From A Coffee Addict

You may have heard the expression, "Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic." In the same way, you could say "Once a coffee addict, always a coffee addict."

But before I go any further in telling you my story about coffee and all the whys and hows of quitting it, you should now that now is a good time to quit drinking coffee.

You've been eating mostly well, you eat your fruits and vegetables, you've been reading Frederic's newsletter - but you think, "a little cup of coffee once in a while isn't that bad." Plus it's good for the mood.

But I'm telling you right now that that cup of coffee, which I'm sure you're enjoying more often than you'd like to admit it, is preventing you from achieving the levels of health you desire.

Cappuccino, mocaccino, caffe latte, espresso: a dozen ways to reach heaven for a few minutes at your local café. But one day I discovered the gustatory delights of fancy coffee shops and went deeper down into the wicked universe of coffee. At first, it was to get up in the morning. I started drinking coffee in high school. I know because I'm like you.

Of course, my vow to become a raw-foodist ended all that madness. For many years, I resisted the temptation. But you know, once a coffee addict...

I admit having sinned many times. The lure of coffee sure got me more often than I'd like to admit it.

Think about it: Starbucks have popped up all over the place. You can go there with your laptop, answer your e-mails and surf the web on your laptop with their free wireless Internet access, enjoy your delicious coffee and get a bit of the feel that you're really part of this world, all of that for a few dollars only.

Petrene Soames writes in the article "Wake Up and Kick the Caffeine Habit for Good":

"Have you ever wondered why Starbucks is so popular? Why do even the spendthrift amongst us pay over the top prices for a cup of coffee? With great packaging and good marketing Starbucks fills a niche in the national psyche. Identification is a major component. We simply identify with our purchases. Starbucks caters to the fast on-the-go customer and to the kickback and relax customer. The ambiance of the outlets is comfortable and feels like a great place to be, personal enough to take someone new, but safe enough when you aren't ready yet to take that new person home."

" Starbucks, it would seem, oozes cool and we - the consumer - have bought into that big time. But it is not cool to stress our bodies with caffeine, and it is not cool to blanket our emotions with quick-fix products. The longer we hide our true feelings, the longer it will take for us to recognize our true selves. Isn't it really time in all our lives to stop swapping life experiences and happiness for comfort foods and drinks?"

But there's an ugly side to it. Contrary to common belief, even one cup of coffee a day is too much. According to a recent study done at Johns Hopkins University, which examined over 170 years of research on caffeine, true caffeine addiction can occur from drinking only one cup of coffee a day.

According to Melissa C. Stöppler, M.D.,

"Morning caffeine consumption can lead to increases in blood pressure, feelings of stress, and elevated stress hormone levels throughout the day and into the evening hours, according to researchers at Duke University. (...)

"(...) the effects of morning coffee consumption can exaggerate the body's stress responses and increase stress hormone levels all day long and into the evening, even when no further caffeine is consumed in the afternoon. Persons who suffer from stress-related diseases or conditions worsened by stress, such as cardiovascular disease and psychological conditions such as anxiety disorders, could be adversely affected by caffeine intake."

For me, even one cup of coffee taken in the morning will disturb my sleep late at night.

But that's just the beginning.

You don't really know exactly what type of hells are breaking loose in your body when you drink that little occasional cup of coffee you love so much. Just read on my website the articles I have on coffee (http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/ nutrition.html).

But let's be honest about it - half of the addiction or more is psychological. It has something to do with the ritual of the coffee drinker. First I suggest avoiding that too. Don't go to Starbucks. Avoid temptation. Then, once the physical detox is over, you can go back. Go hang out at Starbucks, and instead have a cup of herbal tea, or one of their magic smoothies.

A few words of advice: giving up coffee and replacing it with tea or green tea isn't a good approach. An alcoholic who wants to quit won't go from scotch to beer. He has to stop altogether. And the truth is that tea, especially black tea, contains generous quantities of caffeine. So you can get addicted to it just as you got addicted to coffee. Better to give it up entirely.

I couldn't end this week's e-zine without a little encouragement to all of my coffee drinking readers who are not so sure about getting off the bean:

I promise that you'll feel better. I promise that you'll sleep better. I promise that you'll have headaches less often. I promise that you'll have more energy. I promise that you'll feel better in your body. I promise that your mood will be better.

By the way, the best time to quit drinking coffee is when you think you don't have time to stop drinking coffee.

Choose the Correct Coffee Machines

But I am not alone. As time goes by I am sure to gather more Coffee Making equipment as I am a self confessed coffee addict. One Coffee Machine that is out permanently and two Coffee Machines that like it in the cupboard! Personally I have three. Most kitchens will have some sort of Coffee Machines in them.

Then there are the new fangled pod coffee machines, which infuse hot water through coffee pods, and the top-notch espresso makers. You can still get the old-fashioned drip machines, but the even more old-fashioned presses and hand brew machines are back in style. Not only do you have to choose among the dozens of franchise coffee shops, coffee types, espresso, cappuccino, and all other kinds of java, you also have to worry about what kind of coffee machines to work with. Nowadays, coffee is all the rage.

