I love bright colors but when it comes to food, I hesitate because most of those colors come from food colorings and dyes which can be rather toxic.

But… what if I told you that there’s a plant called butterfly pea that can literally change colors when mixed with liquid with no dyes involved?!

A natural way to taste the rainbow!

When Adagio Teas asked me to try out their new tea blend called Bella Luna Blue Tea, I leapt at the chance! I’ve been wanting to try butterfly pea tea for such a long time and now I get to try a version made by one of my favorite tea companies!

I’ve tried their teas in the past and absolutely loved them. You can read my reviews here!

My favorite part of the Bella Luna Blue Tea (besides its really cool color-changing abilities) is the flavor. It tastes like blueberries! It is magic in a cup.

Seriously, just watch these gifs we made:

Butterfly pea tea changes colors according to the pH of whatever it is mixed with, so the sky’s the limit as to all the cool things you can create with it. It starts out light blue, then after some lemon juice is added, it turns purple and then magenta! Add some honey and it turns back into a gorgeous indigo. Want to turn it bright red? Add some organic hibiscus.

Magic. It is pure magic, in all of its technicolor glory.

Or in this case, nature. Butterfly pea is officially the coolest plant ever.

If you want to experience this tea for yourself, you can check it out here!

Disclaimer: Adagio Tea provided us with a sample of this tea to review but all opinions on ETG are our own.

The post Bella Luna Blue Tea Review – Butterfly Pea Tea appeared first on Eat Thrive Glow.

I drink a ton of tea. It’s my favorite beverage, after pure water, and I love how there’s so many different types and flavors to satisfy my sweet tooth in a healthy way.

I tend to drink mostly green tea, though I do love a cup of iced peppermint tea on a hot day, or chai on an especially cold winter day. When Adagio Teas offered to send me some teas to review here on ETG, I jumped at the chance. Yay for tea!! I decided to try the silver needle tea (a type of white tea), candy cane tea (I know it’s not December but I LOVE anything candy cane/peppermint), peppermint tea (of course, how can I resist?), Christmas blend tea, chocolate chai (doesn’t it sound delicious?!), and regular masala chai.

Here are my verdicts:

Silver needle: Grassy, bright, delicious. This is a light tea compared to the others. I loved the flavor, it tasted so pure and clean. I think my father will really like this tea (he loves the delicate teas) so I need to send some to him!

Peppermint tea: So refreshing. Like… I felt like I took a nap and woke up refreshed or something- that’s how invigorating this tea is. Since I drink a lot of peppermint (and so does my sister), I think I will be ordering this tea in bulk, haha.

Candy cane tea: SO. GOOD. It tasted just like a candy cane, with a bit of a fruity aftertaste. Almost like if you were eating a peach-infused candy cane? This has officially become my new favorite tea. I didn’t add any sugar to the first batch I made and it turned out fine (it’s the right amount of delicate sweetness) but the second batch I made, I added a hint of raw sugar & I felt like I was drinking a liquid candy cane. So delicious. Will buy again. And again. And again…

Christmas tea: I LOVE THIS. Sorry for writing in all caps, but it is fabulous. It tastes kind of like chai, but with orange peel, which adds an amazing brightness and fruitiness to the tea. It seriously does taste like the holidays.

Chocolate chai: This tea was pretty good. It reminded me of a spiced hot chocolate, yummy. It’s just the thing for a cool winter’s night. Last week we had a snow storm here in Boston, and so I drank cups of this stuff to stay warm and cozy.

Masala chai: Classic and delicious. Adagio’s chai is spicy but not too overwhelming. It reminds me of home (my mom always has some chai brewing on the stove). When I told her about this chai, she became super excited at the thought of not having to make her own blend (she doesn’t like the chai that grocery stores sell because it tends to taste stale) and when I gave her the seal of approval, she made me promise that I’ll save her some for when she visits. If you like spicy chai, Adagio’s chai is the best kind to get. It’s fresh and tastes like authentic Indian chai.

I really love Adagio Teas and how many awesome types/flavors of tea they have. I will definitely be ordering from them again- I really want to try the fandom teas they have (you can find them by clicking on the “Blends” icon at the top right of their website. They have really amazing ones!

