Why do you drink tea?

I got into tea as a way to help lose weight (-65 lbs!! Made my goal!)

Now I drink it because the huge variety satisfies my need for different tastes, moods, etc. and it is good for keeping the weight off. I find it very satisfying all day/night because there are sooooooo many kinds of tea.

Growing up in China, tea has always been a part of my life. However I used to drink tea the “grandpa” style which is just adding a lot of tea leafs in one cup and re-brew that over and over again – using my teeth as a “strainer.” Tea was always a part of life but never anything seriously or mindful.

Two years ago I attended a tea workshop which introduced me to gongfu tea – and what a difference it made. Since then I have acquired a lot of teaware. My mother continues to be my source of really great tea – since it is a very Chinese tradition to gift premium teas during major holidays.

Growing up in Hong Kong, similar in China, it is very common for families to drink tea everyday. Drinking tea was just like a daily necessity (or a replacement of some portion of water) when I was young.
However, after tasting the “average quality” tea and the “real good quality” tea, and trying more variety of tea, I found that it is the beverage worth for “tasting” and makes one’s life better, both mental and physically; and socially – because of some tea gatherings with friends and family. :>