My Daily Tea Routine

It’s back to school time here (yes already) and time for me to get back into healthy habits and work routines. The summer seems to throw all of that off for me! I haven’t been a soda drinker since just after high school, but I was for a long time. I decided back then to make better decisions about what I was drinking and putting into my body. So often people complain that their “better for you” drinks are so boring but I am here to say that you can add in TONS of options using tea!

I recently went to check out the Bigelow Tea options at our local Walmart Supercenter. You can see photos from the shopping trip in a Google+ album HERE. I loved Bigelow’s options and prices.

Chai tea has always been one of my favorites and a hot chai latte is my idea of a great way to start the day. I wake up before the boys to answer emails and attend to any matters that need immediate attention. I brew mine using the “traditional chai” instructions on the Bigelow Vanilla Chai box using organic milk (cow, almond or coconut)

I can’t tell you how amazing this smells in the morning as is such a great way to wake up! A splash of cinnamon and/or cardamom and it’s perfect. Most of the spices used in chai have been used as chinese medicines for years.

I’m sure you’ve heard the benefits of green tea. “Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.” from Harvard Health Publications

I try to take a brainstorm break in the afternoon on the patio to soak up some Vitamin D from the sun and jot down ideas floating around my brain. Today I made Bigelow Green tea with a splash of Pomegranate Pizazz herbal tea for a bit of flavor. It’s fun to mix the teas for new flavors!

In the evening I try to stay away from the caffeine. Chamomile is a popular, calming choice for the evening

but it’s still REALLY warm here in the evenings so I like trying out tea smoothies for dessert! Smoothies are fun to make because you don’t really need a recipe – add things you like, taste and adjust along the way!

For this smoothie I pre-made some chamomile ice cubes

It’s not necessary but nice if you don’t want to brew tea in the evening.

For this smoothie I used

• 1 frozen banana
• 6-7 chamomile ice cubes
• 1-2tbsp oats
• 2 tbsp local raw honey
• ice cold almond milk.

Like I said though smoothies are so easy and forgiving so taste after you blend and add ingredients as needed like peanut butter, an apple for sweetness, vanilla extract etc. for your taste preferences.

I’m not an organized person but notice that routines do help my sleep/wake schedule. I love to mix it up though, especially in the winter a nice hot tea in the evening hits the spot!

Want to try Bigelow tea yourself in new ways? Find more about them on their site / Facebook / Twitter / Blog

and for some Summer ideas check out this E-guide!

Are you trying to change your drink habits lately? I’d love to hear how you drink your tea!

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