Decaf Plan: The Solution
The simple way to cut down on your caffeine is to stop drinking or eating anything that contains it. That's how most detox diets work.
For some people this works perfectly; however, for at least 50 per cent of the population cutting out caffeine leads to withdrawal symptoms that can make you miserable. But giving up caffeine doesn't have to feel bad if you use this plan. The basic premise is don't come off suddenly.
Studies have shown that caffeine withdrawal doesn't occur if you cut down slowly. So, on the day you start this plan, you're going to drink whatever coffee or tea you normally do, but in every cup reduce the amount of caffeine by a quarter. So, when you pour a cup of coffee, fill a quarter of it with decaffeinated coffee. If you're drinking tea, top up with decaf; with soda, pour out a quarter of the can and refill it with a caffeine-free blend. Stick at this level for three days; if you try to cut down again before this, you could get negative symptoms. On the fourth day, cut out another quarter of a cup, and stick at this for three days. Repeat the process until you're drinking no caffeine at all per cup, which should take 12 days.
Sounds simple? Biologically it is, but there's another element of withdrawal -the mental factor. A lot of us become as dependent psychologically on caffeine as we do physically, thinking we aren't as energetic or as clear-headed without it. A sudden burst of fatigue or an urgent deadline can easily trigger a coffee craving that ruins your whole plan. Therefore, an important part of the Decaf Plan consists of preventing these triggers occurring by boosting energy levels and your brainpower.