giving it up, if and when I finally decide to do my juice fast. However, I do like my sugar free french vanilla creamer and truvia added (I can't do black). Thanks for asking the question here. It helps me :)
Thanks also for posting your journey with juicing too. I think juicing is great and definitely has it's benefits. I did a 1 day juice fast (that's all I could do) and realized I was going about it all wrong.
Good luck with your health and juicing experience :)