Keri Gans is a Registered Dietitian, spokesperson and media personality with a private practice in New York City. She is the author of The Small Change Diet (Gallery, March 2011), a Past-Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a Past-President of The New York State Dietetic Association. Keri holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University. You've grown found of having a few cups of coffee in the morning before work, a cup or two at work and before you know it by the end of the day your head is pounding and your hands are shaking.
Is this a sign you need to cut back?
There's no denying the powerful benefits of what coffee can do for your health. However, if you're constantly craving the "fix" and wondering when your next caffeine dose will be, you might have a problem.
The hardest question you have to answer is why you need to drink coffee or energy drinks. Are you turning to your cup of coffee to get you going in the morning and skipping your balanced breakfast? Or did you not get enough sleep and need a quick pick-me-up?
Whatever the answer may be, if you are relying on caffeine to get you through your day, you might want to find other alternatives.
Try substituting your 16 oz. heavy cream, light sugar drink for a meal balanced of carbs, protein and fiber (like oatmeal) to give you a healthier boost.
Registered Dietitian, spokesperson and media personality, Keri Gans, MS, RD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss why caffeine in moderation is great for your health, some signs that you need to cut back and alternatives you can turn to in order to kick your caffeine habit.
Health Topics A-Z
Coffee & Caffeine: How to Cut Back
Guest
: Keri Gans, MS, RD
From the Show: Staying Well
Summary: Did you know that coffee is a $30 billion industry and that Americans drink an estimated 400 million cups a day?
Air Date: 3/3/14
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
