CAFFEINE - Tips for Breaking the Caffeine Habit:

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                               Table of Contents
1.  What are some alternative beverages that don't contain caffeine?........2
2.  Ten tips for breaking the caffeine habit................................4














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       What are some alternative beverages that don't contain caffeine?

People who want to lighten their caffeine load have a wide variety of
alternative beverages to choose from.  In addition to water, fruit juice, milk
and caffeine-free sodas, a variety of decaffeinated coffees and teas are
available.  For those who want something different, the following hot beverages
can quench the desire for a warm drink without the caffeine:

BOULLION:  Dissolve one vegetable, or chicken boullion cube in a cup of hot
water.  Low-salt boullion is available.
NEW ENGLAND HOT CIDER:  Heat apple cider and add a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon.
HOT CRANBERRY GLOG:  Heat cranberry and grape juices and mix with a teaspoon of
sugar and a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.  Top with a slice of
orange.
HOT APPLE TODDY:  Heat apple juice, add a teaspoon of brown sugar, maple syrup,
or honey, if desired.  Top with lemon slice, add cinnamon.  Top with 1/4
teaspoon of butter if desired.
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What are some alternative beverages that don't contain caffeine?

SCANDINAVIAN COFFEE:  Add a teaspoon of brown sugar and low fat milk to hot
water with a dash of cinnamon.
TROPICAL TEA:  Add a teaspoon of sugar or honey and a lemon slice to hot water.
MINT TEA:  Place a teaspoon of crushed, dried mint leaves in boiling water,
steep, strain, and serve.  Good served hot or cold.
HERBAL TEA:  There are numerous types of herb teas now available in loose-leaf
or tea bag form.








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                   Ten Tips For Breaking the Caffeine Habit

First of all, examine your overall lifestyle:  are you "hooked" on caffeine
because of chronic fatigue?  Make an effort to get eight hours of sleep each
night, eat healthier snacks and meals, and regular exercise.  If you find that
you're still consuming too much caffeine, the following tips may be helpful:
1.  Keep a log for a week of where, when, how much, and with whom you are
     consuming coffee, tea, caffeinated soda, or caffeinated pills.
2.  Reduce your consumption slowly, by one cup (can or pill) per day.
3.  If you're a coffee drinker, gradually switch from regular to decaffeinated
     coffee by mixing them before brewing.  Mix in a higher proportion of
     decaffeinated grounds each day.  Choose a premium decaf from a coffee
     retail store to reward yourself.
4.  Drink from smaller cups instead of large mugs or glasses.
5.  Drink your coffee or tea lighter and lighter to gradually reduce its
     caffeine potency.
6.  If tea is your major source of caffeine, try decaffeinated tea.  Alternate
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     caffeine-free sodas with caffeinated ones.
7.  Substitute grain-based beverages such as Postum or Pero for coffee or tea.
     Postum, which is made from bran, molasses and wheat, contains no caffeine
     and is only 12 calories per cup.
8.  Don't discard your favorite mug if it's a comfort to you.  Just fill it
     with a caffeine-free beverage instead.  But if removing all temptation is
     better than trying to resist it, get rid of all reminders such as commuter
     cups, mugs, coffee and tea pots.  Change your daily routine to avoid
     temptation; take a walk instead of your usual "coffee break" and stay away
     from coffee shops.
9.  Drink plenty of caffeine-free liquids while you're quitting, such as water,
     herbal tea, club soda, bouillon for oral gratification.
10. When you feel yourself getting sleepy while studying, driving, or working:
     take a break, open a window, breathe deeply and stretch, jog in place, go
     for a walk, get a cold refreshing drink, or take a nap!


