NEVER MISS BREAKFAST OR AFTERNOON TEA

I have never liked breakfast.  When I was young and living in the garage, a fresh granny smith apple was all that I felt that I needed, and maybe that would have been good if it was accompanied by a large drink of water.  But it was just an apple,  which added to a lifetime of digestive problems.

Today I am not part smart.  I have a drink of lemony water on rising, followed by a large green smoothie containing my TCM herbal mix, a shot of milk, a shot of fruit juice,  a shot of water, a handful of mixed fresh greens from my garden, a capful of sea minerals, a scoop of green power powder I make up, a scoop of dried digestive herbs, and a half a teasp. of a high quality gluten free vitamin powder.  I whizz all that up in my whizz-and-go (it tastes terrific) and also take a high dosage it A, B and sometimes D.  I follow this with a RELAXING POT of Tibetan herbal tea.  I must admit to sometimes having milk coffee if I feel like it.

Part of my tea cups/pots collection

I think that this routine sets me up nutritionally for the day.  I don't get hungry until lunch time (and sometimes not even then) and I usually have the same meal for lunch each day - poached fruit and a slice of toast with a dollop of yoghurt or sour cream.  Once again a POT of tea.  For supper I have steamed vegetables,  a carbohydrate and a protein, and yes, a pot of herbal tea.

The biggest change I have made is to eat my food and drink my tea quietly and in peace.  The introduction of the FULL POT of herbal tea is also new, and with the addition of water during the day keeps me well hydrated.  Last year I remembered that my mother had the same tea routine in the conservatory.  Even when she was travelling ket to this routine.  I have sat at the tables and windows in London where she "tea'd" hows that for tradition?   I always laughed at her and now find myself following the same routine.  Because I now appreciate the joy of this time, I have also brought together a lovely collection of pots, cups and gorgeous tea-glasses to add to the "Tea Experience".

I often suggest a formal tea-break like this to people who are having trouble with the hurry hurry of their lives (or even asking them to institute a routine like this rather than using a break as the opportunity to smoke).

I love my tea time, and think it has improved my overall health.  The most beautiful example of a "tea person" for me (and one I aspire to) was of a lady in Death Valley.  She built a wonderful, delightful inn at the base of a hill.  The Inn, still the only one in Death Valley, very 1947 and gorgeous, is still there but unfortunately she is long dead.  Every afternoon about 4pm as the valley was cooling down she would have her Mexican servant load up a donkey, then with full regalia (long skirt and lace parasol) she would walk gently to the top of the hill, and there, under an Indian style tent she would sit at a table and a have a full afternoon tea complete with trimmings, waiter standing by to pour.. at the end, it would all be packed up and brought down, ready for tomorrow.  What a wonderful tradition.  Unfortunately I don't have a donkey, a tent, or a manservant - but I do have the collection of trimmings, pots, glasses, trays.  It will do for now.