Alternates Please Step Forward

There are three things that I've had to give up completely since becoming a Crohnie that I just get cravings for because I love them. Popcorn. Beer. Coffee. These are things which all have alternatives, but yet can not be replaced. More so I'm going to focus on beer and coffee, because if I talk about popcorn I will just be too sad - there's just no suitable replacement.

Moving forward. I love me a glass of wine or a fruity cocktail any day, don't get me wrong, but sometimes... sometimes the situation just calls for beer! Sports game? You look like a total snot drinking a glass of Pinot Noir. Country music concert? Beer just feels more... right in your red solo cup. Same goes with caffeinated beverages. I love me some tea all day everyday, but sometimes the day just calls for a good ol' cup o' joe.

I should pause and back up, and mention that I am very grateful for the fact that my stomach is upset by the acidic content of coffee beans, and not the caffeine, because if it were the caffeine (which seems to happen to a lot of Crohnies) then daily rituals as I know them would cease to exist. Plus, that would lead to taking away chocolate which, lets be real... can never happen. I am also grateful that I can drink wine, and small amounts of liquor if I would like. Not drinking alcohol is also fine, but hey, I enjoy it from time to time.

Anyway, the thing about beer and coffee, is that sometimes you just can't replace their taste, or the way they fit into a social setting, or certain types of weather. Fall is upon us! And what are some of my favorite things about fall? Beer and football! Apple crisp and pumpkin coffee! Wah, why Crohn's must you take away these cozy comforts?!

So, all summer it has been a battle of my wits to say no in certain situations to either beer or coffee. But thankfully with trial and error, and some late night browsing on the internet, HUZZAH! I have found some 'almost-solutions' to my beer/coffee fall cravings that are starting to emerge as the nightly temperatures slowly drop.

Beer: replace with cider. It's apply and delicious, looks like a beer, and is cheaper than liquor or wine, so levels out on even with beer. If I really want a taste of the real stuff, I'll just have a sip of someone else's to satisfy.

Coffee: when really craving something other than tea, I can go for the espresso! Luckily, I have no issues with milk, so I can at least go the "cheaper" route with Dunkin' Donuts instead of a $6 grande at Starbucks (yipes). I'll have to figure out how to do this at home eventually. Anyway, I found a bunch of articles and information about how espresso actually has less acid and caffeine, so it is a win for my stomach but I can get that coffee taste I crave so badly! I included a quote from one site below.

Drink espresso. While espresso and espresso-based beverages taste stronger than drip coffee, they actually have less caffeine and less acid than coffee brewed by methods that take longer. It may be that even though espresso is brewed with hot water, the pressure pushes the water through the coffee grounds fast enough to avoid extracting the harsh chemicals responsible for kicking your stomach acid production into hi. (http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/low-acid-coffee.html)

I purchased a pumpkin latte on my way to work the other night, as it was cold and rainy and fall-feeling. Mmm, I felt so indulgent.