The CBD trend picked up so quickly a few years back. I even use a CBD roll-on oil for my anxiety. Everyone is jumping on the CBD bandwagon to see what they could create next. 

CBD oil usually has the THC extracted out of it, so it doesn’t produce any high feelings like recreational marijuana would. I don’t smoke, so I’m not the best person to make the executive decision on whether CBD has any impact like that. What I do know is that it calms me down pretty fast. It could all be a placebo effect, but something about the earthy smell actually helps me.

One of the restaurants across from the office I work at has a cafe with lots of health drink add-ins. One of them happens to be CBD.

I’m eager to try it, but for an $8 drop of CBD in a coffee that I’m already paying $5 for to wake me up doesn’t sound like a deal to me. Also, my confusion is what would the point of adding CBD into a caffeinated beverage be? Would the two run into each other and rule out their strengths? Not sure, it could be worth a try one day.

I’ve also seen CBD cocktails introduced to bars and CBD gummies. Back to “what does this do?” if I’m having a drink, I’d assume it would make me a little sleepy if there’s alcohol already in it. Adding CBD in it might make me even more sleepy, so how do the two complement each other?

After doing some Googling, CBD School recently wrote an article two months ago explaining that CBD helps people relax, increases energy and could support focus and concentration (CBD School, 2019). 

Now, before I pull out my wallet next time to get a CBD-infused latte, keep in mind that this article was written by a company that clearly is in favor of CBD. 

From a more neutral standpoint, Business Insider explains how the CBD most of us have access to (in drinks, cupcakes, oils, candy, you name it) is often in very small doses. 

Could that mean that the CBD we have access to isn’t enough to truly make a major impact on us? Who knows. Until then, I think I’ll stick to my roll-on oil and steer clear of any CBD lattes and cocktails.

My Favorite Non-Dairy Milk for Coffee

As everyone knows, we’re moving further and further away from dairy and dabbling in the world of plant-based milk. Vegan or not, many are headed in this direction due to the nutrition and health benefits. Some are lactose-intolerant and dairy upsets their stomach, hence why many prefer plant-based milk.

I started drinking almond milk when I was 16. Dairy doesn’t necessarily bother me, but at that time I was trying to eat healthier and after doing research, I figured switching to almond milk was my first step.

There’s nothing against dairy, sometimes dairy milk just makes a meal or recipe taste better. I know I’d take a cream-based soup made from dairy over a “vegan” one any day. In the meantime, check out these cow puns before I rant about the milk I prefer. 

When getting or making coffee, I either go for plain black, an americano, a cold brew, or a latte. When I go for the latte, the milk I get could make or break the taste. Here’s my opinion on how I feel about certain types of plant-based milk in my lattes.

1. Almond milk: This is always my first choice. I don’t think I’ve ever had a back almond milk latte unless the espresso itself just wasn’t good. I think it provides the perfect amount of creaminess that’s closest to dairy milk. Almonds are fatty, so I feel like that’s why the milk is pretty creamy. If I’m buying it myself, I’ll go for an unsweetened one. If I’m getting a latte at a cafe, I’ll take whatever they have.

1. Soy milk: The never-ending debate about soy milk being bad for us or good for us is too much for me to break down in my mind. I’ll take soy in moderation. I find that soy milk usually tastes good no matter where you go. Starbucks has vanilla-flavored soy milk that I particularly prefer. 

1. Oat milk: I’m starting to come around to this one, quite honestly. I remember the first time I tried this. My roommate got it and she usually drinks dairy, but she wanted to try it. Within the first sip, it immediately reminded me of the leftover milk after eating a sweetened, semi-healthy cereal like Raisin Bran. At the time, I didn’t care enough to buy it myself but lately, I’ve warmed up to it. Many cafes are introducing oat milk to their menus. I’m a fan of whichever oat milk they use at Foxtrot and La Colombe. As for store-bought, I tried low-fat Oatly and I don’t think I’d buy it again.

2. Coconut milk: Now, this one is nowhere near being my favorite but it’s good sometimes. I think coconut milk ultimately ruins a latte and makes everything taste like a pina colada. Some might like that, but it’s not for me. I wouldn’t pass it up for fruity drinks, like that pink drink at Starbucks. When it comes to coffee and espresso, I’ll never use this for either.

It’s no secret that everyone gets sick during the winter. No matter how hard we try to combat getting sick, it always tends to happen. While living and working in Chicago, I often see people walking around with face masks to cover their mouths to prevent getting sick. We can try to prevent ourselves from it, but we can’t always stop it.

Although it’s hard to prevent it, here are three ways I try my best to combat getting sick in the winter.

1. Washing my hands whenever I can: It sounds simple, but it works. Taking public transportation introduces you to a whole new set of germs. As soon as I’m where I’m supposed to be (work, class, my apartment, etc.) I always make it a point to wash my hands.

2. Drinking water: Something else that’s simple, but works. Long ago, my old pediatrician told me that when you drink water, you almost push an illness out. He could’ve just said that so I’d drink more water, but I do feel like there’s some truth to this. Also, drinking water is just good for everyone in general.

1. Eating clean foods: I think eating clean is good for anyone, but when you’re out and about, it’s hard to. Having a slice of pizza won’t kill you, but you’re more likely to reap the nutritional benefits of foods you can have at home like fruits, vegetables, proteins, legumes and so on. You’ll get more nutrients from any of these over a pizza. It’s still important to treat yourself and have that slice of pizza or whatever it may be from time to time.

Another preventable way is using vitamins, liquid extracts, teas or just about anything you could find with echinacea. Echinacea aids in respiratory health, antioxidant support, seasonal health relief and more. They use herbal formulas so you won’t have to worry about any additives.