u/JustVisual3436

Im sorry for dropping in on you like this.

I am EXTREMELY new to Yerba Mate .. im on day 2 of trying the infusion !

I wanted to touch base with some people that are more knowledgeable about Yerba and explore more.

I am on a weightloss journey and staying hydrated is proving to be a struggle at the moment .. so I started exploring some ways to enjoy drinks and hopefully increase fluids.

Im not usually one for hype and trends but I came across Yerba Mate and it seemed to tick a lot of boxes ..

- Caffeinated, having given up Coffee after finding it increased my appetite.

- Herbal

- A "ceremony" giving me the chance to savour the drink, the steps and not just boil a kettle and gulp down a drink. Very important with the psychology of weightloss.

- A fresh new taste.

- Long lasting .. just keeps giving !

I bought some CBSé Guarana, a small ceramic gourde and hit the Internet for further advice 🤦‍♀️

Im not 100% sure i got this right but OMG I was not expecting this.

The taste alone is incredible .. earthy, warm and rich. Not something I expected from a "tea". I'm not sure if its because I've been off coffee for a few months but caffeine was super refreshing and not at all bitter as I expected.

I LOVE how you keep topping up the Gourd and it just gets better each time.

I LOVE how you have this perfectly palm size, warm cup to hold as you savour the drink.

The whole removal from shoving a tea bag in a mug and sploshing milk in it is a delight.

Now .. I apologise .. come the questions.

I think ive nailed the mount and popping the Bombilla in properly .. dont worry, I don't move it once its in place 😊

Water temp .. I've found around 70⁰ makes a soothing brew and ive bought a flask to keep water at hand.

Ive also been adding a few slices of lemon and honey to the flask to steep, before adding to my Gourd. I couldn't think of how to sweeten my brew any other way (not be able to stir the brew) and ive given up sweeteners, so adding that was not an option.

Does anyone have some ideas or tips re temp and sweetening ??

What brands or varieties would be good to try next, i bought a 500g packet but with how much im enjoying this, I cant see it lasting me too much longer.

Time scale .. ive seen some mention of taking, all day to drink the brew. I have to admit, ive been pretty much drinking in one sitting .. is this ok ?

And lastly .. has anyone found any health benefits ? Energy, weightloss support or general wellbeing improvement ?

Im sorry for the essay and Thank-you for any input you guys may have 😊

I've been lurking for a while and plucked up the courage to finally ask a question.

Ive been on MJ since mid January and just titrated up to 10mg.

Side effects have hit me quite hard but I went into this knowing that could be a possibility and a small price to pay.

I have 2 wonderful kids and a less than supportive husband.

His favourite phrase when I am hit by side effects is "Well this is what you wanted. What do you want from me"

My kids say they can see a change in me but I cant see it however much I look. Im feeling like im failing at this and annoyed and disappointed in myself.

So .. since mid Jan ive lost 3st 4lbs (20.8kg) with some weeks loss being better than others.

Is this ok ? .. or am I falling way behind the curve here.

Im seeing these amazing before and after pics and they feel so far from my reach right now.