Holiday Hangover

By Maureen C. Petrosky

It’s been almost a week since Christmas and I still feel hungover. In the days preceding the holiday season, even before Thanksgiving kicks off, we seem to get this superhuman energy which allows us to decorate, shop, cook, entertain, go out several nights a week, wrap, return, clean up, generate unbelievable amounts of trash, and yet we rally one last time for the final count down of 2009. This is all in addition to our daily demands of work and home. I have to believe I’m not the only one feeling less like super woman and more like sleeping in this week. So instead of babbling about my favorite bubblies* for your new year’s bash, I figured I’d give you something sippable to kick start your resolutions of health and beauty for 2010.

These days green tea is showing up in everything from chocolates and chewing gum to facials and moisturizer. The idea is that you can get your antioxidants in lots of yummy alternatives to the teacup. This tea, hailed for its medicinal properties, has also donned some sexier barware--good news for those who want to get their antioxidants and their groove in one glass. However, if it’s the good stuff your seeking, skip the cocktail shaker. “When you drink alcohol with green tea it neutralizes the antioxidants,” says Dr. Charles Simone, internationally renowned medical oncologist and director of the Simone Protective Cancer Institute right here in Lawrenceville, NJ. Dr. Simone, along with the National Institute of Health, also shared that green tea is no better for you than black tea. So what’s a girl to do? Celebrate, that’s what. With all of the flavors and choices out there just waiting to be claimed as your new fave, it’s time to clean off your kettles and grab your favorite mug to ring in the new year with something steamy. Great teas, green and otherwise, can be found right at your local grocer. Wegmans and Whole Foods have excellent selections. As with all drinks it’s a matter of taste, so get sipping.

*Check out the blog archives for loads of luscious bubbly recommendations.

My pick me up: Matcha Green Tea Latte & Frappe Mix from Mighty Leaf, $8.95
I’m taking my cue from the Japanese here and going for an intense green tea experience. Matcha is premium green tea powder--think top shelf here--made in Japan from the whole green tea leaf. It delivers a more concentrated degree of green tea antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll. It also contains high amounts of L-theanine, a natural amino acid found almost exclusively in green tea. Matcha has made a name for itself by boosting energy while simultaneously relaxing the mind. It’s ideal for any holiday hangover.

To order online:
mightyleaf.com