Coffee and Chocolate

[Ihavehope]

Is coffee and chocolate good for us? Not on meds yet but will be soon. Coffee usually makes me wanna go to the potty therefore I don't know how good it will be now.

[bear60]

coffee and chocolate are not bad for you...its how much you consume.  Everything in moderation and you're fine.  But the bottom line for everyone is to be able to listen to what your body is telling you. If you drink too much coffee or alchohol or whatever...your body will tell you.

[Christine]

Moderation is the key. I would be lost without my morning coffee, and a little bit of chocolate every now and then.
Christine

[Miss Philicia]

I will NEVER give up my coffee.  EVER!  I'm currently totally devoted to Torreo (local Philly roaster) and their Ethiopian roast.  I limit myself to two (largish) cups each morning.

I adore chocolate (dark) but I consume it quite sparingly.

Anyway, I think you'll find that you don't have to give up loving food due to HIV.  You can consume most anything in moderate amounts, which is what you would IDEALLY be doing if you were negative.  If your doctor starts seeing something in your routine blood work that is odd he'll pack you off to the nutritionist.

And I'll be damned if I'm not going to treat myself to a big ole juicy fat-filled cheeseburger with fries once/month.

[cubbybear]

If you are going to eat chocolate, eat dark chocolate, it's better for you, and make sure it's good quality.  Coffee can raise your blood pressure, and also dehydrate you, as well as stain your teeth amongst other things.  It's addictive (caffeine).  Still, all in moderation.

[aztecan]

Oh heaven! A big, juicy cheeseburger!

I haven't had one of those in more than five years. There are times I almost succumb to temptation, but the aftereffects are just too nasty.

But, yes, chocolate, coffee, tea, wine, scotch whiskey. I consume them all - but in moderation.

As Bear said, your body will let you know if you've overdone.

HUGS,

Mark

[Catman]

Huh! I dare anybody to take away my morning coffee cup! Grrrrrr. I love coffee+milk in the morning. I can skip it and do with a cup of warm milk and sugar, but that is rarely. Your body and stomach will tell you when you need to stop consuming something. A few weeks ago I really wasn't enjoying my morning coffee anymore and I stopped drinking it for about 2 weeks. Instead I had milk and it felt good. I am back to the coffee+milk, though. I try not to drink it too strong. Never do the black coffee alone.

Chocolate! Can't live without it, either. I have in my fridge those Ferrero Rocher's and I eat about 2-3 a day while they last. Any chocolate is fine with me but for a time I totally forget about it and months can go by without touching one. My body does have a control thing which I listen to. Besides, a little chocolate in your diet does boost the sexual urge (unless you are diabetic)! I have experimented this with my partner and it works...

[Ihavehope]

When I wasn't feeling well in October I stopped drinking coffee for a month and a half and it was like someone took a piece of me. I was no longer me. I started drinking it again and I felt good again. mmmm..

[antibody]

i switched from coffee to green tea and went back to coffee when i didn't really notice any difference in sleeping better at night. my doctor of course suggest the switch and said i would sleep much better so i tried it for a few months. i missed it. my partner and roommate would have their morning coffee and the aroma was torture. i like green tea and do enjoy the taste, well anyways not to run on and on but now i just limit myself to 2 small cups in the morning. oh and chocolate i'm a fiend! 

[NewYorkKat]

cafe is a no no since it dehydrates you. Decaf herbal teas are best. Ginger, Green Tea are the best. Chocolate I am not sure but it's high in fat.

[sweetasmeli]

i switched from coffee to green tea and went back to coffee when i didn't really notice any difference in sleeping better at night. my doctor of course suggest the switch and said i would sleep much better so i tried it for a few months. i missed it. my partner and roommate would have their morning coffee and the aroma was torture. i like green tea and do enjoy the taste, well anyways not to run on and on but now i just limit myself to 2 small cups in the morning. oh and chocolate i'm a fiend! 

Green tea, although having many positive qualities, is still a stimulant because it contains caffeine. Granted, less so than some other teas and definitely less than coffee. I tend to avoid green tea late afternoon/early evening so that it doesn't disturb my sleep. Instead I drink it in the morning or early afternoon. I opt for chamomile or rooibus (redbush) tea later on in the day, which are known for their calming sedative effects. I also drink at least a couple of litres of water a day.

I too am a chocolate fiend but again usually try to avoid munching it in the evening. The right kind of chocolate does actually have some positive health benefits (no, I'm not just saying that cos I want it to be true!). I tend to eat the organic dark stuff (Green & Blacks, different flavours...yum!) unless I'm in the UK. Then I'm a sucker for Cadburys! (which, admittedly, in excess is not so great for you or your waistline!).

I dont drink coffee cos I dont actually like it. But like most folk have said here, most things in moderation is fine. Plus from things I've read, the right kind of coffee has some health benefits too, again in moderation. If I did drink coffee though, I would avoid drinking it at night.

I'm also very aware of what foods to avoid at night (nightshade family etc)...sorry, me and insomnia used to be well aquainted!

I also think the psychological effect of having a little of what you fancy now and again is a positive thing for our health. Depriving yourself completely from something (unless of course allergic to that something) can have a very negative impact on stress levels and feelings of well-being. And if you dont believe me on that score, try the anti-candida diet!

Yeia kai hara! (health and happiness)
Melia