Why do I see many people giving up caffeine? Is is just the diuretic effects? I thought they showed that you still get like 90% or something of the water out of a cup of coffee. Are there other reasons for giving up caffeine I am not aware of?

Yes, diuretic effects. I was told that for every cup of coffee I drink I need to drink an extra 16 oz of Water. However, others on this site were told differently. There seems to be a lot of different opinions on this.

Yea, and it says it increases your appetite as well. I don't think it would hurt to drink it.. but it's just not worth it to me, I was a soda drinker anyways! I've been off caffine since November, I feel totally normal, I don't miss it or need it.

My doctor said he would not tell anyone they couldn't have their coffee. He does want us to watch what we put in it. It's the sugar & creamer that can make coffee a poor choice. I use non fat dry powdered milk instead of coffeemate and Torani s/f choc. syrup in mine. Delicious and I get a little bit of Calcium.

As to dehydration: I don't totally buy that. This is what a Mayo Clinic nutritionist has to say about it: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeinated-drinks/AN01661

I think the thing to do is to see how caffeine affects you personally. If you find it makes you hungrier.. cut down. If you can't drink it without tons of cream & sugar.. then you shouldn't have it, or limit your consumption. If you're drinking more than 2 or 3 (normal sized) cups a day, better drink some extra Water too.

These are JMO, YMMV

Caffeine had always suppressed my appetite. I have been putting my protein powder in it and counting it as a protein shake. I put about a tablespoon of the So Delicious Coconut milk creamer that has 10 calories and 1 gram sugar per tablespoon. The french vanilla flavor has 20 calories and 4 g sugar. I only have one cup a day, at the most two, so I am going to keep it in my diet and see how it goes.

My doctor said I could have regular coffee. The Nut. was concerned about dehydration. She recommended having reg. coffee for Breakfast and then switch to decaf. I buy davinchi suger free syrups which makes coffee more exciting.

As mentioned earlier the big issue is whether you can drink it black and use artifical sweeteners; or us cream and suger.

I don't remember the nutritionist specifically mentioning caffeine period but i could havve just ignored that part of the conversation. I gave up caffeine after becoming pregnant with my oldest some 14 yrs ago. Granted i do get a bit here & there with some foods, but pretty minimal. It's been caffeine free sodas ever since and we've never drank tea or coffee so it's not even a second thought to me.