I was on a diet and I didn't even know it!

I'm aware that this makes me a freak, but I do not like coffee. Never have and at this point, don't think I ever will. And for the longest time, I had no interest in tea either. This was very disturbing to most people I encountered in my college and post-college days.

THEM: "What do you mean you don't drink coffee? Or tea?"
ME: "Well. I don't drink coffee ... or tea."

This was difficult for them to grasp. Occasionally I would say that I drank hot cocoa just to get them off my back.

Eventually, I did start drinking tea. It was either the trip to Ireland or the first Starbucks chai latte that did it, or possibly a really sore throat. I've since moved beyond the milk and sugar, and can and do drink tea straight up.

In fact, I usually drink 4 to 6 cups a day, if you count my daily 16-oz. bottle of Honest Tea as two cups. So a book called The Ultimate Tea Diet (offered by the Parent Bloggers Network)? Was right up my alley, even though I am not dieting, have never dieted, and generally do not believe in diets.

I do believe in tea, just like author Mark "Dr. Tea" Ukra. As he explains, clearly and persuasively, tea tastes good and is good for you. (He cites tons of research studies--real ones, not scams.) The winning combination of caffeine, L-theanine, and EGCG (an antioxidant) occurs naturally in all true teas: white, green, oolong, and black. And these three "work synergistically to influence the metabolic and nervous systems to help take the weight off and keep it off." Both caffeine and EGCG, especially when taken together, help burn calories. L-theanine reduces stress, "which in turn reduces appetite and the storage of fat in your body." That's why Ukra calls this "mighty triumvirate" Tea3, "tea's secret weight-loss ingredients."

So, drink tea and the pounds melt away! Well, no. You still need to eat less and exercise more. You don't need a book to tell you that. But the book offers a lot more than a scientific rundown. It contans a thorough explanation of tea's benefits; many inspirational stories, suggestions, and worksheets; a 14-day meal plan; lots and lots of recipes; and a lengthy list of online sources for tea and tea accessories. There's even a plan for a three-course, tea-soaked dinner party, including tea-infused dishes and tea pairing suggestions. Plus check out the section devoted to teas designed to combat cravings: If you love candy, for example, try licorice oolong; for salty snacks like potato chips, substitute sencha green tea with added salt.

Call me a tea nerd (my husband does, I'm used to it) but I had a lot of fun reading this book. I got excited to try recipes--especially the "hot todteas" and icy "frosteas"--and drink even more tea than I already do. The advice is sensible and totally doable (start, Ukra says, by swapping just one cup of coffee for tea and you are on your way) and the author clearly knows and loves his tea.

Want to see for yourself? I have an extra copy and I am giving it away! Just leave a comment on this post by midnight EST on Thursday, February 7. Be sure to include your email address. Pinkies up!

********Updated: The winner is Heather from Florida. Enjoy the book!