We are New Yorkers. Caffeine and alcohol are a part of our every day life. Grab cappuccino on the way to work. Maybe a coffee date. Meet a friend for happy hour cocktails after work. Have a bottle of wine with dinner. Repeat the next day.
For every article you read saying caffeine or alcohol are bad for you, there is one that says that in moderation they are great for your health. Being over caffeinated causes anxiety, sleep disorders and irritability. Excessive drinking causes depression. Caffeine post workout boosts your body’s insulin response and improves muscle recovery. A glass of red wine a day is good for the heart. And so on and so on and so on…With so much contradictory information out there it seems like not drinking either one might be a good idea.
So every year in the month of May I give up caffeine and alcohol. I have done this for the past 12 years. There is no particular reason associated with it other than it seems like a good thing to do once a year. No religious association. No cleanse or health challenge. Why May? Totally arbitrary. The first time I did it was in May, so I just kept that going every year.
So, my May challenge to all of you is to give up caffeine and alcohol for the month. Give them both up and drink more water. Both are diuretics. The worst that will happen is you will be more hydrated.