Honest! You may have to clean the filters after each use, but this little bit of extra work is well worth it. Permanent filters make sure that the flavor molecules from the coffee grinds pass through into the water, but more importantly, the permanent filters do this without adding unwanted flavors. The key to these machines is using a gold, nylon, or other type of permanent filters. They use a method of brewing that can create the most delicious coffee. Drip coffee machines, though, are still one of the easiest types to use for beginners and coffee aficionados alike.

If you absolutely have to use paper filters try rinsing them with hot water first as this helps to wash away some of the after taste. They impart an aftertaste into the finished product, and they absorb some of the special flavor molecules and aromatic oils from your coffee beans, which are what gives your cup of joe its tantalizing taste. What is wrong with paper filters for coffee machines?

This means water temperatures that are between 195 degrees and 205 degrees to ensure the best flavor extraction from the coffee grounds. Be sure to only add the right temperature water to the mix. When using drip coffee machines, stick with medium to fine grinds of coffee.

And if you want to follow the most expert rules for using drip coffee machines, you should remove the grounds from the filter before the last couple of drops of water have filtered through. This prevents your coffee from being over-extracted and overly bitter. One last thing. Before you serve this delicious coffee to yourself or to a guest, stir it.

From one coffee addict to the like minded, enjoy! So go choose a coffee machine that will suit you and enjoy your morning pick-you-up or sip your mellow afternoon cup-a-joe!

Gevalia Coffee Maker for the Perfect Coffee Cup

Gevalia Kaffe is a company which prides itself in producing the finest of European coffee beans and premium tea blends. For over 100 years now, Gevalia has satisfied the selective taste buds of coffee enthusiasts around the world.

They sell customized coffee beans which are packed right after roasting to ensure maximum freshness.

Gevalia now has a wide array of coffee bean varieties and premium tea blends to suit your taste. Along with the coffee and tea products, they also offer a wide array of fun and unique accessories and gift packages for the coffee addict in you.

'Gevalia Coffee Maker'

One of the hottest products that coffee enthusiasts will enjoy from Gevalia is their twelve-cup coffee maker.

This model features a brewing mechanism which will extract the full flavor from the coffee grind. It also comes with a "pause and serve" feature, as well as a round-the-clock programmable timer.

This is especially useful so that you can pre-brew your coffee cup the night before, and you will wake up to the aroma of a freshly-brewed cup.

Some coffee maker owners at home find it such a chore to prepare and clean their coffee brewing machines. With Gevalia's swing-out basket, adding a paper filter is a snap and brewing coffee has never been easier.

Its water chamber can brew up to twelve cups of coffee. Gevalia coffee maker comes in an elegant black or white model, and is available for only $59.95. They also offer a package which includes the coffee maker with a set of four specialized Gevalia coffee mugs for $74.95.

The Gevalia coffee maker is a suitable kitchen appliance that you can buy for your own home, and it also serves as a nice gift set for friends and family who are coffee aficionados.

'How to Brew your Gevalia Coffee'

Gevalia shares some of their trade secrets on how to brew the perfect cup of coffee. For their famous European recipe, use one scoop of Gevalia Breakfast Blend ground coffee for every six fluid ounces of water. This should be perfect to brew one cup. You can vary the measurements to suit your own taste.

The quality of coffee filter also counts when brewing coffee right in your own home. A good filter should be cone-shaped which is made of high-quality paper. A good paper filter will extract the utmost flavor, giving out the richness of the coffee.

Do not use tap water in brewing Gevalia coffee. Instead, use cold water which is filtered.

Of course, it is best to use Gevalia coffee maker in brewing Gevalia coffee. This model heats the water to high enough temperature to get the utmost flavor from the coffee beans.

If you will not drink your beverage straight from the coffee machine, store it in an airtight container of carafe. The liquid will lose its flavor if it is left on the coffee maker or a warming plate for more than fifteen minutes.

Finally, a well-maintained and thoroughly cleaned machine is critical in maintaining the quality of coffee that your coffee maker produces.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Food and Drink. For more information regarding Gevalia Coffee Maker please drop by at http://www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

Gevalia Coffee Maker http://www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

