Thoughts of the Week - Giving Up the Bean

I gave up coffee this week.  I can't really say I've given up caffeine because I'm surviving off of green tea and iced tea, but for all intents and purposes, my regular 2-3 cup a day coffee habit has been kicked to the curb.  I'm not gonna lie, it's been painful.  I've been exhausted and stabby.  I've continued to exercise but even that usual endorphin rush hasn't done much for my energy levels.  Neither have these green smoothies.  "Try a green smoothie for a pick-me-up in the afternoon."  Total BS.  They do taste good though.  I put a bunch of spinach, some swiss chard if I have enough in my garden, and just whatever fruit I have in the kitchen.  This one has some leftover figs from Saturday night, strawberries and frozen mango.  I've also started using coconut water instead of orange juice to make it a bit cleaner.

Many people have inquired why I've given up caffeine (as a side note, I've also given up red meat but that's another story).  Well, the simple answer is it gives me heartburn.  The not so-simple answer is that I hate having to "need" something every morning.  I hate not feeling like I can function without it.  And you know what else, it makes me feel old!  I remember growing up seeing my parents HAVE to have their morning coffee everyday and I would think "Poor old people, can't even function without coffee, I'll never be that way, I have natural energy."  Oh how smug we are in our youth.  But here I am, so desperate for coffee I'll drive through Shell gas station to grab some cheap ass coffee because I think I need it.  I know it sounds silly but I've never claimed to be rational.  I have decaffeinated in the house for the mornings when I just want the taste of it, and of course I'll still enjoy a Peet's latte every now and then, but I want to drink it because I enjoy it, not because I have to have it.  Make sense?  

Anyhow, enough about my coffee addiction.  Here's a few other pics from our week that helped me not be so stabby :)

From the top:
1. Tomatoes from the garden (Russian Red, Beefsteak and Cherry)
2. Beet Greens also from the garden, sauteed with mushrooms, EVOO & garlic.  Excellent healthy side dish tossed with quinoa or couscous.
3. A twist on the usual spin art; we added small pebbles to make the paint splatter and spread in different patterns.
4. I continue to play with the mantel but I think I've settled on a display I like; just had to move some things around in the house that I already owned.
5. & 6. Beach day with some of our cousins. 

Have a great weekend everyone!