By Lisa J. Gotto
Who doesn’t love it? That comforting, warm feeling and sensory sweet buzz from a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day! And with all the varieties and purveyors of hot beverages on almost every corner nowadays, it’s almost impossible NOT to overindulge. You can have your sweet and eat it too—with a healthier take on the same great beverage. Try these substitutions and enjoy every guiltless sip! Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender until thoroughly mixed and serve warm. The blending is essential and creates a nice foamy, frothy topper. Oh, and skipping the two tablespoons of whipped cream at the top saves you 30 more calories!
These 3 ingredients can be added in the amounts shown for extra flavor with minimal calories!
- 1 teaspoon maca powder (smells like butterscotch!)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (great for the digestion!)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder (can lower bad cholesterol)
8 ounces of hot skim milk INSTEAD OF whole milk (Saves 65 calories vs. 4-percent milk fat)
1½ tablespoons cocoa powder + 1 tablespoon gelatin powder INSTEAD OF pre-mixed hot chocolate powder (Saves 90 calories)
1 teaspoon of honey or Stevia to taste INSTEAD OF refined sugar (Saves 11 calories if you use Stevia)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (our only indulgent item)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds 12 calories, but lots of taste)
