Two additional things to keep in mind about caffeine are that it is a diuretic and it causes increased calcium loss. So, if you consume caffeine, you should make sure that you are drinking enough water to avoid dehydration and that you are getting enough calcium in your diet.

It's probably a good idea to limit your caffeine intake to 250mg per day (less if you are pregnant). Unfortunately, companies rarely label their products with the amount of caffeine that they contain. Here is a little chart to help you.

Drip Coffee (8oz) 95mg
Instant Coffee (8oz) 85mg
Decaf Coffee (8oz) 3mg
Espresso (1oz) 40mg
Coffee Ice Cream (1 cup) 50mg
Brewed Tea (8oz) 50mg
Instant Tea (8oz) 28mg
Iced Tea (8oz) 25mg
Snapple Tea 42mg
Cocoa (8oz) 6mg
Chocolate Milk (8oz) 5mg
Chocolate Bar 10mg
Mountain Dew 56mg
Diet Coke 47mg
Coke 35mg
Pepsi 38mg
Barq's Root Beer 23mg

Thanks for posting this editor!
I knew it was a diuretic but did not know about increased calcium loss. Good thing I have been taking a calcium suppliment. I'm going to try to detox off of the coffee I have been thinking I should for quite awhile.

Pretty intresting and amazing!

Well interesting to say the least. I knew it was a diuretic too and was not aware that it contributed to loss of calcium. Another stat that surprised me was that black tea was so high. I believe, it's alright to have in moderation though as long as you are getting extra water and supplements.

I drink mine half/half organic and I filter it through unbleached filters. The water I use is filtered as well. (We have well water and an under-the-counter unit). I grind my own beans. I enjoy my coffee and until the Lord tells me otherwise, I'm going to continue drinking it in moderation. I could, however, cut back from 3 mugs to 2.

thanks i didn't know about the calcium loss either - i wonder how it balances out when you have milk in your coffee/tea/hot chocolate

Pop should follow under the no snacking S challenge and maybe that would teach me to quit drinking itI went 3 months last yr with no pop then I blew it.

Here is an eye opener from lifescripts.com

Are Diet Sodas Making You Fat?
FREE DAILY DIET TIP
By Jennifer Gruenemay, ACE-Certified, LifeScript Staff Writer
Friday, March 30, 2007

These days, it’s so fashionable to drink Diet Coke that you can’t look at a magazine or watch a sitcom without seeing the familiar red, white and silver can materialize. The popular beverage even has a nickname, lovingly known in some circles as “DC.” But is there a health danger lurking in your chic soda habit? Besides the possible health risks associated with consuming sugar substitutes, no other health risk had been associated with drinking diet sodas of any flavor or brand, until now. Recent research shows that the sugar substitutes used in diet sodas may actually disable your appetite control center, making you feel hungrier than you actually are and causing you to overeat. Even though the basic thought process behind switching from sugar-laden sodas to sugar-free sodas makes sense, the research shows otherwise. That’s not to say that you should switch back to regular sodas, which will cause your blood sugar levels to soar and then crash, increasing hunger levels and contributing to feelings of daytime fatigue and decreased mental clarity. If you are concerned about a persistent appetite and are watching your waistline, drinking water is always your best option for both appetite control and better overall health. A good rule of thumb is: If you’re thirsty, stick with water!

Well Im going to try again to quit,because the diet pepsis just ruin me I feel lazy after drinking themand the sugars not good for your teeth either.

Yep, the article says, "contributing to feelings of daytime fatigue" and since I quit all soda's four years ago, I have not had one cavity. PTL!