Photo: luz via flickr
I am a COFFEE JUNKIE and drink way too much coffee throughout the day, sometimes up to 4 or 5 cups. For the month of October, I am challenging myself to give up coffee completely. To make it even harder on myself, I would like to challenge myself to not have any caffeine at all. Although I hate the thought of giving up coffee (and caffeine!), I am looking forward to this challenge.
After two days of going caffeine-free, I started to get a headache at 10AM that lasted all day. How is it that after two days, I’m already getting caffeine withdrawals? Around 3PM (usual afternoon coffee time) I was extremely tired and caught myself nodding off a few times while staring at my computer screen. When 9PM rolled around, I felt like it was midnight and I knocked out for 8 hours of a good night’s sleep. Was I really tired, or is it the lack of coffee? I realized soon enough, that not only will this be a physical challenge, but a mental challenge.
In order to get through this for the month, I will have to trick myself at first. I have been having herbal, caffeine-free teas throughout the day. The morning, however, will be my biggest challenge!
BUT, I’ve devised a solution: Green smoothies! By having a green smoothie in the morning, I am distracting my mind by drinking something other than coffee. The great thing about green smoothies is that you can get over 10 servings of fruits and vegetables just in one smoothie! Not to mention all the minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber as well. Green smoothies are also filling and if you have leftovers, you can keep them in your refrigerator for the next morning or take them to work as a snack for later in the day. Below is a recipe for one of my favorite green smoothie recipes:
Green Smoothie
Serves 2
1 cup frozen, organic mixed berries
1 organic large banana, cut in thirds
1 organic peach, pitted and chopped
1 ½ cups collard greens, thick stemmed cut off and chopped
1 large handful of fresh spinach
1 ½ cups organic kale, chopped
1 small tangerine, peeled
2 tbsp organic coconut oil
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
5-7 ice cubes
1 cup water, more if runnier consistency desired
Combine the greens with the water in a blender first. Once they are broken down, add remaining ingredients and blend well. If you like an icier consistency, add a couple more ice cubes.
If you do not get full off of one serving, there is no harm in having the entire batch! Alternatively, you can add a half cup of raw oats to the smoothie to make it a little more filling and to increase the protein and fiber.
If you like this recipe, stay tuned for more green smoothie ideas soon! Good luck to the rest of the team and to anybody out there going for an October challenge!
Check out the rest of the team’s challenges here. Ready to join us? Leave a comment here with a link to your own challenge, or email us to share your challenge with the Fit Approach community!