tips for choosing a coffee maker

You may be having a coffee maker at home, but you may still want to know the different types of coffee makers in the market and choosing the one that suits you is made easy with this article. You need to answer the above questions before going to find a new Or, are you looking for a cheap coffee maker which makes coffee as quickly as possible? Do you want foam or options for espresso and cappuccino? Do you want a coffee maker having a built in grinder so that you can grind your own beans? It could be because you are a coffee addict and you need 10 cups every day or you may want to go for a smaller, single serve coffee maker? You need to answer the above questions before going to find a new coffee maker you should be clear with the reasons to purchase it. Or, are you looking for a cheap coffee maker which makes coffee as quickly as possible? Do you want foam or options for espresso and cappuccino? Do you want a coffee maker having a built in grinder so that you can grind your own beans? It could be because you are a coffee addict and you need 10 cups every day or you may want to go for a smaller, single serve coffee maker? Before going for a new coffee maker you should be clear with the reasons to purchase it. This can prepare just one or more cups at a time. It is a user friendly coffee maker and hence it is very familiar in the market. Here you need to put water either in the back or side of the coffee maker, put in a filter, fill it with coffee and then press the start button. The only thing you need to think about is the type of coffee maker is the “Automatic Dripâ€?. This can prepare just one or more cups at a time. It is a user friendly coffee maker and hence it is very familiar in the market. The only thing you need to put water either in the back or side of the coffee maker, put in a filter, fill it with coffee and then press the start button. This can prepare just one or more cups at a time. It is a user friendly coffee maker and hence it is very familiar in the market. Here you need to put water either in the back or side of the coffee maker, put in a filter, fill it with coffee and then press the start button. Obviously, the most familiar type of coffee maker is the “Automatic Dripâ€?. “Manual Drip” is the second most standard type of coffee maker. This is similar to automatic drip but here you need to heat up and pour the water manually, into the holder where the coffee filter is filled with coffee sits. Once it is drained into the pot your job is done and these can also make either single cup or up to 12 cups but aren’t usually used commercially. People who are into fishing, hunting and camping, choose this as it is convenient to carry along and you can heat the water according to your needs. If you want a cup of coffee at any moment you can use a stove, the campfire or even a hot car engine. For people who know exactly what they like, Espresso and Cappuccino machines are more effective. They are very expensive when compared to other normal coffee makers. Depending upon the type of machine, coffee makers utilize pressure, foam, froth and milk to prepare coffee. Nowadays, these types of machines are fast moving and are more affordable than ever before. If you look around, you will find the outmoded percolators, vacuum brewers, French presses and many more are available, both on-line as well as with the local dealer. Apart from these, there are numerous types of coffee makers which may attract you.

You may be having a coffee maker at home, but you may still want to know the different types of coffee makers in the market and choosing the one that suits you is made easy with this article.Before going for a new coffee maker.You can get quality coffee beans grounded from the store and add some flavors you like such as hazelnut, vanilla and cinnamon. Obviously, the most familiar type of coffee you want to put into it.If you look around, you will find the outmoded percolators, vacuum brewers, French presses and many more are available, both on-line as well as with the local dealer. Apart from these, there are numerous types of coffee makers which may attract you.

types of coffee makers

With hundreds of types of coffee maker on the market, you have many options available and are sure to find something that will suit your needs. Maybe you would like to try something new or your old coffee maker finally died and you need a good replacement. Many people have coffee makers but are curious what other types of coffee makers are available. These are just a few questions you should ask yourself before going to find a new coffee maker. Or, do you just want something cheap that will make coffee as easy as possible? Do you want foam or options for espresso and cappuccino? Do you need to grind your own beans and want a grinder built in? Are you a coffee addict who needs 10 cups a day or should you stick with a smaller single serve coffee maker? Before you buy a coffee maker you should figure out what exactly you want out of it. Quality coffee beans can be ground at stores and they can even be infused with flavors you like such as hazelnut, vanilla, and cinnamon. Naturally, the easiest and most common type of coffee you want to put into it. The second most popular type of coffee maker is the manual drip. This is just like the automatic drip except you heat up and pour the water yourself. You just pour it into the holder where the coffee filter filled with coffee sits. It drains into the pot and you are done. These also make either single cup or up to 12 cups but aren't usually used commercially. For people who love fishing, hunting, and camping, these are a good choice as they are portable and you can heat the water however you want. You can use a stove, campfire, even a hot car engine is an option if you really need a cup of coffee immediately. Espresso and cappuccino machines are more for a selective person who knows exactly what they like. Unlike a normal coffee maker, these are expensive and you need to practice to operate them efficiently. They utilize pressure, foam, froth, and milk depending on the type of machine you buy. Espresso and cappuccino are gaining popularity and these are becoming smaller and more affordable than ever before. In addition to these, there are many other types of coffee maker you may be interested in. There are old fashioned percolators, vacuum brewers, French presses, and much more available if you choose to look around. You can find anything you are looking for either on line or at a local retailer.

Many people have coffee makers but are curious what other types of coffee maker on the market, you have many options available and are sure to find something that will suit your needs.These are just a few questions you should ask yourself before going to find a new coffee maker. Or, do you just want something cheap that will make coffee as easy as possible? Do you want foam or options for espresso and cappuccino? Do you need to grind your own beans and want a grinder built in? Are you a coffee addict who needs 10 cups a day or should you stick with a smaller single serve coffee maker? Before you buy a coffee maker you should figure out what exactly you want out of it.Quality coffee beans can be ground at stores and they can even be infused with flavors you like such as hazelnut, vanilla, and cinnamon. It all depends on what you want to put into it. These can make just one cup at a time or gallons at a time. Its ease of use is one of the things that makes this type so appealing. This is where you put some water in the back or side, put in a filter, fill it with coffee, then push start. Naturally, the easiest and most common type of coffee maker is the automatic drip.