Coffee.

marleylikeair

Morning, ladies! I have a question for you.

So, it's that time of the month, and I took two Excedrin with caffeine. I don't usually drink coffee or anything more than half a can of Diet Coke. I'm a little jittery, but I like this whole energy boost thing!

Most of my family is into coffee, as is BF. My mom never touches it, and that's partly why I never got into it, I think. I've been thinking about becoming a coffee person, but I don't really relish the idea of getting hooked on it.

I'd love some input. Coffee drinkers, convince me I should start drinking coffee. Non-coffee drinkers, tell me why I should stay caffeine-free!

SeaTea02

I drink coffee, but not every morning. Maybe once a week or less. I take it black  

I don't feel much energy from coffee. I do know that you will get used to the amount you are drinking and will eventually want more. When I was a kid my mom used to have 2 cups each morning, now she does 3 sometimes. 

It yellows your teeth, and it gives you coffee breath to boot. 

Hazel_B

I'm the same way Marley. I'm a non coffee person, a couple months ago my co-workers and I went to this espresso machine store to browse on our lunch hour. They gave us lattes while we were there and I had this huge caffeine rush for the rest of the day.

I think you can go part way. I don't drink coffee during the week, but I will on the weekend when FI and I are lounging around. I don't want to get hooked on it either, FI is all zombie like until he gets his morning coffee. Then again, I'm a morning person and he isn't.

I think it depends what you want it for. If you are looking for the rush it gives you then there is a good chance you'll get hooked and require coffee just to function. I was after the social aspect that occassionally drinking coffee gives me. I hate the taste of it, so it can't taste like coffee for me anyways.

marleylikeair

Sea--my teeth are already less white than I'd like. (I swear, it's their natural color. I remember being a kid and getting adult teeth that just came in that way.) This is a good point.

Hazel--I'm NOT at all a morning person, and if I don't get at least 8 hours, I don't do very well most of the day. That's one reason I think I might end up getting hooked...hmm. My BF is the same way with his coffee. He's an addict and he's sometimes pretty grumpy until he gets his shot. I'm also with you on not liking the taste, so I'd probably milk-and-sugar it up a lot. Everyone says it's an acquired taste, and I figure I just haven't acquired it.

Thanks for your thoughts, you guys! Looking forward to seeing what others have to say, too.

kayely88

I'm an avid coffee drinker but I don't wake up and instantly need that cup of coffee to get going. I only have one cup too and some mornings I don't have any at all. I think it affects everyone differently.

The only thing I can't stand is like SeaTea said is the coffee breath. That I wish I can lose. 

I usually drink it because I like the taste. I know I'm strange. My boyfriend makes a disgusted face every time I drink coffee.

PaigeMcC

I don't drink coffee.  My only argument is that it tastes gross.

That's all I've got.  lol

marleylikeair

Paige, you make me giggle. Kayely, thanks for the input. I used to be the one making faces, LOL. I do like the smell of coffee, though, a lot.

Edited: dyslexic tendencies. Sorry, Kayely!

MLekathLEEN

I have never been fully converted to plain coffee but I'll drink a cafe mocha, Mt. Dew, or similar energy drink in the morning. I'm usually dragging without any caffeine.

The party store on the main floor of my office has "energy infused coffee". I mixed it with half hot chocolate and I was bouncing off the walls by 9 am. My mind was all over the place and I was jittery as could be. It was scary and I'll probably never drink that stuff again. I've never had the problem with any other coffee or caffeine drink.

peekaboo2011

I'm with the non-coffee drinkers.  I can't get over the taste.  What I do drink though is tea.  If I don't get either Earl Grey or some other black tea in the morning, I'm not someone who should even be spoken to.  It's ugly.

I was having a similar conversation about coffee with my advisor and my research advisor the other day, and we all concurred that coffee does smell great, but the taste is just awful.

marleylikeair

Em, that's so weird!

Peekaboo, thanks. Maybe I should think about tea!

Beads921

I'm a tea person, and rather than coffee, I think you should drink tea. I drink coffee occasionally, but I don't love it, and will never go out of my way to get it. I will go out of my way for a delicious cup of tea! I drink tea every morning (at least 1 big mug, sometimes 2 if it's the weekend), maybe in the afternoon, then decaf at night. It's not as caffeinated as coffee, tastes better, and comes in so many different varieties. I've been drinking it for my entire life, beginning with tea parties at my great-grandmother's house.

Wrkn925

I googled:
Drinking caffeinated beverages is linked to an elevated frequency of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Women who consume large amounts of caffeine experience more symptoms than women who don't consume caffeine. PMS discomfort may include cramping, headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, backaches, fatigue and irritability. All of these symptoms are likely to become more pronounced with caffeine consumption.

