One of the best things you can do to survive the holidays is limit your sugar intake. I know how hard this can be, especially when we want to cozy up with warm drinks of the season. It’s so much easier to run through Starbucks or grab a box of the instant hot chocolate and apple cider from the grocery store. But convenience has a price and can wreck your goals. Most people don’t realize the amount of sugar they are actually drinking from these beverages and the damage it does to their metabolism.
But not you! I got busy in my kitchen and made two truly fit versions of the staple holiday drinks we love without all the sugar and God knows what else. I kept the recipes simple and quick (my favorite) so you can enjoy your goodies without spending a ton of time making them and get on to the important things of life.
Warning! These can be addicting!
Truly Fit Apple Cider-Makes 2 big cups
What You Need:
100% apple juice-You can buy this at your health food store or in your regular grocery store. Make sure it contains apples and nothing else. Or, if you have a juicer you can juice your own fresh apples.
Cinnamon
Allspice
Cloves
Lemon Juice
What To Do:
Place 16 ounces apple juice in small pot and bring to boil then reduce to low. Add two shakes of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves and a squirt of lemon juice. Whisk all ingredients in pot and bring back to a boil for about 5 minutes. Continue to whisk until all spice are incorporated. Reduce heat and serve in your favorite mug. Use a cinnamon stick to garnish or a slice of fresh lemon.
*Note-You may need to play with the amounts of spices for desired sweetness. You can also make a big pot that you can reheat as needed.
Rich and Creamy Instant Hot Chocolate (Makes one really big mug)
What You Need:
70% or higher dark chocolate chips-enough to cover the bottom of your mug
2tablespoons raw honey
1 can coconut milk
1scoop unsweetened cocoa powder
What To Do:
Place chips and honey in the bottom of your mug. Heat in microwave for 2 minutes or until everything is melted. Stir and then add ¾ of the can of coconut milk. Stir until everything is rich and creamy. Reheat again for 2 min then add the cocoa powder. Sir until well combined. Reheat if necessary.
*Note-you may need to add more honey depending on how sweet you want it. You could also add a little bit of coffee and you would have an amazing mocha.
Enjoy your drinks but enjoy the memories you make with your family and friends more! Let me know how they turn out.
With Love,
Lindsey Nadler
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