How to Keep Traditional Holiday Drinks Healthy
The time has definitely come around we’re were rushing to the nearest coffee house to grab warming, spiced, indulgent, drinks to cheer us up. Did you know that even though a lot of these drinks sound healthy, but most of the time they will be high in empty sugars, fat, calories as they are loaded with syrups rather then the actual wholefoods themselves.
So you’re probably asking yourself how can I enjoy the holiday season without feeling left out while staying healthy? Today I’m sharing How to Keep Traditional Holiday Drinks Healthy. My tips and easy recipes will let you enjoy this season with out the extra inches on your waist and scary healthy consequences that might pop up well after the holiday season is over.
How to Keep Traditional Holiday Drinks Healthy
– Step Away from the Latte!
The average latte in a coffee house contains dairy, sugar, coffee, flavourings ( which is usually high sugar syrup and other nasty chemicals ) all topped with artery clogging whipped cream. I don’t need to even start to explain how harmful these ingredients are as I’m sure your crinkling up your face as you read the list.
Don’t freak out on me, you don’t have to go through the holiday season without sipping on another latte again as I have a simple, delicious recipe that you can enjoy!
Below my Easy Vegan Latte Recipe.
Ingredients
serves 1.
1 cup of almond milk- 1 Vanilla pod
- 1/4 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of nutmeg
- 1 tbs of Sugavida
Directions
- Cut open the vanilla pod and scrape out the inside and place into the blender along with all the other ingredients and blend at high speed.
- If you’re blender heats up then allow to heat, if not then place blended mixture into a saucepan and heat on the stove ( don’t boil it, you don’t want to loose the nutrients!)
- Pour into a glass, get cozy and enjoy.
If you want to make two cups just double each ingredient
– What about Eggnog
Eggnog is typically a sweetened, dairy based beverage, where you basically drink errrrr egg?! This is something that I was never familiar with when I was growing up but as it has been for many of you, of course I’ve made my own honest version, plant based just how we like it!
Here is how to make your own No Egg, Eggnog
No Egg, Eggnog
serves 1
Ingredients
serves
- 3 tablespoons of Cashews (soaked over night)
- 2 tablespoons of Date syrup
- Pinch nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon
- 1 cup Coconut Milk
Directions
- In a high speed blender blend the apples and the apple cider vinegar until smooth. If your blender also heats then you can leave it on until mixture starts to warm up, this way you won’t over heat and loose any nutrients. If you don’t then just pour it into a saucepan and gently heat over the stove.
- Pour into a mug, kick back and enjoy!
– Indulgent Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
Most hot chocolate recipes contain high sugar content while the ready made mixes contain hydrogenated oils which is something you ALWAYS want to avoid!
Not to worry! I created a plant-based, delicious, healthy recipe that you can indulge in.
Below my Indulgent Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
serves 1
1 tablespoon Cacao- 3 Dates
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
Directions
- Place all the ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth and hot. If your blender doesn’t heat then once it’s blended transfer it into a saucepan and gently heat on the stove.
- Pour into your favourite mug and indulge!
If you want to make two cups just double each ingredient
– Apple Cider, Isn’t That Full Of Sugar
Apple cider will have a high sugar content if your not making it yourself. Apples of course already contain sugar, but usually refined sugar will then be added on top to make it a lot more sweeter. Another thing to think about are the apples used, as apples are one of the dirty dozen meaning they are one of the most highly pesticide-sprayed crops so buying organic is something I would definitely suggest as this is the base of an Apple Cider.
Here is how to make your own Organic Apple Cider
Ingredients
serves 2
- 2 Organic apples
- 1/2 Cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup of spring water
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Directions
- In a high speed blender blend the apples and the apple cider vinegar until smooth. If your blender also heats then you can leave it on until mixture starts to warm up, this way you won’t over heat and loose any nutrients. If you don’t then just pour it into a saucepan and gently heat over the stove.
- Add in the lemon juice and nutmeg and allow to simmer for a few minutes.
- Pour into a glass add the cinnamon sticks and enjoy.
– The Newbie… Golden Milk ( Turmeric Milk)
This isn’t a traditional holiday drink but since it’s so delicious and has quickly become popular in a few coffee shops, it had to be included in my How to Keep Traditional Holiday Drinks Healthy line up. Like lattes and hot chocolates, there is a lot of sugar used especially as turmeric is one food flavour you want to sweeten but I’ve got a recipe that’s sweet enough, naturally.
Here is how to make your own Golden Milk
Golden Milk
Ingredients
serves
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 inch piece of ginger (make sure you peel it!)
- 1 tbs Chia Seeds
- 2 tbs Date syrup ( You can use you’re preferred sweetener)
Directions
- Place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend at high speed until smooth and hot. If your blender doesn’t heat then pour mixture into a saucepan and heat on the stove gently, don’t over boil.
- Pour into a mug, kick back and enjoy!
You can currently get 15% off on you’re order by using code SUGAVIDA15 at the checkout!!
– Alcohol
Of course Alcohol will be flowing while everybody enjoys the festivities so it’s easy to over indulge. There are just a few things to keep in mind when you do have a drink or 2;
- Make sure you’ve eaten a good meal.
- Pick drinks that are not filled with sugar and dairy.
- Sip you’re drink slowly so that one lasts longer, avoiding having to buy more often.
- Vodka, Organic red wine and a little sip of champagne are all better choices.
- Drink glasses of water in-between drinks
- Don’t mix drinks too much
- Take a bottle over to your host and get them to open that lol.
Photography by Andrew Prod
Have you guys seen my 2017 Holiday Gift Guide blog? If you’re still looking for gift ideas or just want to treat yourself then make sure you check it out
You can now fully enjoy the holiday without worrying about putting the extra unnecessary calories when you have many healthy, delicious options to choose form! Keep you’re traditional holidays drinks healthy and add them to you’re health board on Pinterest so you have them to hand. I like to indulge on these throughout the year.
Happy Holiday my loves…
Honestly
Alessandra x
