Tea & The Plant-Based Diet

Tea and the Plant Based Diet

Are you trading out one or two days a week to cut down on meat, eggs and dairy for environmental or health reasons? Eliminating all animal-produced foods and products as you practice a vegan lifestyle? Whatever your reason, whatever the degree of your change, you are embracing mindfulness. You have taken the time to look at the way you eat and live and made a choice that affects you, the earth and other living creatures. Well done. You are part of the growing number of people around the world adding more whole, unprocessed plant-based foods to their diet.

Where does tea fit into this, you ask? Thinking about beverages is a natural part of this process of attentiveness or thoughtfulness as you consider what food and drink you put in your body.

Where does my food come from? How is it grown, raised, harvested, produced?
Who is affected by my decision? Is it good for me and others?
As I make this change, how I do prepare my food and beverages?
As part of this new and healthy lifestyle, should I include yoga, meditation, and quiet moments for rituals that inspire serenity?

Preparing and drinking tea as part of this daily, health-first routine satisfies both adding goodness to your diet and as a ritual, a routine, that inspires calm and restores balance.

Good quality, whole leaf tea is readily available in many grocery stores, in tea rooms and for on-line purchase. Responsible companies will be able to provide answers to the first two questions. This second most consumed beverage in the world is delicious and has been shown to be a healthy, hydrating beverage, filled with antioxidants. It can be served hot, iced, with fresh fruit or with botanicals. It can be prepared just for you or for sharing. Tea can be used as natural ingredient in your cooking and baking. It is shelf stable with no allergens (unflavored). Brilliant!

Claim your quiet time and your tea ritual. Fill your kettle with fresh, cold water, measure out your favorite tea and steep. Pour into your favorite cup, the one that makes you smile, and enjoy this treasured time. Relax, pray, meditate, or read a good book with your cup of tea by your side. Changing dietary habits can be hard and may take more time than you thought. That’s ok. The tea part is easy.