Read more: www.livestrong.com/article/96768-effects-caffeine-womans-menstrual-cycle/#ixzz1E8U5MkK4">http://www.livestrong.com/article/96768-effects-caffeine-womans-menstrual-cycle/#ixzz1E8U5MkK4

You can tell me to shut up if caffeine really does make you feel better during TOM, but I figured I'd share.  I remember learning this a while ago.  But hey, this is coming from the chick that was on Depo for almost 6 years and didn't have a TOM, so take it with a grain of salt.

....Just don't get between me and my morning cup'o'joe.  mmmm.  Whoever made the coffee at the office today made it strong.  I should find them and kiss them. 
Creme' Brulee' coffee creamer today, yyummm.

cu97tiger

I'm with Paige, it tastes yucky unless you pump a bunch of milk and cream and sugar in it. 

I am a reformed soda drinker. I used to have a coke every morning. When I started my boot camp 3.5 weeks ago, I stopped. I definitely had a caffeine headache for a couple days, but now I don't really miss it. I think I had gotten used to the caffeine, so all I was doing was chugging down yummy-tasting sugar.

Anyway, I suggest NOT getting hooked on it, but if y ou like the taste of coffee, let yourself have one every once in awhile. I now enjoy soda a LOT more since it's a treat, not an every day 'I need to have this' kind of thing!

niknik15

I'm a tea drinker too, but mostly just on mornings that I am tired. The type of tea also depends on the tiredness. If I just want the tea for tea, I drink green tea. If I'm getting kinda tired from a boring project, I drink black tea. If I wake up exhausted and can't keep my eyes open, chai tea it is.

I don't suggest drinking caffeine every morning because you will get used to it and it won't have the same effect, like a PP has said. It sounds like you already drink diet coke. I would say coke is just as caffinated if not more than a regular tea.

heyimbren

I think it tastes gross, and it gives you weird breath and yellow teeth and it really can get you hooked! Plus, extra liquid calories....

I do occasionally like some sort of espresso type drinks at times. Like fancy mochas. but I would always prefer tea over coffee. And tea comes in so many fun flavours! Plus tea pots and tea cups are really cute.

marleylikeair

Beads, thanks. I know I should definitely keep tea on my radar!

Wrkn, that's really interesting. Midol actually has caffeine in it! The caffeine is really helping today so far. I've always had bad periods, though BC pills make it way better in terms of cramps and flow, if not mood.

Creme brulee...le sigh...je t'aime, mon amour...

SKP82

I only drink coffee about once a week, when I have to drive an hour early in the morning to go into my office.  It keeps me alert during the drive (both the caffeine and just having something to sip on).  I sometimes don't like the way it makes me feel if I drink too much, so that is why I only drink it about once a week.

marleylikeair

Tiger, nik, Bren, you all make really good points. I have to admit I'm leaning toward a little coffee on mornings when I feel like I need the boost...sigh. This is probably not going to be a very rational decision, is it? Nik, I only drink diet coke once in awhile. Mostly with rum. Haha.

niknik15

Oh I see. That is exactly how I am with Dr. Pepper, only with alcohol (usually rum or irish cream). Just on mornings that you really need is probably the best decision. 

I really think you should try tea before coffee. If you don't like the taste of coffee and have to add tons of sugar and milk to make it tolerable, I don't see how it is worth it. Just my opinion.

[Deleted User]

I've been drinking coffee since I was about 14...started out just on the weekends or on vacations/trips with the high school band, but once I got into college, it was every day.  My dad used to drink instant, so that's what I started out on, then in college friends introduced me to a coffee maker, so that's what I do now.

 I can drink coffee of any strength, from so weak you can hardly tell it's coffee to mud, doesn't much matter to me.  It's a comfort thing to me.  I can get by on just one cup, but I do drink more than that a day. 

Also, I have mild asthma and the caffeine can help calm a mild attack (my doctor even confirmed it for me years ago) - one of those home remedy things.  I don't drink soda of any kind, so coffee it is for me.  I could do without the coffee breath, but after all these years, I'm used to it - and FI doesn't mind (he smoked for 20 years, he'd better not mind).

marleylikeair

Niknik--I guess the idea I have is that over time, I'd get acquire the taste and reduce the milk and sugar to a normal amount...

Angie, you are funny.

Wrkn925

I'm from KY.  Tea is served with a crapton of sugar over ice.

I didn't have hot tea until a year or so ago.  I thought it was a British thing. i've probably only had a few cups of tea, and that was with whiskey and honey to help with a cough and sore throat.

sparkles88

I almost never drink coffee, either. I think it tastes gross, and the only way to make it taste better is by adding a bunch of calories with cream and sugar. Occasionally, I will get myself a treat from Starbucks or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, but that's about every other month.

