Caffeine?

[cally]

I, like I suspect many of you, cannot drink caffeine because of the Crohn's. How do you all energize yourselves in the morning? I'm getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night, but many mornings I still feel like I'm in a fog

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I also do not drink any caffeine. I did just read a news blurb a little while ago that said that drinking decaf gives almost the same amount of energy as drinking regular coffee does - must be a placebo affect? Personally, I drink 2 or 3 big mugs of hot (decaf) tea each morning, that seems to help me quite a bit. I also try to go to bed by 9 or 10 PM so I get enough sleep. I don't deviate from my sleep pattern, not even on the weekends. And sometimes I take a sleeping pill if I have trouble falling asleep.

 

[Astra]

Hiya Cally

I have absolutely no problems with coffee! Can guzzle it down all day! But I don't drink any after 7PM
especially now I'm back on Pred!

The secret to getting energy in the mornings is a huge breakfast!
Breakfast like a King
Lunch like a Prince
Dinner like a Pauper!

When you get up in the morning, it might have been 10 hours since you last ate, and blood sugar levels will be low, the brain needs a constant supply of sugar, which is why breakfast is so important. skipping breakfast means poorer performance by school children, a greater risk of accidents whilst driving, and a lack of efficiency and concentration at work!

 

[MapleLeafGirl]

I have also switched to decaf tea. I felt the difference at first but now not really. Joan is right - having something to eat is key. Getting hydrated is also key. I usually have apple juice or water in the morning as well. Also getting moving helps me wake up. I do about 15 minutes of yoga stretches and I'm good to go.

 

[Cooro]

Two apples in the morning gives a pretty good amount of energy. Just depends if you can handle it or not.

 

[woops!]

What gets me going in the AM is the little dog that sleeps beside my bed. If I don't get up and get her out..... there will be pooo on the floor to deal with.
Seriously I cut out caffine about 6 yrs ago. I don't eat chocolate either. I feel so much better for cutting it out, you will get used to mornings without it

 

[cally]

Thanks for the tips! I think I'll try decaf tea. I'm unfortunately low residue dieting right now but apples are an interesting idea... what is it about apples in particular that gives an energy boost?
I've never had a cup of coffee in my life - but I've never felt like I needed one before I started medical school. :ylol:

 

[woops!]

Ahhhh medical school....... I was hooked on diet coke while in nursing school. Nothing better than studying at 2am with DC and M&M's. Add stress to that and no wonder I flared the whole time. Yep no more DC and no more M&M's for me and I feel better.

 

[vonfunk]

I cut out almost all caffeine earlier this year. I'll have some if I am eating at that moment, and then it's only really one. Unless I go out for breakfast, then I'll have upwards of 5.

 

[MysteryLocket]

Hey, .. Yeah, I'm not suposed to be drinking any kind of caffiene (due to it's dehydrating factor). I do a few other things that help me wake up. The physical part of washing my face and eyes area in the morning seems to wake me up, and get going. Also sometimes a doctor can prescribe meds if your sleepy-ness gets to be too much, that doesn't have caffiene in it. Like, vyvanse and such. But that would be up to you and your doctor.
Also, staying away from downers like alcohol or other factors that tend to make you sleepy(such as with me, heat, or a full content stomach are things that tend to make me sleepy).

 

[vonfunk]

I quit caffeine because it induces digestion. I figured if there was nothing to digest it could only cause problems.
I honestly don't think the amount of caffeine in a can of pop will over ride the amount of liquid that''s in the soda. But I could see how it could be an issue with things super high in caffeine.

 

[ameslouise]

A fruit shake is a great way to wake up - big sugar zing, but without the crash you get from having too much caffeine. Plus it's a great way to get fruit into your diet if you don't like fruit or can't digest it well in its whole form.

 

[braveheart]

I cannot do whitout cofe

 

[Persian]

I cannot handle caffeine. I never was a coffee drinker but I relied on Pepsi to give me energy. Oh how I miss thee, Pepsi. I tough it out. I stayed awake for almost 2 days without the help of caffeine and energy drinks

 

[planetjen]

BAAAH to the coffee drinkers - i can't even SMELL it anymore *sob sob* oh and diet coke how i have LOVED YOU too *choke, sob* guess im still grieving. *wink*
fruit smoothie is a good call - i also take a serious multivitamin, like a prenatal or GNC Ultra Mega Active before bed and it helps me wake up in the morning and have some will to get out of bed.

 

[Aura]

I'm a latte girl, or a flat white (I love my coffee). I love coke zero and drink v (energy drink). I'll cut the 'v' first - it I have too - but it helps keep me awake for my long drive to work. I'm a caffeine queen - for the moment anyhow