The Uncoffee

Hello Monday! This morning was started with an early (6:30 AM) Power Yoga class with Stacy from Yoga Source Los Gatos. After, I raced to make it to work on time and begun the Monday workweek. And I'm happy to announce, as most of you know, that it is an absolutely beautiful day! It's amazing that we still have mid 70 degree weather for the end of October! I love California.

Another thing that I love and just discovered is Teeccino. This is a must try for anyone that does not drink coffee or wants to cut out or down on the coffee that they drink. Great alternative! Teeccino is a caffeine-free, herbal "coffee", made from herbs, grains, nuts, and fruits. You brew it the same you would coffee, minus the acidic effect that regular coffee has. Here are some of the health benefits of Teeccino taken from their website:

Natural energy boost from 65 mgs of potassium in each cup
Reduces acidity - it's alakline due to its potassium content
Enhances digestion and elimination
Helps stabilize blood sugar and appetite
Supports beneficial microflora reponsible for:

• strengthening the immune system
• fighting harmful bacteria and fungus like Candida
• creating B vitamins
• absorbing essential minerals

Full-bodied, dark roasted and actually nutritious
Naturally no caffeine
No chemical processing or extraction of any Teeccino ingredient
Ingredient include carob, barley, chicory, dates, figs and almonds

Love it! They have a ton of different flavors to try, I'm drinking Vanilla Nut, medium roast. Yum! Also, if you sign up for their e-newsletter, you get a free sample (any flavor) of one of their products! Couldn't be any sweeter of a deal. ;)

For those of you that do drink coffee, the website has some information regarding coffee and caffeine and its effects on the body. I, personally, do not have anything against a small amount of coffee now and then, although, I do not drink it for a variety of reasons. Based on much research, I believe that there is more evidence the negative effects of the drink. Not only does caffeine cause anxiety, jitters, restlessness, and sleeplessness hours after ingesting, but in very sensitive people, it can cause skin rashes and allergic reactions, phobias, OCD, and muscle pains (mostly from tension in the body).

It is also harder for people who take in significant amounts of caffeine, in the form of coffee or even diet pills, to loose weight. This "weight loss" may be just the water loss due to caffeine's diuretic effect. Since caffeine is a stimulant, it elevates our stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), and norepinephrine. These are our "fight or flight" triggers, raising blood pressure and heart rate. When our stress hormones raise, making us ready for battle, and their is no battle, there is a disruption of our metabolic system. Chronically elevated levels of cortisol has been proven to lead to increased abdominal fat.

Just some things to think about. I am not trying to rant or completely put down coffee but I'm just throwing out some tasty and healthier alternatives. And that's where Teeccino comes in. haha, I sound like a rep for the company.

Have a great Monday! And don't work too hard.