I. Love. Coffee.

I. Love. Coffee. I love everything about coffee. It's a habitual experience for me. The darker the better, and please don't ruin it with super sweet creamer. In my opinion, you can't really call it coffee then. Alright, maybe I like a dry cappuccino every once in awhile, which does have some milk in it:) French press, french roast, italian roast, espresso......I love it all. The grinding of the beans, the sound of the drip and the heavenly smell! Oh, and I can't forget the ever important selection of the coffee mug. My husband sneers at my ever growing collection of coffee mugs that has become quite impressive over the years. Each mug represents a time and in my life, so with each sip, there comes an experience from my memories.

Unfortunately, Crohn's and coffee don't really mesh well. Why do I stimulate an over stimulated colon with a stimulant you ask? Well, because I'm just NOT willing to give up everything I love. Plus, when this disease zaps every last ounce of energy you have, I need to find something to combat the fatigue. I have about two cups in the morning, and maybe an espresso (Nespresso machine is AWESOME!) in the afternoon to give me an extra boost. I have tried decaf, teas, teeccino - you name it, I've tried it. Nothing gives me happiness in a cup like my good friend coffee. It's there for me when no one else is. When I've only slept one hour the previous night. When I've GOT TO KEEP GOING for my 3 kiddos. When the sun is rising, and I'm the only one up, your liquid energy courses through my veins and prepares me for the day. Yes, I just had a conversation with my coffee.

Indeed, coffee probably makes me go to the loo a bit more, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to take on for my love of the brew. I want to hear from all you crohnies out there. Do you drink coffee, or have you sworn it off for good? Are there other tips/tricks you have to gain some energy? Please share. Inquiring minds would like to know.

I leave you with the coffee wish:

"Be strong. Be hot or cold or whatever you want. Be full of energy. Bring comfort. Be an eye-opener. In other words be the coffee you want to see in the world."

- Nanea Hoffman