The one I will be ordering next is a Forest Lovers one described on the site as:

“The light sweetness of forest berries and warm undercurrents of honeybush vanilla make this a wonderful soothing cuppa. It’s perfect with a bit of strawberry sugar or a touch of honey. It’s also wonderful sweetened and chilled over ice. But be aware! Much like young love, this is a drink best tasted fresh after brewing. Left sit too long, the flavors shift slightly, producing a slightly tart aftertaste. This tea is fabulous iced!”

Doesn’t that tea blend sound amazing?! They also have some Harry Potter inspired ones:

And Star Wars:

I am freaking out from the awesome of this tea company. So many cool products and such great quality. You can tell that they really love tea! I highly recommend this company and their delicious & creative teas!

Disclaimer: Adagio Tea provided us with samples of these teas to review but all opinions on ETG are our own.

The post Adagio Teas Review appeared first on Eat Thrive Glow.

There’s nothing like a cup of tea to unwind after a long day. We were thrilled to receive this gift box of SuperGreen tea from Republic of Tea, which contains 4 canisters of green tea.

I love all things matcha, so I’m excited that The Republic of Tea has launched a new line of matcha. Matcha is made from ground green tea leaves, and is packed with antioxidants. It’s popular in Japan, where it’s used in tea ceremonies and to flavor desserts.

I was excited to try Lean Green, which has garcinia cambogia and cinnamon. I’ve had teas in the past where the cinnamon is overpowering, but the spice in this tea blend is subtle. Garcinia cambogia first became popular after Dr. Oz featured this supplement on his show. Caffeinated drinks like soda and energy drinks can cause weight gain, so this is a good option to consider if you’re looking for a pick-me-up without the extra calories. I also think that soaking some chia seeds in some steeped Lean Green tea and topped with banana would make an excellent healthy breakfast.

Serenity contains lavender and holy basil, and the floral notes in this tea are so aromatic and relaxing. Although lavender is associated with promoting sleep, I would recommend avoid drinking this tea late at night, as the caffeine in the green tea can affect your sleep.

The echinacea in Immunity can help battle colds. A spoonful of honey stirred into this citrusy tea, a good book, and some relaxation is perfect for days when I’m feeling under the weather. Also, this tea smells AMAZING, you guys!!

Brain Boost is my favorite. Not only does it have the cognitive boosting benefits of green tea (l-theanine), it also has ginkgo which is currently being studied as a possible memory enhancer. I love the taste of this tea, which I think comes from the black currants in it. It is fruity (but not too overpowering though!) and is so refreshing.

I also admire that fact that the Republic of Tea uses unbleached tea bags, in contrast to other brands that sell teas in bleached teabags or plastic sachets. Although the plastic sachets look pretty, it’s probably not a good idea to have hot water come in contact with plastic while steeping the tea. These unbleached tea bags are perfect!

Hope you have a relaxing day and enjoy a cup of tea!

Disclaimer: Republic of Tea provided us with samples of these teas to review but all opinions on ETG are our own.

The post Republic of Tea SuperGreen Tea Review appeared first on Eat Thrive Glow.

As a historian, I’m always fascinated by old fashioned foods and drinks. I was excited to come across barley water, a beverage that has been enjoyed by people for thousands of years. It’s not as well known as coconut water or maple water, but is incredibly delicious and healing in its own way.

Barley water was the beverage of choice of peasants in ancient Greece, since preparation was simple and cheap. Known back then as kykeon, the ancient Greeks used to mix water, barley, and other ingredients such as spices or grated cheese together in order to make a healing beverage that was purported to improve digestion and heal ailments.

The Greeks weren’t the only ones who loved their barley water! In Britain, barley water was popular too and was thought to cure everything from kidney disease to fevers. There has been a long history of Wimbledon tennis players drinking chilled barley water on the courts to refresh and rehydrate their bodies, and this has helped the ancient beverage retain its popularity to this day! You can still buy bottled barley water in the refrigerated section of grocery stores there, where it’s stocked next to the soda.

Making barley water is a cinch- all you have to do is boil barley and strain the water. It’s that easy! Add a sprig of fresh mint, a squeeze of lemon juice, and pour into a tall glass of crushed ice to turn this delicious barley water into a unique summer drink. You can also serve it as a warm healing drink in the wintertime.

