Dear ,

It seems as though the number of sugar cubes I use goes up as the temperature goes down. What can I say? Sweets and sweaters go well together. Unfortunately, every year it seems they fit just a little tighter. So, here are five tea types that help increase metabolic rates and make it easier for your body to burn off those extra calories this winter.

As always, please speak to your doctor before embarking on any weight loss endeavors. Food and drink can affect certain medications or aggravate existing health conditions. Stay safe!

Tea contains compounds called flavonoids that fight toxins, inflammation and other health stressors. Specifically, tea contains catechins that help your body break down fat deposits and boost metabolism. Caffeine boosts metabolism as well.

How well does that really work? A recent study showed that four cups of coffee a day over a 24-week period reduced body fat in participants by an average of 4%, a loss attributed to caffeine raising metabolism.

One major benefit of choosing tea as a source of caffeine is the presence of a unique compound called l-theanine. This helps to balance the jitters that come from caffeine with a relaxed and calm mindset. This is one reason tea is such a compliment to activities like meditation.

Unfortunately, rooibos and herbal teas do not typically contain l-theanine or caffeine. Which types do?

• Matcha
• Pu-erh (pronounced like Winnie the 'Pooh' + the word 'Are')
• Black tea
• Gyokuro green tea
• Kabusecha green tea

Now for Something Really Sweet...

Pawsitively Poisonous

by Melissa Erin Jackson

Every town has its secrets, but no one has a secret like hers.

Amber Blackwood, lifelong resident of Edgehill, Oregon, has earned a reputation for being a semi-reclusive odd duck. Her store, The Quirky Whisker, is full of curiosities, from extremely potent sleepy teas and ever-burning candles to kids’ toys that seem to run endlessly without the aid of batteries. The people of Edgehill think of the Quirky Whisker as an integral part of their feline-obsessed town, but most give Amber herself a wide berth. Amber prefers it that way; it keeps her secret safe. But that secret is thrown into jeopardy when Amber’s friend Melanie is found dead, a vial of headache tonic from Amber’s store clutched in her hand.

Edgehill’s newest police chief has had it out for Amber since he arrived three years before. He can’t possibly know she’s a witch, but his suspicions about her odd store and even odder behavior have shot her to the top of his suspect list. When the Edgehill rumor mill finds out Melanie was poisoned, it’s not only the police chief who looks at Amber differently. Determined to both find justice for her friend and to clear her own name, Amber must use her unique gifts to help track down Melanie’s real killer. A quest that threatens much more than her secret …

Until next time,

Katie O'Keene ☆

Visit me at KatieOKeene.com

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