My Toxic Relationship with Coffee

I have to admit it: I love coffee. I love it so much that I have invested in two Breville espresso machines—one for Mexico and one for Vancouver. I remember when I shipped my first espresso machine to Cancun with me. It was the very last item to come out on the luggage belt. I was so scared it had been ‘lost’ and I would not have my baby with me in Mexico. Haha. But don’t worry, it finally arrived through those little luggage meat curtains, and I was so relieved. A huge smile came across my face, like I was welcoming an old friend to a new country.

I’m sure you’re like me. I absolutely love the ritual of brewing it in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon. I love the smell that fills the kitchen, the warmth of the first sip—it feels like a hug in a mug, hahah, it truly is a genuine love of mine.

Now, I want to say that I still drink coffee every day. But I want to share my story that I’m sure many of us can relate to. When love and addiction go hand in hand, we stop listening to our bodies, and my love of coffee turned into a toxic relationship.

When Coffee Became Too Much

For me, the love part of coffee was obvious: I love the taste, the smell, the ritual, the jolt of energy, focus, and a sense of productivity. But the hate part? My body was screaming at me: bloated belly aches, unhealthy bowel movements, anxious energy, and the classic jitters. But I couldn’t stop. I knew the amount I was drinking was not good for me, and I could hear my body screaming at me. But like any addiction, it was going to be hard to stop.

For someone who values mind-body connection, my mental health, and nourishing balance, it was clear: my body was sending me a message and I needed to listen.

Shifting My Routine

Instead of trying to quit coffee altogether (something that felt overwhelming), I made a slight shift. I went from a double-shot Americano to a single-shot latte with homemade milk. I love my homemade hemp heart milk. While coffee gives you the buzz, hemp milk adds nutrients that help your body handle the buzz. The protein, fats, and minerals create a foundation of steadiness that makes caffeine feel more supportive instead of draining. Here is a quick and straightforward recipe that I use for homemade hemp heart milk.

This small change was a game-changer.

Secondly, I said bye-bye to my second cup. This is typically when my stomach would ache, my belly would bloat, and my anxiety would start. But I loved my second cup of warmth, so instead of cutting out that part of my day, I substituted it for green tea or matcha.

Why Green Tea and Matcha Feel Better

Green tea and matcha both contain caffeine, but in gentler amounts than coffee. More importantly, they contain L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus. That means instead of the spike-and-crash cycle I felt with my second coffee, I got a smoother, more sustained energy.

The difference in my body and mind was huge:

• No racing heart or jitters.

• A calmer sense of focus.

• Less afternoon crash.

• And honestly, my digestion thanked me too.

The green tea industry has so many amazing options!

What I Learned

My journey with caffeine isn’t about perfection. It’s about listening to my body. For me, one cup of coffee in the morning feels good. Two cups—especially on an empty stomach—pushes me into anxiety, restlessness, and imbalance.

By making a simple shift to green tea or matcha after my first cup, I’ve created a rhythm that supports my energy without overwhelming my nervous system.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, energy crashes, or digestive discomfort, notice how your body feels after caffeine. Ask yourself: Do I feel calm, energized, and steady—or jittery, restless, and drained later?

You don’t have to give up coffee completely if you love it. Sometimes, it’s just about finding the balance that works for you. For me, that balance is coffee for comfort, and green tea or matcha for sustained energy and mental clarity.

Because at the end of the day, health isn’t about restriction—it’s about creating habits that help us feel our best. 🌿☕💚

Thank you for reading and being a part of this journey. As always, I like to remind you that you are not alone on your health and wellness journey. I am here to help and support you. From body movement, nourishment to mindset. Could you book a consultation with me? Tell me your journey, and let’s see if I can help you.

Love your holistic trainer,

Jenny

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