I am proof #1, a constant rhythm is critical to my well-being. Grumpy with the shakes is a fair characterization if I don't eat on a regular schedule. Make me stay up later than my usual bedtime? I'll just fall asleep on you anyway or get whiny. Fortunately, I don't let myself get too out of whack because I would become an unmanageable beast.
Knowing thyself is half the battle. What you do with that knowledge can help you win the war whether it's a battle with weight, energy levels, managing an illness or keeping the metabolism in check.
Recent studies and writings are revealing just how important a constant state is. Dr. David Agus, author/researcher/oncologist describes the body's desire for predictability beautifully is his book, The End of Illness:
What does this have to do with tea time? This spring as I was sipping tea at two different afternoon teas, my companions at both events wondered if I might write about our lovely afternoons. The big camera may have led them to believe that was a possibility.
In researching an angle for a possible afternoon tea posting, the Duchess of Bedford from the 18th century revealed how this posting would unfold.
The Duchess didn't need an army of researchers to tell her what she already knew about herself, she was experiencing a "sinking" feeling in the afternoons. The custom of the day was to have a late breakfast with a secondary meal of the day late in the evening. Of course she had that "sinking" feeling in the afternoon! Her solution? She had her personal chef prepare a small meal with tea which soon became known as afternoon tea. She is credited as being the founder of tea time.
From that point forward, afternoon tea became an event. Actually it became many types of tea events, whether it was a high tea usually taken after 4p.m. which served more as a working man's dinner typically including hot/savory items, a Royal Tea where champagne or sparkling wine would be served, a Low Tea commonly held between 2p-4p utilizing coffee tables (low tables) or a Home Tea commonly held for friends, family and acquaintances highlighting finger sandwiches, scones and other tasty treats.
My family started me on weekend home teas since I was a tot and we've continued our tradition to this day when we are together. Afternoon snacks do not necessarily need to be perfunctory just to retain homeostasis; why not celebrate a lovely cup of tea along with a treat? Wouldn't our days be just a bit nicer? Listen to your inner self and you'll know the answer.
Knowing thyself is half the battle. What you do with that knowledge can help you win the war whether it's a battle with weight, energy levels, managing an illness or keeping the metabolism in check.
Recent studies and writings are revealing just how important a constant state is. Dr. David Agus, author/researcher/oncologist describes the body's desire for predictability beautifully is his book, The End of Illness:
The body loves predictability. One of the best ways of reducing stress on the body and keeping its preferred, balanced state of being—homeostasis—is to maintain a consistent routine every single day, especially with regard to the body’s natural rhythms as dictated by sleep-wake cycles, eating patterns, medication use, and physical activity. You’ll feel the difference in more energy, an enhanced sense of wellbeing, and my bet is you’ll effortlessly find the motivation to attack all those other goals on your list.
What does this have to do with tea time? This spring as I was sipping tea at two different afternoon teas, my companions at both events wondered if I might write about our lovely afternoons. The big camera may have led them to believe that was a possibility.
In researching an angle for a possible afternoon tea posting, the Duchess of Bedford from the 18th century revealed how this posting would unfold.
The Duchess didn't need an army of researchers to tell her what she already knew about herself, she was experiencing a "sinking" feeling in the afternoons. The custom of the day was to have a late breakfast with a secondary meal of the day late in the evening. Of course she had that "sinking" feeling in the afternoon! Her solution? She had her personal chef prepare a small meal with tea which soon became known as afternoon tea. She is credited as being the founder of tea time.
From that point forward, afternoon tea became an event. Actually it became many types of tea events, whether it was a high tea usually taken after 4p.m. which served more as a working man's dinner typically including hot/savory items, a Royal Tea where champagne or sparkling wine would be served, a Low Tea commonly held between 2p-4p utilizing coffee tables (low tables) or a Home Tea commonly held for friends, family and acquaintances highlighting finger sandwiches, scones and other tasty treats.
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| Royal Tea Setting |
My family started me on weekend home teas since I was a tot and we've continued our tradition to this day when we are together. Afternoon snacks do not necessarily need to be perfunctory just to retain homeostasis; why not celebrate a lovely cup of tea along with a treat? Wouldn't our days be just a bit nicer? Listen to your inner self and you'll know the answer.
I'm with you! I'd love to have any kind of afternoon tea 7 days a week! Sometimes we just resort to a cup of PG Tips and a digestive ;)
ReplyDeleteChristina @ christinascucina.blogspot.com