Fall is the perfect time of year for a steaming hot drink to help warm you on the inside. Instead of reaching for something high in calories and topped with whipped cream, try some of our ideas for healthy, delicious beverages.
Apple Cider
Hot apple cider is a quintessentially fall drink that, while full of autumnal awesomeness in terms of taste, is also typically full of sugar and empty calories. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Try this healthy recipe for apple cider from Healthful Pursuit that adds cloves, cinnamon (which has been shown to reduce the rise in blood pressure after meals), ginger (which boosts your immune system) and oranges (which pack a punch of vitamin C). Sipping this superfood recipe will satisfy your fall-drink cravings while giving your body the nutrients it needs – with no added sugar!
Chai Tea Latte
Chai tea lattes traditionally use whole or 2% milk. As a result, these drinks can be very fattening. Seattle-based clean-eating guru Everyday Maven created a Vegan Chai recipe that uses unsweetened almond milk instead of cow’s milk. The recipe features the warming and healing winter Chai – full of cinnamon, clove, ginger, fennel, star anise, black peppercorns and cardamom.
For a seasonal twist, try The Nourishing Gourmet’s recipe for a paleo-friendly and dairy-free Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte.
Hot Chocolate
A classic cold-weather drink, hot chocolate is a favorite among children and adults alike. It’s hard to make chocolate less sugary, but you can add some antioxidants to your mug. Dark chocolate powder is low in calories and fat and packed with antioxidants. Add spice with cloves and orange zest for vitamin C. If you don’t like spice, or the chile ancho powder is out of your comfort zone, try substituting cinnamon.
Hot Tea
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, which is not surprising considering its impressive health benefits. Spice up your cup of black tea by adding cinnamon, cloves and oranges. If you don’t want the caffeine of traditional teas, drink herbal tea instead. Ginger brews are an excellent anti-inflammatory, relieves gastrointestinal stress and helps with nausea.
Have a healthy recipe for your favorite fall drink? Share it in the comments below!
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