Decaf Plan: Living The Detox Life
After the 12 days you've been on the plan, you should be completely caffeine-free. At this point, don't jump straight back into a cup or two a day. Instead, try to manage for at least two weeks without caffeine so you can retrain the way you think about it and the role it plays in your life.
Once you've done that, if you want to start drinking caffeine again, go ahead; after all, it could actually help your health. But, to live the decaf life to the full, stick to the following rules:
- Keep your caffeine intake under 300mg a day (roughly three 180ml (6floz) cups of coffee), or if you do drink more, don't do it for more than two days.
- You'll take less caffeine in with your coffee if you drink instant (it contains 60mg per 180ml (6floz) cup, compared to a small espresso, containing 100mg in a 60ml (2floz) cup). Drip-brewed or filter coffee is the most potent - 150mg per 180ml (6floz).
- Don't forget that coffee isn't the only caffeine-containing food. Don't add to your intake with tea, chocolate, soft drinks or even headache pills.
- Don't rely on caffeine-containing drinks and foods to perk you up. Use the energizing suggestions in the box, or just go outside and get some fresh air. The less you feel you 'need' coffee, the less you'll actually drink.