I have one particular prepackaged protein shake (Labrada Lean Body) that I’ve used for countless years. It has killer stats, and, perhaps more importantly, killer taste (as least in its chocolate form). It’s a high standard to beat, and unfortunately, the OWYN Pro Elite doesn’t quite get there for me. However, I can see others enjoying its taste quite a bit.

First off, it’s on the thicker side, so despite the low calorie, it sits well in your stomach and should keep you satisfied for longer. It’s marked as Chocolate flavor on the packaging, but for how I taste it, it errs more on the dark chocolate side of things, which is how it’s listed on the Amazon store page. It has mild coffee notes – I don’t drink or like coffee – and a hint of smokiness. There’s no real aftertaste, but that thick smokiness does linger in my mouth, sort of like a very rich cup of coffee. I simply don’t like that feeling.

Despite not being my favorite flavoring – I like my chocolate flavor smoother and milkier – it’s hard to argue with the stats. Especially if you’re vegan or vegetarian, this makes a strong case for use as part of your healthy, active lifestyle.

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I first created “silver tea” when I was pregnant with my daughter Eva. Prior to the pregnancy, I had become a coffee drinking fiend, probably drinking a good 3 or 4 cups daily. It was actually a sudden and very strong aversion to coffee that first clued me into the fact that I might be pregnant, as even the thought of coffee would give me horrible nausea.

While I could have turned to drinking tea, I wanted to avoid caffeine, and I also didn’t want to keep drinking beverages that could stain my teeth. I felt I had done a good enough job of that already—I won’t ever take the tissue test because I think I’d never smile again!

Yet I just couldn’t give up hot beverages. Part of that is being prone to feeling cold. The other part is ritual, as my husband likes to point out. Ever since I was a teenager, I would have something hot to drink. Not as often as I do now, certainly, but coming from a family still strongly connected to Europe (my dad moved to the United States when he was 12 and my mom when she was 16), the desire for afternoon tea/coffee is probably imprinted in my genes. Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) were a regular thing with my grandmother when I was growing up. She would make the best plum and apple cakes.

But back to my quest for the perfect beverage. While no one would consider me a “health nut,” I didn’t want to constantly be drinking something with a lot of empty calories like hot chocolate. So, one day I tried just drinking hot water. I didn’t enjoy that at all. Then I tried adding lemon to hot water, which was much better, but its acidity isn’t good for teeth. So, I then decided to just try adding a splash of milk to hot water. I took a sip and found it wasn’t too bad. I actually kind of liked it and so it has become one of my go-to beverages when I want something hot.

And while it may be an odd concoction, there are many things to love about it:

• It’s super easy to make.
• The ingredients are almost always on hand and readily available.
• It’s low in calories so no need to feel guilty about how many cups are consumed.
• There is no caffeine so no concerns about when to drink it.
• It warms your insides just like any other hot beverage.
• It doesn’t stain or corrode the teeth (of course, you still need to regularly brush your teeth).
• Is versatile and can be made vegan by using nut-based and other non-dairy milks instead.

So there you have it. All the reasons I regularly drink—and love—my strange concoction of “silver tea.” If you’re looking for a beverage that meets the aforementioned criteria, don’t hesitate to give “silver tea” a try. You might just like it!

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