Benefits of Quitting Caffeine That Make it Worth the Struggle

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Having coffee before going to work or hitting the gym feels nice and gives you that energy boost you need. However, being addicted to caffeine is not great for your brain, stomach, and overall health. Here are a few reasons why leaving your daily cup of coffee behind is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Better Sleep Quality and Higher Energy Levels

Falling asleep is more difficult when you’ve had too much caffeine throughout the day. Therefore, you won’t get enough sleep, and you’ll still need coffee in the morning to wake you up. If you give up on caffeine, this cycle will stop, and you’ll get more rest and better quality sleep. In addition, you’ll stop getting those headaches and feelings of nervousness.

If you still have trouble falling asleep even after quitting coffee (which is completely normal), try a guided meditation or establish a proper nighttime routine to calm your stressed mind, like reading a good book.

Say Goodbye to Headaches and Digestive Issues

Chronic headaches stem from caffeine. If you usually struggle with migraines, quitting coffee might be the first step toward healing. Keep in mind that the sudden lack of caffeine will probably make your headaches worse for a certain period before they ease. That’s why we recommend gradually decreasing the amount of coffee and swapping it for decaf.

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Caffeine stimulates muscle contractions and gut activity. Quitting won’t have you rushing to the bathroom in the morning. Remember that you might experience constipation when you first quit, but things will soon return to normal. If you want to speed up the process, you can switch to hot water, as it will relax your muscles. Opting for a fiber-packed breakfast like oatmeal will help too.

Alternatives to Coffee

People look at their cup of coffee as their morning ritual. The best part about quitting caffeine is that it opens you up to trying new drinks and having something different every morning. You can go for herbal teas with various flavors, like lemon, vanilla, cinnamon apple, chamomile, and more.

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Why not try out a few smoothie recipes, too? Fruits are not only tasty but easily digestible and boost your energy. Yogurt is also great for stabilizing blood sugar levels and keeping your energy levels stable throughout the morning.

What Are Ramps, and How Do You Cook With Them?

Certain foods have an extremely short season, and you must hurry to enjoy them. Think about Christmas cookies – you only really appreciate them around Christmas time. It would be strange to have them during the summer. They have a short season, as it were. Same with ramps. They can only be found from late March to early May, so if you’re keen on adding them to your meal plan, you might want to act fast!

What Are Ramps and How to Best Prepare Them for the Next Meal
Ramps

Get to Know the Greens

Although they can easily be confused with scallions and green onions, ramps are unique all on their own and are called a harbinger of spring. They’re native to the North American region and usually thrive in more shady areas. They are more pungent than garlic and can be quite pungy if eaten raw, but cooking them softens the flavor. They are very safe to eat – root to stem – and are a source of vitamin K, vitamin C, beta carotene, and a sulfurous compound that might lower your cholesterol level and even help reduce the risk of some cancers. They’re a healthy and delicious choice for the kitchen!

Cooking the Plant

Many may chew on raw ramps or process them using heat, as there are many ways to enjoy the greens. You can chop them up into soups, stews, or sauces. You can even add them to bread stuffing. People can even blitz some into melted butter and make a sort of garlic-type mixture to pour over a steak, or chop them up and put them in pesto. The combinations are endless!

Cooking the Plant

Finding Ramps in Nature

Since the greens take seven years to grow and news has spread about their delicious taste and health benefits, they are more difficult to find. However, they still grow wild and can be found in many places if you look for them. Experts recommend leaving the bulb in the ground so there’s a chance for a new plant to grow the following year. You can ask a local guide to help you look. You should always choose those that are fresh and vibrant, as they hold the best taste.

Finding Ramps in Nature

Storing for the Long Haul

The greens can usually last up to a week if you put them in the refrigerator, but they are best enjoyed within three or four days. That’s when they’re most fresh and pack the best taste. However, you can also freeze them to extend their life exponentially. They can last up to three months in a ziplock bag in the freezer.

Storing for the Long Haul

However, you choose the enjoy ramps, think quickly on your feet, and go out to find them as soon as they come into season. They are out and about for a short period, so enjoy them while you can, or store them for future use!