So now, after revelling in my new pants size I shall move on to what I came here to talk about, and that is tea. Now, to all my Americans, tea is really big here in Canada. Not as big as the UK, but Canada has definitely been influenced by them when it comes to this hot beverage. I am learning lots lately about tea and I think you will find it very interesting, well, cause I did, and this coffee drinker (once coffee addict) is actually drinking tea way more these days. Not because of it's health benefits but because I actually enjoy it. Now on a side note, I still drink coffee. Maybe every other day, to every few days, simply cause I have grown more disinterested in it and tea really satisfies me more. When I do drink coffee, it is only one cup that day, and it is organic, and swiss water decaf. I use sugar cane granules and organic half and half or organic cream to whiten it. NEVER drink instant coffee or use coffee whitener. They are both chemical city! Commercial cream and half and half contain un-natural ingredients as well. If you pay attention next time you drink it, just watch, you will feel bloated. Also, always check what process was used to decaffeinate your coffee. If it doesn't tell you, then don't buy it! And organic as well please. Coffee can be very toxic. Just study up on it so we can get back to our tea time as scheduled.
I used to not be able to stand tea. Seriously. I wanted nothing to do with it unless it was Southern brewed, half way to diabetes, sweet tea. Other than that, it was no tea for me. So what has changed my taste buds, you may ask? Well, I tried and tried again, I could answer. I found out that there are sooo many flavors and kinds of tea, and that all teas are not the same, at all! I have been missing a world of fun. Now when I enter a Teavana or Teopia, I feel the same as walking into a Sephora. So many wonderful kinds, I want to try them all out and find out what they can do for me.
My tea breakthrough came sometime in January from an email health newsletter I get every few days, which by the way, if you don't get Real Age email health facts go to realage.com right now and sign up for them! It's by the authors of the ever famous "YOU:On A Diet". You know, another one of the Oprahfied stars, Dr. Oz who now has his own talk show. Anyway, I learn alot of great facts from these simple emails that come every few days (the website also has a walking tracker, weight loss tracker, and waiste line tracker that I use on their website too. Very motivational. Plus web videos that are also extremely health educational) So back to my tea revelation... One of these email facts was about White Tea and how it is the best for helping lose weight and breaking down fats. Hey, I was trying to lose weight and anything was worth the help. So I went to the store and bought some Twinings simple white tea. I LOVED it! It didn't have the strong tea taste that I had labeled all teas of tasting like. This tea was so gentle, and really nice. I was hooked. I have bought two or three boxes since January.
Then my hubs is into Lady Earl Grey, so he asked me to go to the specialty tea store (Teavana if you are in the US, and Teaopia if you are in Canada) and pick him up some, knowing it would have the best taste being higher grade loose leaf tea. Well while I was there I asked the ladies working there what would be great for helping me in weight loss that wasn't green tea or massively expensive (cause I have been to some places where their diet tea's minimal purchase was $21!, no thanks) So they start telling me about this Yerba Mate stuff. And all I can say is "Hello"!
Yerba Mate is actually not tea, because it isn't from tea leaves, it's from the bark of a tree. It's health benefits are amazing! So here's a rundown of what you get from a cup of Yerba Mate.
*Contains numerous active compounds, vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols. It also contains saponins, which have been found to stimulate the immune system and help protect the body from disease.
*All natural stimulant, which allows you to feel energized without the side effects and toxicity of coffee.
*52 more active compounds than Green Tea.
*15 amino acids
*Higher in antioxidants than White, Green, Oolong, and Black Tea
*Contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, and B complex
*Boosts the immune system
*Detoxifies the body
*Weight Loss: helps breakdown fat, increases the body's metabolic rate and supresses appetite
*Protects the body from disease.
This drink is a huge part of South American society. You can study up on it and find out more, but all together it is a great health drink and wonderful substitute for coffee. I love the one I got from Teaopia. They have different flavored ones, and I got the Vanilla Mint. Sometimes I have more than one cup a day. It's been giving me something to sip on so I don't get hungry and want to snack, and I am satisfied with it's soothing flavors. I really encourage you to check it out.
Even if you never sip a cup of Yerba Mate your entire life, just check out tea, period. You are bound to find a flavor you like and the health benefits of tea are amazing. And while you are at it learn about your tea. Not only the health benefits but how it is made, where it comes from, and most importantly, how to properly brew it. I definitely encourage you to go for a higher grade of tea when possible. And if you have a China Town near you, they are the best. I picked up some awesome finds at a Canal Street little treasure of a shop in Manhattan when we were there in Nov. and I am so glad I got some of their tea stuff. The prices are way better than the crazy mark up you will pay for tea pots and what not at the specialty stores in the mall. You can also get a diffuser at Wal-Mart for half the price too. So shop around for accessories.
On a last little side note... If you read my blogs and find them encouraging or they have changed your life, even in the smallest way, please leave a comment. I know not only will they encourage me into knowing what you guys are looking for (which they so have) but they will also encourage other readers on their road to complete health. I love the encouraging words you have all been sharing with me on facebook and even face to face. You don't know how they have blessed my heart to know that my few words have touched you in some way. You have also been my own little cheering crowd in this path I am on. With every comment, every word you share, I feel my feet pushing harder, my drive to win at this growing stronger. Thank you.
ok you got me curious. I am going to try tea instead of coffee and let you know what I think of it. Thanks for your blogs I love them!
ReplyDeleteKaren Brodeur