Banish cravings... one sip at a time!

For those of you who are hoping to nip those cravings in the bud this year, I have a trick for you. I've found that it normally has a 95% success rate (yes, there are times when chocolate, frosting and cookies are 100% called for and that's where the other 5% comes into play!). What is it you ask? Tea.

But are all teas created equal? Studies have shown that green tea, specifically may have an upper hand on the other varieties. Easy to find in your local grocery store, green tea is considered a metabolic stimulator and a diuretic.

A study conducted in 2000 found that rats given an extract of green tea had a significant decrease in food intake and body weight.

In addition, green tea contains beneficial substances called polyphenols, which promote the burning of fat. Green tea also contains caffeine, a stimulant and diuretic. Like any beverage that contains caffeine, just be aware of your intake so you don't get the mid-morning jitters!

No, not the crazy green tea powder concoction that annoying people push at your local mall kiosks, but just plain, simple…green tea bags.

For me personally, I find that my sweet tooth is calmed by ANY tea - green, black, white, chai, - perhaps my sweet tooth is color blind? But seriously, I find that sipping any tea helps put cravings at bay and also serves as a great pick-me-up.

Some of my favorites:

Yogi - Vanilla Tahitian Hazelnut

Harney and Sons - Tropical Green ( frequently enjoyed at one of my favorite Cleveland restaurants, TAZA )

Zhena's Gypsy Tea - Chocolate Chai (The Coconut Chai is another fave!)

Any fresh concoction from Teavana .

To kick things up a notch, add a splash of milk, a bit of agave nectar or honey! Well, I'm off to fill my cup - cheers!

What is your favorite flavor of tea?

Shannon is the founder and creator of The Daily Balance, a Web site updated daily with advice, tips and personal stories to help others find balance in their lives. From food to fashion, fitness, inspiration and recipes, The Daily Balance is the perfect tool for those who "want it all."


[photo credit: Getty Images]