Caffeine Mindfulness & Coffee Substitutes
Is it time to start re-thinking our relationship (addiction) to caffeine?
Welcome to The Elevator. Every week I’m in constant conversation with dozens of entrepreneurs seeking to answer the big questions about their business & lifestyle. My intent with this letter is to curate the trends, opportunities, products, and services that will help you grow.
Cafe:
Last week I wrote that NFTs are still a thing, and how I bought an iPhone 12 mini to turn into a “productive phone.”
On a personal note: I leave for Delhi, India next week!
What should I do, see, eat? I’ll be there for a wedding as well as stopping through Jaipur and Ranthambore. I’m ready for sensory overload! I’m also ready with some Jet Lag supplements.
Lobby:
Is it time for “Caffeine mindfulness”?
Are we starting to question our caffeine addiction?
Like the rise of the non-alcoholic movement, there's a growing trend that isn't exactly anti-caffeine but encourages a more mindful consumption of it. This movement isn't about quitting caffeine cold turkey but about finding a balance that suits us individually.
For example, people who struggle with anxiety… should they be having caffeine all of the time? Is the anxiety, in part, due to the caffeine? What about people with stomach issues? I see caffeine as an amplifier. The amplification effects get stronger the more you have. My life is better with it, but how much is right for you?
Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World
II. Trying out “caffeine cycling”
I honestly do FEEL better with caffeine, I feel happier. My focus, however with the spike of caffeine has a sharp drop off. The boost isn’t sustainable and the tolerance level grows.
That’s why I’m testing out for myself caffeine cycling. I’m cycling the caffeine at 1-2x per week for larger amounts (coffee) and having tea the other days.
III. My most common swap is Cacao
Swapping out my coffee has been made much easier by drinking cacao. I love dark chocolate, and so I love having a cup of cacao.
Here is the top-grade stuff in my opinion, Cacao Junajpu. Because cacao is seen as sacred, each batch of this product is blessed. Magic.
Cacao Junajpu is 100% ceremonial-grade, heirloom variety of Cacao. We are a small group of Maya guides dedicated to creating ceremonial cacao for the public. In keeping with ancient traditions, our chocolate is made according to the days of the Maya Sacred Calendar, (the Cholq'ij, or Tzolkin). We do a ceremony and an offering while we make each batch, based on the Maya energy of that day, the Nawal, and infuse each batch with massive vibrations of of love, compassion, service, abundance and purpose.
IV. Starbucks combining caffeine w. sugar… yikes.
Never forget that sugar was once toted as an appetite suppressant. Then we paired it with coffee…
Yerba Mate is another great alternative.
Tiny Capital and Andrew Huberman partner on a Yerba Mate brand.
“I often discuss yerba mate's health benefits — such as its high antioxidant content, its role in managing blood sugar, and its possible neuroprotective effects. Personally, I consume yerba mate daily for these reasons, and also because it tastes great and it reminds me of drinking it as a child with my Argentine family.
A former client, Clevr, is also a great alternative. Skip Mudwtr. Try Everydaydose.
Clevr makes barista-style oatmilk lattes like Tumeric or Matcha, upgraded with adaptogens, superfoods, and probiotics. They’re based in Santa Barbara and have two kick-ass founders. This London Fog latte mix looks awesome, and London fog’s have been a go-to order at the coffee shop w. stevia and almond milk.
I personally never liked the taste of Mudwtr but they are an OG in the space.
If you want 1/3 the caffeine but with a boost I also love Everyday Dose.
Rooftop
How are you thinking about your own caffeine consumption? What drink are you hooked on? How does caffeine effect your work?
As always lmk what you think or how else I can help,
xx David
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I’m David Sherry, founder of Death to Stock. I partner with founders & entrepreneurs with growing companies. Helping them define their vision and grow personally and professionally to capture their biggest opportunities.
Funny, I’ve been thinking about this exact thing. After too much coffee yesterday—trying to counteract a night of bad sleep—I couldn’t focus.
I knocked off work and went for a run.
That helped, except I was not only over caffeinated but under hydrated. I think those two go hand in hand.
I haven’t tried salt. What’s the benefit of salt or LMNT with coffee?