Maybe it’s a bit neurotic to drink a cup of The Republic of Tea’s Be Active tea made for each phase of my exercise or daily routine. Since the set of teas is a caffeine-free, herbal blend made with green rooibos–that is full of antioxidants–the benefit exceeds my neurosis. Besides, drinking a few cups is a global benefit (good karma), because the tea is sustainably and economically helping the rainforest and a community in Zeekoevlei Farm in South Africa. It’s why this set of teas are Rainforest Alliance certified.
After months of being inactive, I returned to working out in February (read about it here). Since then, my schedule is to get up early to work 9 to 5 and destress at the gym after work. When I received this month’s shipment of The Republic of Tea’s Be Active Tea, a strategic plan of making these teas align with my schedule was developed. The morning starts with Be Active Tea made for endurance, a herbal blend to increase energy, stamina, endurance and promote resistance to stress while antioxidants help protect from free radicals. If your workouts start in the morning, I recommend this tea, a banana and a Farro Yogurt Muffin (see recipe below) to get started. The muffin is made with wheat flour, farro, Greek yogurt, pecans and a hint of molasses. The glaze can be made with any of Be Active tea flavors.
The next few teas really depends on the type of workout accomplished for the day. The Get Limber Tea is a bright herbal blend with orange peel, pineapple and turmeric to reduce joint swelling and inflammation as it enables mobility to help the body adapt to physical stress causing pain. It’s a great tea for a yoga or pilates workout.
Alternate the next two teas for cardio workouts. The Get Burning Tea helps metabolism. It’s a spicy blend of chili, cinnamon and ginger (a coworker said it smells like a holiday tea). The next flavor, Get Hydrated Tea is great chilled to drink during or after workouts (I might brew it with coconut water one day). This refreshing drink is an herbal blend with hibiscus, black limon (dried lime) and black currant. The electrolytes in this flavor benefits runners, bikram yoga practitioners and surfers.
The last tea in the set is Get Restored Tea. This is a relaxing cup of tea that slightly smells of chocolate, brown sugar and dates. After a day of working hard in the office, actively destressing in the gym and completing errands and household chores, the herbal blend is an amazing award at the end of a long day. The herbal blend helps the body recover by rebalancing acidity, increasing oxygenation and it helps protect from toxin absorption.
Here’s the monthly deal from The Republic of Tea: From April 14, 2013 to April 21, 2013, receive a complimentary Be Active sports bottle with one tin, refill or bulk bag purchase of Be Active Tea (limit one per customer). Promo Code: #BEACTIVE2
Farro Yogurt Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup unbleached, all purpose flour
- 1 cup wheat flour
- ¼ to 1/2 cup sugar (the amount depends on a personal taste for sweetness)
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- A pinch of sea salt
- 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 cup nuts; plus extra for topping
- 1 tbsp. flax seeds
- 1 tbsp. orange zest
- 2/3 cup cooked farro
- ½ cup unsweetened and unbleached coconut flakes
- 1-1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. molasses
- Be Active Tea Glaze (See recipe below)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a muffin tin with 12 compartments
- Lightly mix dry ingredients together, including spices, nuts, flax seeds, orange zest, coconut flakes and farro. Form a well in the center of the bowl. Set aside.
- Whisk the yogurt, egg, vanilla extract and olive oil together in a separate bowl.
- Using a spatula, quickly fold in the wet into the dry ingredients. Fold until the batter is just moist and lumpy (do not overmix). If the batter is too dry, add a tiny bit of whole milk.
- Spoon (I use an ice cream scoop) batter into each muffin tin until is two-thirds full. Sprinkle with nuts.
- Bake from 20 to 30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown. Remove muffins from the oven to rest for about five minutes. Place muffins on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let cool.
- Meanwhile make the the Be Active Tea Glaze.
- When the muffins are cool, drizzle Republic of Tea’s Be Active Glaze on top.
Be Active Tea Glaze
Ingredients
- 10 bags of Republic of Tea’s Be Active Tea
- 2 cups of filtered water
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- Heat water until right before it boils (when tiny bubbles start to appear, it’s ready).
- Add tea bags and steep for 6 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Place tea in the refrigerator to cool.
- Add 1 tbsps. Be Active Tea* and powdered sugar to a bowl. Whisk together in a bowl. Set aside until ready to use (whisk again right before using).
- *NOTE: Add ice and drink the rest. If it’s too strong, dilute it with with filtered or coconut water.
Have you started working out recently? What type of exercise mostly benefits your health? Which Be Active Tea do you need the most? Discuss in the comment section below.
Disclaimer: These statements about the nutritional benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
I have started a pretty serious bodybuilding workout with 4 times a week and I have had a diet made special for me. I will try this tea as a fluid “snack” because it looks delicious! I will ask my (need an english word here, sorry) “food advisor” if he agrees with me. I guess he does though. Keep the recipes coming!