Hello, and Happy 53rd Day of the Give-Back Diet, a weight loss, healthier lifestyle program.  We’re coming to the beginning of the continuation phase of the “diet,” thinking very positively.  We will wrap-up the initial 8 week starter series with the 56th day, which means there are still 3 days left.  Don’t worry, I’ll still be here, and so will our online community.  I will keep writing columns daily – so keep coming back, please!  And bring all your friends, family and co-workers!

Today, I want to address the idea of the importance of teas in a weight loss and diet program.  First, I want to encourage you to think not only of weightloss, but about maintaining a regular, healthy eating and activity routine.  Having tea is an important part of this.

Yes, we have all seen ads for various teas to promote weight loss:  “Chinese Diet Tea,”  “Acai Berry Tea,” “Green Tea Diet Miracle,”  and on and on.  Yes, admittedly, you may have seen some of these ads on my daily column.  I don’t endorse these (or any particular product), and I have nothing to do with the ad placements!

I am a believer and user of teas, though.  I like to have a cup every day.  We all know the benefits of green tea as a powerful antioxidant.  I also have found that having a cup of hot tea helps satisfy my appetite, so I have it before eating.

In the evening, I often struggle with being tired and the desire for sugar or carbohydrates.  I have found that cinnamon tea helps with that a lot, but I am not certain why.  (If anyone does know why, please tell us all in a post.)

ACTION PLAN:

— Before a meal, have a cup of tea today, and for the next few days.  See if it helps manage your appetite.

— If you are craving sweets, have an herbal tea combination that has some fruit flavor, such as cinnamon/apple, kiwi/strawberry, or some kind of berry (strawberry, raspberry, black berry, etc.).  Black cherry flavor tea is one of my favorites, as is the African red tea.  If you like, add some natural sweetener, such as Stevia.

— If it is something salty you crave, have some green tea.  It’s the same leaf as black tea, but it is often younger, and less processed.  Green teas carry polyphenols, which are said by some to help burn body fat.  I’m skeptical, but certainly green tea is a good antioxidant, and does quell hunger.  Have several cups a day, but be careful, green tea does have caffeine and can make you a little shaky if you have too much.

— Also try some Chai tea.  A combination of herbs and tea, this is a robust, intensely flavored tea, which I find delicious.  I like to put a little no-fat milk in it, as well as some Stevia.  Most delicious.

As for iced-tea, I’m not a big fan, nor someone who recommends much of it.  This is because iced drinks in general are thought to slow down the digestive process.  If you want cold drinks, certainly go ahead, but have them prior to one-hour before eating, or wait 2-3 hours after eating.  Absolutely iced teas are far better for us than sodas, though.

Are YOU into tea?  Has it helped with appetite control for you?  Please post!

HERE’S A LIST OF EVERY DAY OF THE “GIVE-BACK DIET.”  START TODAY!