Back on the Bean

I have the esophagus of an 85-year-old woman (self-diagnosed) and have been on an off Tums (and some harder stuff as well) for acid reflux-ish issues since I was 18. A couple of years ago I finally saw a Gastroenterologist and he recommended that I cut one or more of the following out of my diet: alcohol, chocolate, coffee, garlic, tomato (there were others but I am sticking to what's important here). Seeing as though denying myself most of those items would have a direct impact on my sanity, I chose to cut out the one I abused on a daily basis . . . coffee (mark my words: I. Will. NEVER. Give. Up. Chocolate. Ever.). Although I was immediately feeling the effects of a body sans-the-proper-amount-of-caffeine-to-function (cue the headaches and that fuzzy-in-the-head feeling of not getting enough sleep) and I missed my sweet, sweet cafe con leche, I stuck it out and was "on tea" in less time than I expected.

While I enjoy tea, I have yet to find one that gives you that same kick/boost that real coffee does; it was never quite the same. But by the time I retired my Starbucks card (there was one in the building I worked in) it didn't matter much to me since David and I had become serious about starting a family so I was planning on cutting back on the caffeine anyway. Fast forward to late last year, when I stopped breastfeeding (translation: pumping; it's a LONG story for a future blost), and I was keen to get back on the bean. Oh how I had missed my ol' friend, Joe. For the last couple of years I had been living vicariously through the inviting aroma wafting from every fresh pot that David had made. I had been so strong but with a still-new baby in the house and the lack of sleep that came with him, I was no match for magic of a mocha or the lure of a latte. That first cup was so delicious I went in for a second (which is rare because I'm strictly a one cup/no larger than Grande or Medium kind of gal) and I haven't looked back. I don't drink coffee every day but I enjoyed a heaping mug full earlier today and guarantee that if you run into me out and about on the days I have, I am definitely sporting an extra zip that keeps me going (at least until early afternoon).

Are you a coffee or tea drinker? Can you recommend a caffeinated tea that you find is comparable to coffee? I would love to give it a try. Are there any other caffeinated morning beverages that I should know about?