The cold weather makes a hot chocolate or caramel latte sound even more appealing. However, before you order that cookie crumble double chocolate mocha drink you should make sure you are thinking about the extra calories that those drinks are packed with. Many warm beverages are loaded with sugar and empty calories that are unnecessary.
Does this mean you should cut out the delicious warm beverages that we all love? Of course not! There are some delicious options that won’t send your send your calorie count through the roof.
1. Low Calorie Hot Chocolate
Skip the whip cream and 2% milk and ask for nonfat milk when you are ordering a hot chocolate at Starbucks or a cafe. Even when you are at home, you can keep your hot chocolate drink low in calories by avoiding marshmallows, whipped cream, and any other unnecessary toppings. There are also great products like Swiss Miss Sensible Sweets 25 Calories Hot Cocoa Mix that will give you a nice little treat while the calories stay low.
2. Spiced Apple Cider
This delicious beverage can be served at less then 100 calories per cup if you make the treat from home. All you need to do is simmer some apple cider, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, maple syrup, whole cloves, an orange peel, and a lemon peel over the stove. Get the recipe here.
3. Coffee
Let’s not forget the classic cup of delicious coffee. Drinking coffee in moderation can actually be beneficial to your health because of the protective antioxidants that are in coffee. Sipping on a hot cup of coffee is a great way to start your day and by adding low calorie creamers you can also have a delicious treat.
4. Warm Green Tea
Studies show there are significant health benefits that come with regularly drinking green tea. Green tea is good for your heart, it’s detoxifying, it reduces belly fat, and it helps you with digestion. Add a little fresh lemon to a warm cup of green tea and you have a delicious and healthy winter beverage.
I hope you don’t shy away from drinking a warm steamy beverage during the cold months of winter. Just keep these tips in mind next time you are ordering at a cafe or looking for something to drink at home. Weeding out unnecessary empty calories will keep you happy and healthy this winter.