Caffeine....in a healthy way

The hardest thing for me to give up during my fitness journey is caffeine. My morning coffee with loads creamer and sugar, what helped me get out of bed in the morning. A nice cold Dr.Pepper was heaven when in the afternoon for a quick pick me up, or if I didn't feel good. When I decided to take my health seriously I knew I had to give up my 2 fave things. HOWEVER, I have found the best replacements. I still let myself have a coffee twice a week. I generally chose Saturdays and Mondays. I love to awake up and chill out in my chair with a nice cup of coffee on a Saturday morning, and I don't know about 
y'all but I have a bad case of the Monday's...EVERY Monday, so I allow myself a cup. Instead of using creamer I use unsweetened almond milk, and two packets of Truvia, instead of sugar. It is just as good, and way better for you.  Here is an awesome blog post from one of my fave bloggers Taralynn. She explains the benefits of coffee! 

http://simplytaralynn.com/2014/05/06/benefits-of-coffee-by-running-blogger-courtney-brown/

There really isn't a substitute that compares to my beloved Dr. Pepper...even though I know how awful it is, it will always have a place in my heart. :) I have been trying to drink tea instead. I am one of those weird southerns that HATES sweet tea, so I usually just drink unsweetened. On the days that I do not have coffee, I warm up a nice cup of green tea. Its so soothing and relaxing. And helps you feel better If you are feeling under the weather. I decided to do a little research on the health benefits of Green tea and thought I would share. 

• Weight Loss- The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
• Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
• Heart Disease. Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
• Esophageal Cancer. It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.
• Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
• Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
• Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.
• Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage