Bean there, done that Coffee addict switches to water
ACOFFEE fanatic has given up his favourite drink for a year to raise money for charity. Jacob Asghar of Nailsea decided to swap all beverages for just water for an entire year in a bid to raise £1,000 for Charity Water.
Giving up everything from wine, beer and his favourite Espresso Martini, the 25-year-old claims to have defined all odds through sheer determination.
He said: “When I first told people about what I was doing, many were sceptical about me actually going through it.
“They suggested I did it for 100 days or six months but from day one, I knew I would continue to the end of the year.”
He said: “I took on this challenge because I wanted to do something that has a clear link to a cause and to show my appreciation for water.”
As someone who previously consumed very little water, he said it took some time for him to really embrace the challenge but after a month it became much easier.
The task did not stop him from socialising with friends in coffee shops but while they were enjoying a nice hot cuppa he sat sipping water.
He said: “I was not aware of how much I loved coffee until I was surrounded by the smell – but it wouldn’t be a challenge if I avoided them completely. Some of my friends are brilliant and remember what I’m doing and others forget - my mum is the worst for that.”
The climbing enthusiast said the covid restrictions have helped him along the way.
He said: “On the one hand, not being able to go out seems like it aided it, but at the same time, it’s a small luxury even at home that I haven’t been able to have.
He said his body has become “desensitised to caffeine” so felt no physical or mental impacts and was able to maintain his weight through his love of outdoor activities.
The freelance videographer has already begun planning his celebratory drinks after consuming around four litres of water a day for the last 12 months.
He said: “I’ve been doing it for so long that I can’t even remember what it was like before – drinking hot water isn’t the same as having a nice hot coffee.”
Mr Asghar said he would recommend this challenge but admits “a year might be excessive for most.”
For now, he’s just looking forward to his celebratory Espresso Martini on New Years Eve.
You can support Jacob Asghar’s campaign at www.charitywater.org/ jacob-asghar/h2o-20-only-drinkingwater-for-1-year