The book is essentially a primer on tea: history, proper brewing method, and plenty of citations on health benefits. Yes, many of us have heard the advertisements about green tea having antioxidant properties, but really all teas (from the camellia sinensis plant) have antioxidant properties ("Herbal teas" are tisanes and while drinks from the "Rooibos" plant has high levels of antioxidants, it does not have the same myriad of other benefits as actual teas from the camellia sinensis plant... but to learn more, you'll have to order The Ultimate TEA Diet)

In truth, The Ultimate TEA Diet book is much more than a how-to "diet." In fact, I gave a copy to my mother for her birthday, admitting that I was giving it to her because of the excellent advice and information about tea, not that I was telling her to lose weight! (I am not sure if she was convinced by my explanation...)

The information contained within The Ultimate TEA Diet is surprising. The health benefits are amazing, and the twelve-page list of citations is convincing. Dr. Tea says he could list many more studies; I believe him.

Tea is better than water. Drink it all day, and ye shall reap the benefits.

Dr. Tea explains that tea isn't just about weight loss: it is about immune system benefits, heart benefits, being more alert (but without that crash and burn of other caffeinated drinks, because tea has L-theanine, which counters the effect of the caffeine. And because after the first steep, the caffeine is gone; so with loose leaves, throw out the first pot and resteep!) and more.

Tea can be added to food: The Ultimate TEA Diet contains receipes for Tea-rubs for meat and other ways of incorporating the camellia sinensis plant into your cooking (Turkey-Tea Meatloaf or Apple-Cinnamon Tea Oatmeal, anyone?)

Tea can be used for relaxation: any hot beverage can provide an opportunity to relax, but this one won't hype you up just to slow you down in that paradoxically restless but depressed state. I drink a cup of hot tea at night before bed. I also drink a caffeinated cup in the morning to get me going. Even if I think I am going to want a nap later in the morning, once I have that cup of tea, I am surprisingly productive.

Tea can be used as a refreshing drink: any hot-brewed pot can be chilled with ice; or, follow one of Dr. Tea's "FrosTEA" recipes. My favorite by-the-computer and in-the-car beverage now is an iced tea that I've made from a blueberry green tea. I make two standard mugs of blueberry green tea, pour into a 32 oz water bottle, and top off with cold water and/or ice.

Tea can be used in place of a food craving. Dr. Tea carries many varieties of tea at his Tea Garden. Apparently, there is a "Candy Bar Black Tea" that has been an effective chocolate craving substitute for "TEAmates" who have tried The Ultimate TEA Diet on Dr. Tea's watch. Other flavors of tea include Peach Pie, Pineapple Coconut, Strawberry Pie, and Black Apple. Apparently, those who crave french fries may be satisfied with Tai Ping Green Tea, and BBQ lovers should try Lapsang Souchong Black Tea.

As for weight-loss, here is the scoop: once you make one small change, other changes will follow. I knew that by drinking tea instead of soda I was already gearing myself up for greater potential health benefits. And so, I gave extra thought about whether to stop by a fast food restaurant versus grab something more healthful from the grocery store. I purchased food smarter. Plus, I recognized that with the potential for greater calorie-burn, I might as well try exercising. As those who exercise recognize, post-work out, you aren't going to "blow it" by grabbing something horrifically unhealthy to eat. Thus, a single change can create a cascade of changes.

I don't recall where I heard this, but I remember someone saying "Pick which is easiest and follow it: diet OR exercise." We all know that both diet and exercise are necessary for a healthy lifestyle and to lose weight. But the initial step is to do what comes easiest. For me, exercise is easier than controlling food. I LOVE food. But for others, getting on the treadmill or exercise bike might be much scarier than eating a few salads. For those of us who exercise, we'll later watch what we eat so as not to negate the effects of our exercise. For those of us who eat better, we'll suddenly have more energy and the ability to exercise.

The Ultimate TEA Diet can jump-start that process because with the added energy and alertness that tea provides, exercise is an easier task. And if tea is replacing coffee or soda, the eating plan is already geared towards a healthier track.

Y'all want numbers, don't you?

Well, I started reading The Ultimate TEA Diet on December 11th. It is now January 14th. In a little more than a month, I've lost five pounds.

Not much you say?

Consider these three things:

1) I enjoyed our main holiday meals. Our Christmas Eve Dinner is something that really only occurs once per year. Even if I wanted to eat on another day the amazing lefse-salmon-caviar-gingerbread-whitefish-salad sensation that is our meal, I couldn't because the work that goes into those receipes is immense. When I weighed myself Christmas Eve Day, I had lost seven pounds since December 11th. I fit into a skirt that is two dress-sizes lower than what I was wearing earlier this autumn.

2) This particular "final weigh-in" is during the... er... Aunt Flo part of my month. My initial weigh-in was not. I won't go into a huge tirade about how sensitive my body is to hormonal flow. But I do retain more water during this time, particularly because my magical potion for cramp relief is BEER. (Usually I am up five pounds during this time which should disappear in the next couple days.)

3) Perhaps a more important number than pounds lost is the fat percentage lost. I have lost two percent fat off my body. So, it is possible that although the scale says I've lost five, I've really lost more in fat and gained some in muscle. Similarly, many sources quote that a 1-2 pound loss per week is a healthy way to lose in a way that is a lifestyle change rather than a diet. Indeed, all things considered, I have kept within that range. I did NOT severely limit myself: I have continued to enjoy sausage and beer at hockey games, but then I eat something much better for me the next several days! It is about balance without depravation.

To keep myself accountable, I will check in on February 14th. Sure, I may have some candy in honor of Valentine's Day, but I may be drinking Dr. Tea's "Candy Bar Black Tea" from The Tea Garden instead of a physical candy bar.

Adding tea to your everyday routine is not difficult to do. Dr. Tea says, "Find a tea you like, and drink it all day." It really is that simple. The things that happen afterwards take more work: exercising, and thinking more critically about what you chose to put in your body. But knowing that the tea is on your side can definitely help in planning the rest.

The Ultimate TEA Diet is a great reference book on tea. It is a great recipe book about tea. It is a great motivational book about tea. It is definitely worth a look!

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The Ultimate Tea Diet: How Tea Can Boost Your Metabolism, Shrink Your Appetite, and Kick-Start Remarkable Weight Loss (at Amazon)

The Tea Garden (Dr. Tea's home base: for specialty teas and more information)