Just Don't Ask Me to Give Up My Coffee

I don’t remember when I started trying to adopt a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, but it has been a daunting task. I have a reverse-osmosis filter in the basement. I use washcloths instead of paper towels, take three minute showers and monitor the recycling in our house like a big city meter maid. If someone unwittingly throws a recyclable item into the trash in the kitchen I dig it out and put it where it belongs, careful not to reprimand the person who did it. It doesn’t help to be a self-righteous environmentalist. If we’re going to gain their support, we have to convert the environmental detractors with honey rather than vinegar (and honey is healthy, too).

Whenever possible, I try to buy organic produce, BPA-free plastic and cans, and free range, antibiotic-free, hormone-free poultry and beef. Sometimes when I’m reading labels in the grocery store I almost feel like walking out because it can be overwhelming to choose the healthiest items. Of course the other issue is that the healthiest food is often the most expensive.

The point of all of this is that there is one vice from which I can’t seem to break free; my not-so-secret addiction to a popular powdered instant coffee; a chocolatey, chemical-laden, sugar-filled slice of heaven. I drink 2 cups in the morning, and several throughout the day. Like one of Pavlov’s dogs, if the phone rings and I know I’ll be talking for awhile, I fire up the teapot so I can talk and drink at the same time.

I have tried to give up this coffee many times in recent years. Usually starting out cold turkey, I use up the last container to avoid temptation, and manage to abstain for several weeks. Then I might have a cup over at my parents' house and eventually decide I have the self-control to drink it in moderation. Trust me, I don’t. One cup turns into two in the morning, then two in the morning and one or two cups in the afternoon. I reward myself with coffee for a grueling session of yard work. I’m drinking a cup right now! I half jokingly say that there must be more than just caffeine and sugar in this brand because it has such a hold on me.

I always enjoy . I believe that sugar may be the cause of most of my problems with weight, fatigue, and, oh yes….weight!

In my quest to feel healthy, I try every new vitamin or mineral touted in my favorite magazines. At various times I have given up meat, dairy, carbs, and of course, my special coffee. Kathy’s information on sugar reinforces my feeling that of all the dietary threats to our health, this seemingly benign substance is one of the most dangerous. I really like the expression "never quit quitting." I guess that's the approach I take to giving up my coffee. Now, if only they had a magic pill for willpower!