Give barley water a try, I think that you will find it refreshing and comforting! It has definitely become one of my favorite drinks.

Mint Barley Water notes:

-Feel free to add orange extract for a delicious twist.

Mint Barley Water (Ancient Greek Kykeon)

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Author: Eat Thrive Glow

Serves: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 cup barley
• 6 cups water
• 5 peppermint leaves
• ½ tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Simmer the barley with 6 cups of water on medium-low heat, uncovered. After about 20-25 minutes, the barley will be cooked and the amount of water in the pot will be reduced. Remove from heat.
2. Strain the barley through a sieve into a large bowl in order to collect the water. Set the barley aside.
3. Add the peppermint leaves to the barley water and microwave for approximately 30 seconds to infuse the mint flavor.
4. Stir in lemon juice and maple syrup.

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The post Mint Barley Water (Ancient Greek Kykeon) appeared first on Eat Thrive Glow.

I saw chia seed smoothies at Whole Foods the other day! The drinks looked so colorful and refreshing, but they were a bit too expensive to splurge on. Although I forced myself to walk away from the drink aisle, I kept dreaming of them at home. I know, I know, normal people don’t usually dream about chia drinks.

Since I couldn’t get the intriguing drinks out of my head, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own watermelon chia seed smoothie at home! Chia seeds love to soak up and hold in water, so I figured pairing it with a juicy watermelon would be a match made in hydration heaven. By the way, it’s so cool to watch the chia seeds expand when they absorb water! You know, like those “just add water” sea monkeys that we used to play with as kids? Okay, okay, I admit that I need to get some new hobbies if I’m sitting around watching chia seeds. Lastly, to get this chia party started, I tossed in a few strawberries and splash of lime juice into the mix!

Have you ever tried a chia seed smoothie before? What are your favorite flavors?

Simple Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie notes:

-Chia seeds have omega 3 fatty acids. By the way, if you’re interested in omega 3s, be sure to read our  post on fish oil supplements.
-Chia’s gelatinous coating can form a barrier in your gut, which may help prevent blood sugar spikes.
-If you’re a fan of chia, check  out our peanut butter chia pudding recipe! Ben and Jerry’s would call it “Chunky Monkey Chia Pudding!” It doubles as either breakfast or dessert.

If you haven’t already, get our free Super Smoothies E-Book filled with tons of delicious recipes here. Promotion for the free ebook has ended, but there will be plenty of smoothie recipes on our website in the future!

Simple Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

 

Author: Eat Thrive Glow

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cups watermelon chunks
• 1 cup strawberries
• 4 tsp chia seeds
• 1 inch ginger
• 1.5 tsp maple syrup (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Blend all of the ingredients together.
2. Serve in a glass filled with ice!

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The post Simple Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie appeared first on Eat Thrive Glow.

One of the best things about camping was sitting next to a crackling campfire, surrounded by the grand beauty of Mother Nature. All thoughts of spiders and bears vanished once it was time to make s’mores underneath the glistening night sky.

I will never forget the first time that I tasted a toasted marshmallow- the perfectly charred exterior that blanketed a gooey, pillowy soft interior was a simply magical combination. The marshmallow alone was amazing, but when it was smothered in chocolate and sandwiched between graham crackers, it was heaven on earth.

This s’mores milkshake is made with vanilla ice cream and toasted marshmallows and has a thick layer of rich fudge on the bottom. I rimmed the glass with dark chocolate ganache and graham cracker crumbs and topped the milkshake with another scoop of ice cream.

This is the most delicious milkshake that you will ever taste! Josie made me eat steamed greens afterwards, but this s’mores milkshake was totally worth the splurge!

S’mores Milkshake notes:

-You can substitute greek yogurt for the sour cream. However, sour cream gives it a smoother texture and adds just the right amount of tang so that’s why we used it in this recipe.

