A few years ago, I switched from drinking coffee to tea entirely. I stopped drinking coffee because it made me feel jittery and anxious. Plus, it really upset my stomach. The caffeine in tea releases at a much steadier pace, and I never experience the "caffeine drop" when I drink tea. This smoother caffeine boost comes partly from L-theanine, an amino acid that regulates caffeine absorption. L-theanine also seems to encourage better concentration, and more restful sleep. With the wide variety of tea blends at Lake Missoula, I never seem to run out of something I crave, and my daily hydration level has greatly improved.

Since dropping coffee from my daily routine, I am going through about 50 grams of tea per week. I find myself drinking tea throughout the day. I start with caffeinated teas in the morning, such as Willy Wonka, Mammoth Red, and Creamy Coconut Oolong. In the late afternoon, I like to switch to rooibos and botanical blends. Some of the ones I like include Cape Town Grey, Sassy Citrus & Spice, and Evening Chai.

If you experience jitters, anxiety, or an upset stomach when drinking coffee, it might be time for you to explore the tasty world of tea.

Written by Gunilla Gillette