Warm, Delicious Drinks that Won't Pack on the Pounds!
Nothing tastes better on a bone-chilling day than a piping hot beverage . The problem is many popular coffee shop concoctions hide loads of calories in whipped cream, fatty flavored syrups, and sugary toppings. These warm bevvies, stripped of unnecessary calories and saturated fats, offer deliciously healthy alternatives made with good-for-you ingredients.
1. Skinny peppermint mocha (pictured left): Slash calories by replacing sugary syrup with peppermint extract and skipping the whipped cream on top. The boost of intense minty flavor in this mocha is balanced out by dark chocolate syrup and nonfat milk.
Ingredients:
1/2 c. coffee
2 drops peppermint extract
1/3 c. nonfat milk
2 tbsp. dark chocolate syrup
Directions:
Brew coffee of your choice (or use one package of instant coffee) and pour into a mug. Stir peppermint extract and chocolate syrup into the coffee. Taste and adjust to your liking. Stir in nonfat milk.
Makes one serving.
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2. Voli hot chocolate (pictured below): On a chilly day, cozy up to this vodka-spiked hot cocoa that'll only cost you about 161 calories. This vanilla-infused vodka offers a smart alternative to richly flavored-but calorie-heavy-alcoholic mixers. Cheers to that!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Voli Espresso Vanilla Vodka
1 packet dark hot cocoa mix
8 oz. hot water
Directions:
Pour all ingredients over Voli Espresso Vanilla and stir. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Makes one serving.
3. Hot cinnamon coffee (pictured below): When plain black coffee just doesn't cut it, enhance your java with a generous infusion of ground cinnamon. The aromatic spice is high in fiber, calcium, and iron. Plus, it adds so much flavor that it can be used as a replacement for sugar.
Ingredients:
1 c. coffee
2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 tbsp. nonfat milk
1 tsp. brown sugar, if desired
Directions:
Brew coffee of your choice. Mix in cinnamon and milk. Adjust to your liking. Add brown sugar if desired. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Makes one serving.
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4. Spicy pumpkin lattes (pictured below): Pumpkin lattes are a seasonal favorite at most coffee shops , but you can concoct your own low-fat version at home with this easy-as-pie recipe. Agave syrup and soy milk promise lots of full-bodied flavor without breaking the calorie bank.
Ingredients:
1 c. coffee
1/3 c. soy milk
2 tbsp. agave syrup
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Brew coffee and pour into a mug . Add soy milk. Stir in agave syrup and pumpkin pie spice. Garnish the top with pumpkin pie spice if desired.
Makes one serving.
5. Healthy Eggnog (pictured below): Made with whole eggs and heavy condensed milk, most eggnogs sneak hundreds of extra calories into your diet. Give this festive brew a nutritious makeover-without sacrificing its signature velvety texture-by incorporating skim milk and stevia.
Ingredients:
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/4 c. skim milk
1 tsp. stevia
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Ground nutmeg to taste
1/8 c. light whipping cream
Directions:
Beat the egg yolk, skim milk and stevia in a bowl. Pour in a pot and cook over medium heat. Stir in vanilla and ground nutmeg. Right before serving, beat light whipping cream into the mixture until soft peaks form. Sprinkle with ground nutmeg.
Makes one serving.
To see more hot, delicious drinks that won't pack on the pounds, click here!
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