Tea Blog

As we march forward to the beginning of a new year, many of us reflect upon our lives and re-assess our behaviors with a desire for self-improvement. There are many common New Year’s Resolutions that can be supported by the drinking of tea, so let’s take a closer look at how what’s in our cup can help improve your quality of living.

Weight Loss
By far the most common resolution is the determination to lose weight. There are companies that will market Slimming Teas and Diet Teas. They will quote science about increasing your metabolism with polyphenols . I don’t buy into marketed weight loss teas as being more effective than your favorite cup of tea. Seeing as tea (without sweeteners or milk) has no sugar, fat or carbs, it can be helpful in your desire to lose weight. Weight loss comes from expending more calories than you consume per day. By substituting tea for your latté, juice, soda, or bottled sugar-laden drink, you automatically cut calories.

Also, by consciously choosing to drink tea (or even more tea) on a daily basis, you are creating an awareness about what you consume. As this awareness builds, it will be easier for you to make better food choices too!

Less Caffeine
This society runs on caffeine…that is until we realize that we are run down, because of the stress that too much caffeine puts on our adrenal glands, which then make us feel sluggish. Caffeine can also disturb sleep, making it difficult to perform our usual tasks without reaching for more caffeine. The range of numbers may differ slightly, but coffee has about 3x the amount of caffeine than black tea, with green and white teas having even less than black.

More Sleep
According to the National Sleep Foundation 50% of Americans suffer from sleep disorders. As just discussed, cutting your caffeine help you when it’s time to wind down and get a good night’s rest. Additionally, the use of herbal infusions, which naturally have no caffeine, can help you get your rest. Herbs, such as chamomile, peppermint, oatstraw or skullcap, reportedly have calming effects on the body, relaxing the central nervous system which allows you to get more sleep. More sleep gives you more energy, a more positive outlook, and mental clarity to do and feel your best!

Creating More Alone Time
With more to do in our 24/7 wired-in world, finding some quiet time alone becomes a greater challenge. Well, once again we turn to tea to help us with our resolutions. Brew a whole pot (not just a cup) of tea. What type of tea is fully up to you. Turn off your phone and your computer. Breathe in the aroma of the tea as you slowly sip it. Allow the steam to warm your face. Whether you use this time to write in a journal or stare out the window, allow nothing else to happen until you have finished the pot of tea.

So as you reflect upon your life, and reassess your tea drinking habits, I hope you start this year off with a refreshing state of optimism and excitement. And I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Madam Potts’ blog, Mad Pots of Tea!

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