I hear the worst thing about caffeine/coffee is the withdrawal headaches you get if you don't drink your usual amount on any given day. That is enough for me not to want to drink it. I also have a naturally fast heart rate, so drinking coffee doesn't help that. I just end up freaking out, because my heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest!

marleylikeair

I hear ya, sparkles. Thanks again for all your thoughts, everyone!

jeanacorina

I started drinking coffee last semester when I wasn't getting the sleep I needed and was studying and doing projects and running around like a crazy woman.

DH bought a very nice coffee maker that we use pretty much every day now. I drink 2-3 cups and he drinks 1 or maybe just a couple of sips. We use flavored creamer- right now it's Southern Butter Pecan creamer, but I'm also a big fan of the seasonal Mint Chocolate Truffle.

I wish I hadn't started drinking coffee... it's just another expense and I know it's really not good for me. Heaven forbid I skip a day- I get cranky and sometimes get headaches. I think over the summer (when I don't have to be so alert in the morning for school) we'll swap to Half-Caff (half caffeine) coffee and then wean ourselves completely.

I was fine without it until my sleeping patterns got so irregular and screwed up from Media Planning assignments and I still had to be in Art class with a finished project at 8:30am. Coffee has saved my sanity. But next year I'll only be a part-time student and I don't see the point in drinking coffee if I don't need it. I used to be a Saturday morning iced coffee in the summertime kind of girl... I miss those days.

jeanacorina

Also- coffee can give you diarrhea and jitters.

I used to be able to get by on peppermint tea to help me focus and still have like 6 different varieties of caffeine-free teas in my cabinet. I like to sweeten them with honey. It's yummy and better for you.

MLekathLEEN

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_coffee?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:6f334c2f-5509-4545-bfd9-042030f7967ePost:caeb48f4-97cd-4375-b4bc-c276d44120ed">Re: Coffee.</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>Also- coffee can give you diarrhea and jitters. I</strong> used to be able to get by on peppermint tea to help me focus and still have like 6 different varieties of caffeine-free teas in my cabinet. I like to sweeten them with honey. It's yummy and better for you.
Posted by jeanacorina[/QUOTE]

This may be TMI but I poop at least three times before 11am if I drink coffee. It's not "about to shiit your pants" gotta go though. I think of it as a cleansing.

SenoritaCupcake

I haven't read PPs, but coffee sucks the calcium out of your bones. If you're lucky enough to have made it this far through life without it, enjoy how badass that makes you and dont start (plus I think kissing coffee-mouth is as bad a cigarettes).

PaigeMcC

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_coffee?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:6f334c2f-5509-4545-bfd9-042030f7967ePost:d77e652e-5bdc-43a0-b401-270474922bf0">Re: Coffee.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Coffee. : This may be TMI but I poop at least three times before 11am if I drink coffee. It's not "about to shiit your pants" gotta go though. I think of it as a cleansing.
Posted by MLekathLEEN[/QUOTE]

<div>More TMI: My room mate used to drink coffee specifically once a month to, as she said, "clean myself out.".  Reason #100202 why I don't drink coffee.  Andplusalso:Gross =P</div>

marleylikeair

Em, that made me snort. LOL.

Jeana, thanks for your perspective! That's kind of what I'm trying to avoid, but the whole idea seems so seductive right now as I sit here, fully awake and productive. Well...not as productive as I should be, since I'm messing around on TK when I should get started with this month's invoices...

alanna91

I love coffee. I started drinking in before school when I was still in highschool, but I had to stop because it hurt my stomach too much. I picked up the habit again in college, and I don't get sick anymore.

Anyway, again I love coffee. Sure it stains your teeth if you don't brush them I guess. I like the warm feeling it gives me (I don't like Iced Coffee too much). I also like how it's something consistent in my busy mornings. Some days I work until 8pm, have buttloads of homework to do, and I have to wake up at 5:30 the next morning for PT and go none-stop until I get out of work again at 8. My body should be able to get through it, but sometimes if I don't drink coffee paying attention in my 9am that morning is torturous.

I like being a coffee person. My BF bought me a Keurig for Christmas this year. We weren't supposed to get each other anything, but I'm so glad he ended up buying it for me. There's a gabillion different flavors and strengths of coffee you can try at the push of a button.

I'd say you should give coffee a try. It's never been a hard habit to break for me, I don't get headaches if I don't have my "fix" or anything. I think it's a lot better than energy drinks too, those freak me out. They're all chemicals where coffee is simply a natural grown bean of deliciousness

You might be jittery at first, I forget what I was like when I started. But it certainly wakes you up and makes you more attentive!