Tea and Weight Loss

For many of us, spring is equated with weight loss. It is time to get rid of that winter weight, but how?

In theory, it is an easy concept: burn more calories than you take in. Putting this into practice is a different story, however. Our metabolisms are as individual as we are. Our physical compositions – muscle versus fat, endocrine function, and sex are just a few of the many factors that can affect weight loss. Sometimes, we just need to examine our lives to see what works for us.

Throughout our lives, we have heard that we should drink eight glasses of water per day. This amount changes from study to study and when considered with other foods, such as juice and milk. Getting plenty of fluids is the one rule of weight loss that seems to be what everyone can agree on. I inadvertently put this rule into practice this last month. I’ve always drank a lot of water when working out. Hard exercise makes me crave water. However, I can’t stand water when I’m sick and my throat is sore. Water makes it feel raw. I had the displeasure of working around this problem earlier this month when I had tonsillitis, and again this week with a bad cold complete with sinus problems.

Tonsillitis: Blessing In Disguise?

I spent six days resting and drinking plenty of fluids during my first and only bout of tonsillitis. I had a sore throat from day one and went to the store to buy a variety of herbal teas to ease the pain. For a week, I rested and drank tea all day. I drank at least six to ten glasses per day and my appetite lessened due to the pain. For two days, my diet consisted of soup (no solid food) and a little ice cream. After those two days, I began eating solid food out of desperation, but my throat was still sore. I chewed my food more thoroughly than I ever have and I had to prepare myself to swallow, since swallowing saliva alone was even painful. I lost five pounds that week – and kept it off.


Drinking different herbal teas may help alleviate or shorten cold symptoms. It is a great way to get the fluids necessary for fighting illness.

One Doozy of a Cold Virus
I got a slight sore throat the day after Easter. It turned into a horrible cold by Wednesday. I’m still fighting this cold and I’m fighting it with tea, once again. Unlike with the tonsillitis, I am eating solid food, and loving it. My diet consists of yogurt with fruit; spaghetti topped with pesto, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese; salads with homemade dressing; eggs (it is the week of Easter); and dark chocolate. I’ve lost three pounds so far this week, and that is without exercise. The only thing I can think of, other than eating well, is the tea. I’m drinking a lot of tea throughout the day while getting plenty of rest.

Tea and Weight Loss

There are studies showing that various types of tea are linked with weight loss, and some studies discrediting the aforementioned studies. My theory is based on personal experience: instead of searching my kitchen for in-between-meal goodies, I am filling up my tea cup and mindlessly sipping it in front of the TV. We’ve all heard that mindless munching in front of the television causes increased caloric intake. However, mindless tea-sipping is calorie free. Rather than loading on the calories, it is a major source of water. If you drink herbal teas, like I do, it may also ease your sore throat, boost your immune system with echinacea, or ease you into bedtime with calming chamomile.

Incorporating It into Your Day

If you are like me, you have a tendency towards laziness. If something is not convenient, you won’t do it. Warming up a glass of water in the microwave each time you want tea can be that extra step you don’t really want to deal with, especially when you do it about eight times a day. I’ve simplified this so that I also have hot water waiting for me. I run hot water through my coffee pot and let the burner keep the water hot as I drink through a few tea bags.


If you don’t have a tea kettle, a coffee pot is a great way to quickly warm up enough water for several cups of tea.

Eco-friendly note: In an attempt to be more eco-friendly, I am going to start pouring the water into an insulated carafe and unplug the coffee pot to save energy.

Successful weight loss is easier by making one change at a time. Fluid intake is extremely important to weight loss and drinking tea is a great way to increase it.