Did you just find out your pregnant and trying to kick the caffeine habit?
Did you just find out you’re pregnant and trying to kick the caffeine habit? I might have just made your day by the time you finish reading this so stay with me.
You don’t have to actually give up caffeine in pregnancy, but I do recommend cutting back. A Pepsi/Coke or even a cup of coffee every now and then is totally okay, I just don’t recommend you drink one every day. There is an increased risk of miscarriage or baby born with low birth weight when the caffeine limit is exceeded.
Caffeine can be an impressive energy booster, but it also has a diuretic effect on the body that may cause frequent trips to the bathroom and…what pregnant women need to visit the bathroom even more often than she already does in pregnancy? Caffeine can also send the much-needed calcium and other vital nutrients out of your system before it can be absorbed and do your body any good. How about those crazy hormones, they are already on a mini roller coaster, so when you add caffeine to the mix that makes for even crazier unpredictable mood swings.
One of my loves in life is Crio Bru. It’s roasted cocoa beans ground to a powder with no additives. When my friend Tara introduced me to this AMAZING chocolate drink, I was sure I had died and gone to heaven. The Ghana Light Roast is my favorite, but it comes in several flavors so check them out and see which you like the best. It gives me energy without the jitters; it has less caffeine than even decaffeinated coffee. It’s only 10 calories a cup and NO sugar, even though (I have to be honest), I do add a little stevia or honey to mine, and the best part is, it is chock full of antioxidants. This is a WAY better alternative to the energy powers of coffee and it comes without any of the nasty side effects. I make it in a French coffee press with about 4+cups of hot water and ¼ cup of Crio Bru, let it steep for several minutes then stir and let it set for another 2-3 minutes till all the grounds fall to the bottom of the press, then press the lid down and pour yourself a cup of pure delight. You can also add a bit of almond milk or Half and Half if you prefer it creamier, and sweeten to your desire.
Let me know when you try it and tell me what you think.
Crio Bro Ghana Light Roast
SterlingPro French Coffee Press
