Tea Time!

Tea time was especially important to me when I started my reduced calorie eating plan, and it continues to support me in my weight loss goal. Having something hot, flavorful and low to no calorie available to you is a great way to keep from snacking or overeating. My favorites re the mate blends from Guayaki and the many varieties of Yogi Teas (click pics above for more info).

The energy tea from Yogi is a good alternative to coffee and Red Bull, which I am guilty of having often. Yogi also has a variety called Muscle Recovery, which is supposed to help you recover from a rigorous exercise schedule. This variety is new to me so I can't vouch for it's effectiveness, but having added Jillian Michaels to my regular schedule, I'll certainly have enough opportunity to try it out!

Info about Green Tea and weight loss, from Colonhealth.net

Experts vary, but the general consensus seems to be that 3 – 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Doing this can help you burn an extra 70 calories per day which amounts to 7 pounds per year.

...over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).

Scientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.

Info about mate and weight loss, from Medicinehunter.com

For centuries yerba mate’ has been consumed as a traditional tonic and natural stimulant beverage. The leaves of Yerba Mate’ are made into a hot or cold beverage, and this Yerba Mate’ “tea” is drunk to alleviate fatigue, suppress appetite, stimulate body and mind, and boost metabolism.

Among the other means of weight control, thermogenesis, appetite suppression and increased diuresis can enhance your ability to reduce weight and keep it off. Yerba mate’ performs these functions, thereby improving the odds of achieving weight goals. Extracts of Yerba mate’ suppress appetite, increased caloric burn rate, and increase urination, thereby reducing overall body water weight.

Guayaki and Yogi teas are available in natural food stores or in the natural food aisle of your local Kroger (if they have one). Otherwise, you can buy both online.

Enjoy!