S'mores Milkshake

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

20 mins

 

Author: Eat Thrive Glow

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• ½ tbsp sour cream
• ½ cup 65% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips
• Jumbo marshmallows (we used half of a 7 oz bag)
• ¼ cup cream
• graham crackers

Instructions

1. Spread all of the marshmallows except for 4 onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and broil until charred. Let cool and set aside.
2. Roast the remaining 4 marshmallows until lightly toasted and golden brown. Let cool.
3. Blend milk, ice cream, sour cream, and charred marshmallows until smooth.
4. Heat chocolate chips and cream in microwave in 10 second intervals until the chocolate begins to melt (takes about 20 seconds). Stir until smooth.
5. Layer milkshake and chocolate ganache in a glass. Top with a scoop of ice cream and toasted marshmallows.

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The post S’mores Milkshake appeared first on Eat Thrive Glow.

Getting sick is the worst. The nose drips, the throat aches… need I continue? Only bowls of piping hot chicken noodle soup and warm sips of turmeric tea can get me through the day.

I made this fragrant elixir to help me stay hydrated and battle off the bugs. Aromatic mint leaves open up the nasal passages, while turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon help turn the body’s immune cells into ninjas. Honey moisturizes and soothes a raw, sore throat.

When you first look at turmeric’s mesmerizing golden color, you just know that it’ll give you superpowers. I tried to use this to my advantage by creating homemade turmeric skin bronzer for a summery sunkissed glow. Brilliant idea, right? Don’t go there- it was goopy and I ended up looking like I had mustard on my face.

Tanney: “Will this turn me into a superhero? If so, more please”

This turmeric tea is a force to be reckoned with! Take that, cold virus!

Turmeric Tea notes:

1. I used a mint tea that contains only peppermint leaves, since I’m not a huge fan of spearmint.
2. Feel free to substitute mint tea with your favorite tea instead.
3. The black pepper in this turmeric tea helps the body absorb turmeric better.
4. You can find turmeric at most grocery stores these days. Local Indian stores also sell turmeric at an inexpensive price.

Turmeric Tea

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

10 mins

 

Author: Eat Thrive Glow

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1 peppermint tea bag
• 1 cup hot water
• 1.5 tsp chopped ginger
• ⅛ tsp turmeric
• ⅛ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• dash of black pepper

Instructions

1. Steep tea in hot water.
2. In a separate cup, mix together all of the dry ingredients. Add the steeped tea to the cup and sweeten with honey!

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The post Turmeric Tea appeared first on Eat Thrive Glow.

How do all of the top supermodels get their glowing skin and amazing physique? I ever so casually glanced at Gisele’s Instagram the other day hoping to learn some tricks of the trade, and noticed that she posted a picture of ingredients to make green juice! Purely in the name of research of course, I also googled other Hollywood celebs and was surprised to find that everyone from Mindy Kaling to Ryan Seacrest is a fan of green smoothies. A-ha!

I’ve been chugging down a few green drinks lately too, and although I still don’t look anything like Giselle, my skin definitely glows a bit more! My mom always said that a car can’t run without gasoline and similarly, we should put good fuel in our bodies. Taking Mom’s advice to heart, I have been trying to run on green gasoline lately instead of peppermint chocolate cookies… although mint is technically green right?

If you haven’t had a green drink before, it kinda might taste like grass from your front yard. In fact, my sister named this electric green drink “The Shire” in honor of the lush green patch of Middle Earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit! Don’t worry, my tastebuds have gotten used to the taste over time and now I actually look forward to my daily dose of Mother Nature’s energizing elixir. Plus, the more green smoothies I drink, the more peppermint cookies I can eat, right? Life is a balancing act.

Tanney: “That looks like pureed grass clippings in a glass.”
Josie: “Just shut up and drink it.”

Have you ever had a green smoothie before? If so, what are your favorite ingredients to use in your green juice or green smoothies?

Green Smoothie notes:

-If you have a juicer, feel free to use these ingredients to make a refreshing juice instead!

Green Smoothie

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Total time

10 mins

 

Author: Eat Thrive Glow

Serves: approx 2 glasses

Ingredients

• 1 granny smith apple, peeled and seeds removed
• 1 rib of celery
• 2 handfuls of spinach
• 1 banana, light yellow in color (not too ripe but not too green)
• water
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 squeeze of lemon

Instructions

1. Blend all the ingredients together! It's best to put the spinach in last so the leaves do not get wrapped around the blender's blades.

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The post Green Smoothie appeared first on Eat Thrive Glow.