I drink tea as well-I use teabags though.
(My stepfather does the whole leaf in the metal strainer thing-I just don't have the time.
) There are a lot of really nice flavored teas out there that are great plain or with a dash of Splenda. Bigelow has some really nice ones-all the traditional herbal teas like chamomile, etc. but also some newer flavors like Vanilla Almond, etc. I find that sometimes this trick works for me as well.
Some other distracting ideas to do when you have the urge to munch when you are not hungry:
~knit/crochet/needlepoint/cross stitch, etc.
~buy a crossword or word seek book
~have a current magazine near your favorite chair to read
~If you like to read-consider buying a new novel
(With the magazines and books I like to choose health titles some of the time to help reinforce what I am doing-like Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Loss Solution, SuperFoods (a book on foods with high nutrient powers) Shape, Self, or Fitness magazines, etc.
~Do a housework chore that isn't an every week thing-one I don't do all of the time (like cleaning a ceiling fan, shining up the cabinets with Murphys Oil Soap, or sweeping out the garage)
~Exercise-I go ahead and start my workout if I have not yet done it!
~Paint your fingernails or toenails!
~If you have children-play a simple board game with them such as Candyland or Chutes and Ladders
~Come here to 3FC and surf the forum!