The heat of summer has finally given way to fall! Out come the sweaters and blankets. Time for fires and...warm drinks! But in the realm of hot chocolate and cider, what can you do to keep eating healthy foods? Try these out!
#1. HOT TEA
This is perhaps the easiest option. Simply warm hot water and brew your cuppa. Try fruit and spice versions that are similar to cider. Chai tea with a touch of unsweetened almond milk is also good! Look out for caffeine in some teas and choose accordingly. Tea is calorie-free. If you choose a sweetener, look to stevia or low glycemic choices, such as agave nectar.
#2. MATCHA MILK
This one may be new to you, but it's worth a try! Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially-processed tea leaves. It has been shown to have positive effects on both blood pressure and cholesterol. It also boosts metabolism and slows the growth of cancer cells.
To make matcha milk, heat a cup of almond milk and then add a tablespoon of matcha powder. Flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Sweeten to taste with stevia or agave nectar.
#3 LEMON WATER
This one is my morning go-to! Simply heat water and add a splash of lemon juice and a small coin of ginger to soak. Mmm! And so aromatic! Add a small bit of honey for a traditional cold remedy. And remember, with both lemon and ginger, a little dab'l do ya! Probably a good thing to remember when using honey, too.
#4 BEET ROOT MILK
Whaaaat?! Have you ever seen a cooler looking drink? Beets are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and folate and have been shown to boost brain power and improve digestion.
In a saucepan, boil a medium beet root for 30 minutes. Let cool, then peel. While you are cooling and peeling, heat 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk. Place the beetroot with 1/4" coin of fresh ginger, the almond milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp cinnamon into the blender and blend until smooth. Sweeten to taste using stevia or low-glycemic options.
To review, here are the ingredients:
1 medium beet root
1/4 inch fresh ginger
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Sweetener of choice (I prefer stevia or agave nectar)
#5 GOLDEN MILK
Golden milk is warm and spicy! And the spices are highly anti-inflammatory!
Pro tip: the paste does not dissolve into the milk. It may be best to keep your spoon or a small whisk handy as you drink.
Warm up 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk and the following:
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon coconut oil or grass-fed butter
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon powdered ashwagandha
⅛-¼ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛-¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛-¼ teaspoon ginger root powder
1–1½ teaspoons of your sweetener of choice
So there you have it! 5 drinks to warm you up this fall!