The holiday season is fast approaching and lines at popular coffee shops (ahem, Starbucks) are out the door for everyone’s festive favorites. We don’t disagree… nothing tastes better than a nice hot cocoa on a chilly night, especially with friends and family. The problem is that many of those hot drinks are loaded with unnecessary sugar and fat that you can easily replace with some healthier alternatives.
Everyone’s Favorite Hot Cocoa
The classic holiday treat gets a makeover by swapping out pre-made hot cocoa packets or sugary syrup for real cocoa powder. The average hot cocoa contains 24g of sugar. This one below? A measly 6g of sugar!
- 1 cup of almond, cashew, soy milk (unsweetened)
- 1 1/2 TBSP of cocoa powder
- 1 packet of stevia
- 1/2 TBSP a maple syrup or honey
Directions
Bring your milk to a near boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer. Whisk together the cocoa , stevia, and syrup until thoroughly combined. Top with a few mini marshmallows.
Photo Cred: Love Grows Wild
Related: Dr. Goglia’s Approved Snacks For When That Sweet Tooth Kicks In
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ah, the pumpkin spice latte, a fall favorite for many, but most coffee shops are missing one key ingredient: real pumpkin! Skip the syrups, and make it with the real deal. Bonus: you will get to skip the coffee shop lines.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 packets of stevia
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup-1 cup brewed coffee (or 1-2 shots of espresso)
Directions
Bring your milk to a near boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer. Stir in the pumpkin puree, spices, vanilla extract, and stevia. Pour the mixture into either espresso or coffee.
Photo Cred: The Flaming Candle Company
Skinny Peppermint Mocha
Sipping on a hot peppermint mocha is one of the best parts of the holiday season. However, why drop $4, when you can learn how to make it yourself? No fancy machine or equipment required!
- ⅔ cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup-1 cup brewed coffee (or 1-2 shots of espresso)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 packets stevia or sweetener of choice
- ⅛ tsp peppermint extract
Directions
Bring your milk to a near boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer. Whisk together remaining ingredients. Pour the mixture into either espresso or coffee. If desired top with a little reduced fat- whipped cream and crushed peppermint.
Photo Cred: Crazy for Crust
Trying making these healthier drinks with your friends and family this holiday season, and avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain.
Looking for more seasonal favorites? Check out what superfoods are in season this November.