a little bassackwards, but I'll take it

I've been really feeling guilt for having that caffeine fix of mine. It's an addiction, there should be a 12-step program for it. Seriously. I'm SERIOUSLY addicted to coffee, I can NOT function in the morning without it. I walk around in a fog until that first sip crosses my lips and I tell you, it's an instant fix. My senses are alert, and awakened and I'm already feeling much better about being awake.

ADDICTION. I say that, and I realize there are alot of addictions out there much worse - but this one is mine, so I'm going on all that I know. I USED to smoke because I was stupid in my 20's and I was addicted to smoking. I've been a quitter for a little over 5 years now - quit cold turkey too! And I'm proud of that... but caffeine, I'm not sure if I can give it up, or even if I WANT too. I get told by my doctor to cut back on it,due to mitral valve prolapse (very common, and not at all a biggie for me) because caffeine creates more of the 'symptoms' of the MVP. So... I drink coffee in the morning (usually 2 cups) and then after dinner, I have 1 cup. Through the day I drink water... I was surprised, and giddy when I read an article in one of my magazines this week. The article:

• 3-4 cups of coffee or tea could actually be improving your health. (yeah, I was like what the h*&%! are you serious!?!)
• Research has shown that this little habit just might reduce your risk of Endometrial cancer???WHAT!!! SERIOUSLY??? It says: women who drank more than 4 cups of coffee or tea EACH DAY were 50% less likely to develop endometrial cancer.
• Stroke!!! AGAIN, SERIOUSLY?? It says: those who had an average of 2 or 3 cups per day were 19% less likely to have a stroke.
• Muscle Pain... Having 2-3 cups first made exercisers feel less sore afterward. ????

Wild huh??? I say the best part of waking up is coffee in my cup...well, that and toddler kisses on my face. Who could say no to that combo?

Article published in Womens Day, written by Abigail L. Cuffey