Whether or not a pregnant woman should consume caffeine, particularly in her first trimester, is up for debate. Most doctors will tell you that one cup of coffee a day is just fine. But if you are one of those women who say “better safe than sorry,” you might be struggling with giving up your daily buzz. It’s hard to give up caffeine when your body is used to it. Personally I think it’s easier to do before you are pregnant, while you are trying to conceive, that way you can slowly wean yourself off.
Once your body gets used to that caffeine buzz every morning, you experience a slump when you don’t get it. Giving up caffeine cold turkey may mean experiencing a literal period of withdrawal. Expect fatigue and headaches, among other symptoms.
Here are some ideas for perking up in the morning without the help of ol’ Joe.
Go to bed earlier. This may seem obvious, but getting extra sleep the night before will help you feel more alert in the morning, which will make it easier to skip your morning cup of coffee.
Get some exercise. Exercise naturally increases your energy – and the boost lasts longer than a java jolt. Just a half hour in the morning can make a world of a difference.
Eat an apple. Apples provide a great, quick and natural energy boost. Wash it down with a glass of water. Drinking enough water helps your body function at its peak.
If you experience the afternoon slump, have a healthy snack to refuel and boost your energy. Avoid processed sugars, which will only cause a crash later on.
Switch to whole grains. These complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, which even out your energy levels throughout the day. Whole grains are good for you for many other reasons as well, so it can’t hurt!