One thing I’ve learned over the time I’ve been on the new eating plan is that caffeine doesn’t keep me awake. That’s because I gave it up almost completely for several months, and yet I still couldn’t sleep at night. Eventually I convinced myself that since a cup of coffee or two a day wasn’t the reason for my insomnia, I might as well enjoy one of the pleasures that actually had what I considered a beneficial effect.

Because, you see, while a little coffee during the day didn’t keep me awake at night, it did help keep me awake and alert during the day, when I really needed to be awake and alert. This might sound like a grand rationalization to you (because it sort of does to me), but I started finding it hard to deny myself a little comfort and joy now and again. I don’t abuse the drug, but I don’t refuse it. Life overall has been a skosh more cheery since I gave up absolute abstinence.

Caffeine is not encouraged under the plan, but it’s not forbidden, either. It’s one of those elements, like fat and salt (and alcohol), that are allowed in moderation, and I try not to cross any of those lines. The success of my approach with regard to my semi-daily cuppa is proven by the fact that I’m not sleeping any worse than when I gave it up altogether.