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On their own, both tea and exercise have many benefits to one's health. But did you know that there are identical and specific results from tea drinking and physical exertion? And by drinking tea—as opposed to just plain water—during exercise, these results can be doubled?! Take a look at the list below of the similar effects tea and exercise can have on your mental and physical health, and start using tea as your beverage of choice during your cardio or strength workout routines!

•    Increases metabolic rate
•    Increases endurance
•    Boosts mental alertness
•    Boosts immune system
•    Lowers cortisol, the stress hormone
•    Improves cardiovascular health

Green tea is packed with both health and beauty benefits. These benefits can be reaped by drinking the tea or applying it directly to the skin. The green tea extract is naturally chock full of antioxidants which helps the body fight free radicals, thus resulting in younger looking skin.

A lot of makeup, lotions, and creams now use green tea extract. However, you don’t need to rush to the department store just yet. Many products can be made at home. Try this recipe:

"Green Tea Toner"

•    Steep green tea in purified water
•    Let cool, and transfer to a spray bottle
•    Either spray directly onto skin or soak a cotton ball and wipe over skin

This is a great toner for the skin!
 

Follow this quick guide to living a healthy and balanced life:

• Have 1500-1600 calories per day based on physical activity

• Have 300-500 calories each for breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Have up to 200 calories each for 2 snacks per day

• Find only 50-100 calories to cut per day if weight loss is the goal

• Ideal waistline is 32 inches for a woman, and 35 for a man

• For depression, eat foods or take supplements with omega 3 fatty acids

• Eat foods with less than 4 grams of saturated fat, and less than 9 grams of sugar, per serving

• Apples, carrots, and nuts are good snacks

• Red Pepper and Cinnamon help fight  fat

• Have 1 to 2 cups of your favorite tea every day

• Walk for 30 minutes per day - Aim for 10,000 steps per day

• Lift weights for 30 minutes per week

• Sweat for an hour per week

• Stretching is important to prevent injury

• Fidgeting helps burn calories

Did you know that your food cravings may be able to determine your mood?

• Meat could mean you're angry
• Sweets might be a sign of depression
• Ice cream might mean you're anxious
• Salty snacks could mean you're stressed
• Pasta might signal loneliness or sexual frustration
• All of the above might mean you're just a little bit jealous

And finally, avoid these ingredients for a healthier lifestyle:

• Hydrogenated Oils
• Sugars
• High-Fructose Corn Syrup
• Enriched Flour
• Bleached Flour

A balanced diet not only promotes weight loss, but each food group provides essential vitamins and minerals to your body to keep it functioning. Take a look at what these foods offer your body.

Dairy
• Essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
• Helps to build strong bones; slows bone loss; and reduces fragility.
Choose: Fat-free or low-fat milk and yogurt.

Meat
• Lean meats contain the essential amino acids the body needs.
• More iron is absorbed by the body from beef than from spinach.
• High in protein and zinc.
Choose: Beef and pork cuts with the terms "loin" or "round." These are naturally lean cuts of meat.

Fish
• Important for cardiovascular health.
• Helps regulate blood clotting and vessel constriction.
• Omega-3s improve the condition of your skin, hair, and nails.
Choose: Salmon, tuna, or tilapia, as all are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Grains
• Help curb your appetite and aid in long-term weight loss.
• Great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Tons of fiber and nutrients.
Choose: Whole grain pastas, breads, and cereals that are high in fiber, B vitamins, and magnesium.

Fruits & Vegetables
• Low in calories.
• Broccoli is rich in vitamins A and C.
• Tomatoes are high in flavonoids which help prevent heart disease and cancer.
• Mushrooms are high in vitamin B which help with red blood cell functioning.
Choose: A variety of fresh or frozen vegetables/fruits without the extras, such as added sauces.

Tea

• Lowers risk of some cancers
• Lowers risk of heart disease
• Helps prevent infections
• Speeds metabolism
Choose: Green, Black, White blends—among others

Hello Everyone! My name is Joanna, and I am a new guest blogger here at California Tea House. I will do my best to provide you with blogs that will help to improve your mind, body, and soul. Enjoy!        

 "Top Ten Tips to Eating and Feeling Your Best"    

 (1) Eat breakfast. Eating in the A.M. will jump-start your metabolism. Studies show if you blow-off breakfast, you’ll be more likely to grab for junk-food around lunch time. A balanced breakfast includes whole grains, a little protein, and a fruit or vegetable. Try an egg white omelet with veggies and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Serve with whole grain toast on the side and an orange.  

(2) Drink water. The recommended ounce amount is half of your body weight. So if you weigh 140 pounds, you would need 70 ounces which is about nine 8-ounce bottles.   Don't forget to add a cup of green tea a day as well for antioxidants and many other health benefits.

(3) Choose foods wisely. Make sure your diet is high in fruits and vegetables; high-fiber grains; and small amounts of lean protein. When in doubt, choose whole, unprocessed foods.  

(4) Sleep well. When you deprive yourself of sleep, you are more likely to overeat. This is a fact. Make sure you are getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep, if possible.  

(5) Snack. To prevent a drop in blood sugar and a craving for sweets, keep a nutritious snack in your purse or car. Great snack options include a mix of whole grains and protein. Try an apple with peanut butter or whole grain crackers with string cheese.  

(6) Practice Portion Control. Try turning down seconds, unless it’s of vegetables. Eat five smaller meals instead of three large ones. This method will stabilize your blood sugar and keep you from overeating at any given meal.  

(7) Stay away from “Fat-Free” and “Sugar-Free” Foods. Just because a food is labeled fat-free or sugar-free, it doesn't mean it's low in calories. Also, the fake sugar will actually make you hungrier. If it’s sugar that you crave, have a small piece of the real thing. A great example is a small chunk of real dark chocolate.  

(8) Combine Cardio and Weights. Weight-training builds muscle and helps you slim down. It elevates the metabolic rate, so you'll burn more calories while your body's at rest. Cardio helps melt the fat that covers your muscles.  

(9) Breathe Deeply. Stress can do everything from storing fat, since cortisol is released, to causing emotional eating. Make sure to take a few moments various times during the day to breathe. Maybe even take up yoga, prayer, or meditation.  

(10) Make Lists. To stay focused and organized, make “To Do” lists of everything you want to accomplish. Whether it be food and exercise goals, or chores that need to be done.