I’ve been reading Sierra Goodman’s site about weight loss and the Law of Attraction. She recommends Japanese green tea known as matcha. This is the tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. This tea is different from the regular green tea that you would buy at a grocery store. Matcha is finely ground.
A study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims that matcha green tea produces a significant increase in energy expenditure (a measure of metabolism) in individuals, combined with a significant effect on fat oxidation. While some of the effects were originally attributed to the caffeine content of green tea, the researchers discovered that matcha green tea effect on energy and weight loss go beyond those that would be caused by the caffeine.
In fact, they found that consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis (the body’s own rate of burning calories) from a normal 8%-10% of daily energy expenditure, to between 35% and 43% of daily energy expenditure.
Of critical importance is the fact that none of the research subjects reported any side effects, and no significant differences in heart rates were noticed.
I have decided to use matcha green tea in my plan. The HCG Diet allows unlimited use of coffee and tea, so it should fit right in.
To prepare matcha:
Place a small sieve over the matcha bowl. Measure about ½ a teaspoon of matcha powder. This is about 2 scoops if you are using a traditional chashaku spoon. Shake it through the sieve into the bowl. Add 50 ml of hot water (not boiling), which is about 1½ ounces. Use a bamboo tea whisk (chasen) to whip the tea until there is a layer of jade colored foam on the top. Serve immediately.