Second only to water, tea is the most widely sipped beverage worldwide. As a rich source of antioxidants, tea offers anti-aging and immune-system enhancing health benefits. Add tea to your weight loss tool kit and treat yourself to a soothing cup when hunger strikes, your nerves are frayed, or you need an energy boost.
Tea in the Diet
While tea is a smart beverage for weight loss, lending both flavor and nutrition without adding calories, drinking tea alone will not significantly promote weight loss. Use tea in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise regimen for best results. Before you do so, talk to your doctor about your decision.
Diurectic
Tea is a natural diuretic, a fluid that increases water excretion. For the dieter, this means more trips to the bathroom, but less bloating. For those who want these benefits but dislike the taste of tea, a green tea supplement may be helpful. Dietary supplements are widely accessible over the counter. Choose a product that contains standardized green tea extracts, but talk to your doctor about safety and dosages.
Increased Energy
For those who are new to the fitness scene, early morning workout sessions can be grueling, requiring both energy and resolve to meet fitness goals. Caffeinated teas offer an energy boost, making treadmill time slightly less arduous. Drink tea cold for both hydration and refreshment before and after your workout.
Replacement Beverage
The average American drinks approximately 20 oz. of cola daily, adding a colossal amount of sugar and calories to his intake. In fact, consuming a seemingly moderate amount of soda daily -- just two beverages -- can add 1 lb. per week to your frame and an extra 52 lbs. in a year. Swapping those sugar-laden sodas with tea can shave numerous calories from your diet and allow you to lose weight without effort. Drink tea hot or cold and without added sugar. You might even adorn your cup with a fresh lemon for a calorie-free splash of flavor.
Metabolic Boost
Green tea is proven to help boost metabolism for increased weight loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While the caffeine content in the tea may be a factor, some researchers attribute the catechin -- a natural substance in tea leaves -- content in green tea to the fat-burning effect.
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