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Posts tagged with: beverages
Dec 27, 2014    |      Comments Off on Calorie-free ways to make your water taste better

Calorie-free ways to make your water taste better

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Water is so so important, as I know you’ve heard over and over again. Not only is it important to help you maintain optimal health, lubricate your joints, promote proper digestion.. but it also really helps with weight maintenance or losing weight, staving off headaches, avoiding cravings, and helping with mood. Wow, right?!

I know that when I haven’t been drinking enough water, the first thing I want is sugar. ANYTHING SWEET, and NOW! Use that as a sign and gulp down 4-8oz of water, wait 5-10 minutes, then grab a healthy snack if you’re still feeling hungry.

I know the old saying that everyone should drink 8 glasses of water per day, but that varies so much depending on your weight, activity level, and even the weather. A good goal to aim for is half your body weight, in ounces. So if you weigh 150 lbs, then you’d want to drink at least 75oz of water per day. Add in MORE if it’s a really hot day or if you’ve done a super sweaty workout.

Getting bored of the same old glass of water? Add some flavour!

Calorie-free ways to fancy up your glass

  • a wedge of lemon or lime
  • a slice of orange
  • a slice of cucumber
  • a sprig of mint
  • some berries
  • frozen grapes
  • cubes of watermelon
  • a bit of freshly grated ginger
  • use sparkling water

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Dec 8, 2014    |      Comments Off on Guilt-free Gingerbread Latte

Guilt-free Gingerbread Latte

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With a Tall Starbucks Gingerbread Latte coming in at 260 calories (and you’re not just having a Tall, right?), these festive Feels-Like-Christmas drinks help us pack on the pounds. It’s no wonder, considering what’s in all that flavour syrup.

I’ve experimented and found a lightened up version with no artificial-anything in it. YUM!  At only 75 calories, you can definitely fit this one in.

Guilt-free Gingerbread Latte

1-2 shots espresso (to taste) or strong coffee
2 teaspoons maple syrup (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Stir together espresso, maple syrup, and spices in a mug
Heat and froth the almond milk until hot and pour over spicy espresso mixture. Enjoy!

Sep 22, 2014    |      1 comment

pumpkin-less healthy pumpkin spice latte

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Am I crazy? maybe maybe.  Today was one of those days where I just wanted to cozy up on the couch with a warm mug of pumpkin spice latte and not move a bit.  Tragedy – no pumpkin puree in the house!  Not a problem though, because this recipe is pretty dang good, and I don’t even miss the pumpkin.  Bonus: no having to open a full can or make your own when you’re just going to use a tiny bit anyhow.

pumpkin-less pumpkin spice latte

A cake and greens original
Makes about 12oz

1-2 shots of espresso, or 1/3 cup very strong coffee
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or a few drops stevia, to taste (I use maple syrup)
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
a dash of cinnamon

Pour your espresso or coffee into your mug and stir in spice and sweetener.  Steam or heat and froth your almond milk, and pour into your mug.  Top with a dash of cinnamon.

Enjoy!

Sep 9, 2014    |      Comments Off on healthy pumpkin spice latte

healthy pumpkin spice latte

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The leaves are changing and it’s getting to be fall. OK, so maybe the leaves here are just falling off because we had such a hot dry summer.. but still, I’ve been itching to wear boots, jeans, and scarves, and sipping on a yummy pumpkin spice latte, and I know they’re at Starbucks now.. but I really don’t want whatever yuckiness they put in theirs, especially not when it’s super easy to whip up at home. You can even skip the pumpkin puree in my recipe and it’ll still taste great. All unprocessed, all-natural ingredients, if you’re fine with coffee.

It’s sweet, decadent, and tastes like fall in a warm mug.

healthy pumpkin spice latte

Recipe adapted from beachbody
serves 1, easily doubled or more

3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons maple syrup, or 2 –3 drops liquid stevia (I used syrup)
1 – 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to taste (optional)

In a mug or saucepan, stir together the almond milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup, then heat in the microwave or on the stove until quite hot but not boiling.

Remove from heat and froth or whisk well.

Pour espresso or coffee into a mug, then pour milk mixture on top.

Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Enjoy!