A Return to Baseline

A return to baseline: Is this how we’re supposed to feel?

I’m a daily caffeine drinker, but also like to switch to decaf pretty often. As someone who has always thought a fun coffee drink should accompany any morning chat, walk with a friend, long car ride, or heads-down work session- I need options that work throughout my day. 

Working a corporate job since I graduated college, several coffees throughout the day became a norm. Unlike my brothers, I am less of a purist - meaning sugary, flavored lattes were my cup of choice. I started coaching group fitness classes in the evening after work, making me even more tired and reaching for that pick-me-up of caffeine throughout the day. 

When Mike started his decaf journey, our mom also cut caffeine for a period of time. She was so adamant about how much more energized she was, I had to try it for myself. I challenged myself for a month to skip the caffeine and only choose decaffeinated options. This was before I even knew the science behind the water versus chemical process of decaffeination, but after a few days of brutal headaches (caffeine addiction and withdrawal is real!) I understood what our mom had meant. There was simply less up and down throughout my day. Energy and alertness were consistent. The afternoon slump I thought was just part of being a working adult was rare and much less dramatic. Was I returning to baseline? Is this what energy without stimulants was like?

I did get back on the sauce (caffeine), but I believe that had a lot less to do with wanting caffeine and a lot more to do with the highly limited options for decaf that existed at the time. Which, years later, is still a gap- and why Sneaky Brew exists! Since then I have had two pregnancies and two beautiful children, which were both periods of my life where I was choosing decaf more often. I also became much more aware of ingredients going into my body, which is why we were so rigorous about a short ingredient list without seed oils, heavy sugar, or synthetic pesticides. Life changes, your needs change, and you deserve to have options that meet your evolving needs (and cravings). And you shouldn’t have to worry about the quality of those options. 

I challenge you to try a month without caffeine. You might be surprised by your own baseline!

In health and great coffee,

Corynn

Founder