Today, I am going to talk to you about one of my most favourite things in life. Something I start most mornings with, and end most evenings with… and I also usually have a smattering of it throughout the day as well — TEA!
Anyone that knows me would already know about this tea obsession. They’d also know I am a bit of a pusher. I like to push things on people without a doubt – But at least it’s with the best intentions. I push healthy things on people (like workouts and tea).
ANYWAY – lets get to it. Why drink tea? Well… how long do you have?
I will keep it to a few core reasons, but if you’re looking for more, shoot me a post or an email and I’d be happy to share! I could go on for day about drinking tea.
There are so many different types of tea available today that it really is impossible to get sick of it, or bored with it. There are black, green, white, oolong, pu’erh, rooibos, yerba mate and herbal options! Herbal and rooibos teas are naturally caffeine free. Yerba mate, black, pu’erh, oolong, green and white all contain caffeine (and I’ve listed them here in order of highest caffeine to lowest).
Different types of teas have different benefits. For example, black teas can help fight bad breath, and will of course give you a caffeine boost, where green teas can increase metabolism (and therefore aid in weight loss). White teas are jam packed with antioxidants, and oolong and pu’erh teas are great for having after a meal as they can help with digestion. Rooibos teas are fantastic after a workout as they can help with lactic acid build up (which is what can cause sore muscles), and rooibos teas are also contributors to beautiful, glowing skin. Bonus!
I will have tea any way I can! I have it hot, iced, and sometimes I even will ice it and mix it with a little sparkling water for some extra pizzazz.
Iced tea is a fantastic alternative for juice, is virtually calorie free (if you don’t sweeten it), it’s hydrating, and super tasty!
My favorite place to purchase tea would be Tiesta Tea based out of Illinois. I am Canadian, but these guys do a fantastic job with using only all natural ingredients in their blends, and really cool packaging and customer service!
I am a longtime fan of David’s Tea as well. Canadian company and really spunky blends and ideas for gifts etc. My ONLY beef with these guys is the artificial flavoring they use, although they do have a whole organic line of teas you can choose from if you prefer.
The last place I really like to get teas from is from a tiny little shop in Toronto Canada called Tealish. I get a blend here called Coconut Oolong, and it is (for about 5 years now!) my all time favourite tea.
***update *** Since doing this post last October, I’ve found another place that I NEEDED to add to this list. 1902 teas in Gibsons, BC is one of my new faves. Not only is this adorable little place owned by a couple that runs the show while taking care of 4 kids UNDER THE AGE OF 4 (umm, what?!) – but the wife, Su-Marie is a tea sommelier and hand blends all her own teas (all organic!). Another kick ass part about this place is they brew their own kombucha IN HOUSE. Get outta here! SO GOOD!
I hope this has been helpful – and I would LOVE to hear where you all buy your teas and what some of your fave recipes are! Let me know!
xxxAndrea