Health News
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
While liquid calories can add hundreds of extra daily calories, a tasty, calorie free option is tea. While green tea is richest in health-promoting antioxidants, other teas (like white and black teas) are also good sources. Studies show that 5 cups or more a day might even provide a modest boost to a weight loss effort.
Even if you?re not a regular tea drinker, a calorie-free warm beverage can be satisfying, and also support hydration. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy tea:
- Start your day with a large mug of green tea. Sip it slowly, to ease into your day. Even if you?re a coffee drinker, you might give it a try. Tea does have caffeine, though less than coffee ? you?ll get about half the caffeine, cup per cup.
- For a between meal pick-me-up, try some hot green, black or white tea ? and take 5-10 minutes to sit back, relieve stress, and enjoy a few minutes to yourself. If you need to boost your calories, a teaspoon of honey or sugar (only 15 calories), plus a small handful of animal crackers, whole wheat mini-crackers, or a pre-packaged 100 calorie snack can be a satisfying treat.
- Try iced tea ? even in cold weather! You can add a slice or two of orange, lemon, or lime to give a fresh fruit flavor. The same antioxidants are present whether the tea is hot or cold! For pre-bottled teas, read the label to makes sure it?s unsweetened, or flavored with a low-calorie sweetener.
- Look for herbal teas if you want to avoid caffeine. These are still a calorie-free beverage, and the antioxidants are still there. Be sure to avoid those with added sweeteners and milk (particularly ?chai? blends, which can be very high in calories).
- All About Caffeine
By Dr. Madelyn FernstromCaffeine is one of the most widely consumed compounds in the world. Nature?s original stimulant, caffeine is found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cola nuts. Because caffeine boosts mental focus and alertness, it was an important...
- Toasting The London Olympics ? With Tea!
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom The Olympics begin this evening, and whether you?re an amateur athlete, or armchair enthusiast, it?s an amazing set of events. With so many events, you can pick and choose your favorites. So if you?re a swimming fan and in awe...
- Healthy Eating In Black And White: Part Two
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom You might be surprised to know that an important health-promoting antioxidant called anthocyanin also provides a dark purple/black pigment to a wide variety of foods. Like the foods described earlier this week, many nutrient-dense...
- Perk Up Your Water!
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We?re always hearing how important it is to ?hydrate? and keep your fluid intake up. While it?s clearly important to downsize liquid calories, people are always asking me what else they can drink instead of water. I?ve heard all...
- Choosing Healthy Drink Options
by Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS, Live Well @ LifeBridge Did you know that a 20-ounce soda has about 17 teaspoons of sugar and over 200 calories? While many of us focus on food when we think of controlling calories, how often do we stop and think about our...
Health News
Take Tea and See!
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
While liquid calories can add hundreds of extra daily calories, a tasty, calorie free option is tea. While green tea is richest in health-promoting antioxidants, other teas (like white and black teas) are also good sources. Studies show that 5 cups or more a day might even provide a modest boost to a weight loss effort.
Even if you?re not a regular tea drinker, a calorie-free warm beverage can be satisfying, and also support hydration. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy tea:
- Start your day with a large mug of green tea. Sip it slowly, to ease into your day. Even if you?re a coffee drinker, you might give it a try. Tea does have caffeine, though less than coffee ? you?ll get about half the caffeine, cup per cup.
- For a between meal pick-me-up, try some hot green, black or white tea ? and take 5-10 minutes to sit back, relieve stress, and enjoy a few minutes to yourself. If you need to boost your calories, a teaspoon of honey or sugar (only 15 calories), plus a small handful of animal crackers, whole wheat mini-crackers, or a pre-packaged 100 calorie snack can be a satisfying treat.
- Try iced tea ? even in cold weather! You can add a slice or two of orange, lemon, or lime to give a fresh fruit flavor. The same antioxidants are present whether the tea is hot or cold! For pre-bottled teas, read the label to makes sure it?s unsweetened, or flavored with a low-calorie sweetener.
- Look for herbal teas if you want to avoid caffeine. These are still a calorie-free beverage, and the antioxidants are still there. Be sure to avoid those with added sweeteners and milk (particularly ?chai? blends, which can be very high in calories).
- All About Caffeine
By Dr. Madelyn FernstromCaffeine is one of the most widely consumed compounds in the world. Nature?s original stimulant, caffeine is found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cola nuts. Because caffeine boosts mental focus and alertness, it was an important...
- Toasting The London Olympics ? With Tea!
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom The Olympics begin this evening, and whether you?re an amateur athlete, or armchair enthusiast, it?s an amazing set of events. With so many events, you can pick and choose your favorites. So if you?re a swimming fan and in awe...
- Healthy Eating In Black And White: Part Two
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom You might be surprised to know that an important health-promoting antioxidant called anthocyanin also provides a dark purple/black pigment to a wide variety of foods. Like the foods described earlier this week, many nutrient-dense...
- Perk Up Your Water!
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We?re always hearing how important it is to ?hydrate? and keep your fluid intake up. While it?s clearly important to downsize liquid calories, people are always asking me what else they can drink instead of water. I?ve heard all...
- Choosing Healthy Drink Options
by Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS, Live Well @ LifeBridge Did you know that a 20-ounce soda has about 17 teaspoons of sugar and over 200 calories? While many of us focus on food when we think of controlling calories, how often do we stop and think about our...