Paulette Millis

Q: Could you suggest a few ideas for healthy hot drinks? I would like to exchange my usual winter hot drinks made with sugar and caffeine for something healthier.

A: Great idea. Sugar and caffeine are both addictive and caffeine is also a stimulant. Neither are good for your body and can cause many detrimental effects, the most common being unbalancing your blood sugar. The highs and lows you experience can be avoided with proper diet and changing your habits now will go a long way to preventing diabetes.

For a hot coffee substitute, try Bambu, Caf-lib or Krakus. These are made from grains, usually barley, and sweetened with beet sugar or figs. They can be made with boiling water and/or with milk. You may drink them black, or add a little cream, or nut milk, or milk substitute of your choice. Each is a filling drink when made with hot milk. Choose almond breeze, rice dream, hemp milk or dairy milk if your diet allows. If you prefer a bit more sweetener, try adding a couple of drops of liquid stevia.

Another great hot milk treat is a chai tea. Heat the milk of your choice with an herb tea bag, such as Celestial Seasonings English Toffee. Let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes, then press the tea bag to squeeze the flavor into the milk before removing. There are several kinds of herbal and black chai teas available. If you wish to go caffeine free, read the label and avoid black tea.

To make a healthier hot chocolate drink, use organic raw dark cacao powder, honey, a dash of vanilla and cinnamon and the milk of your choice. Coconut milk works well, and stevia is another option for a sweetener instead of honey. Experiment to see which flavors you prefer.

An even healthier hot drink is to use carob instead of chocolate. Make the Carob Syrup recipe below and store in the fridge for a quick hot milk treat.

Hot water with a bit of honey and lemon juice is a nice treat on a cold day. Also try honey with a few drops of essential oils such as ginger, peppermint, cloves or your choice in hot water.

I like to grate fresh ginger (approximately one teaspoon) into hot milk. Let simmer for approximately 10 minutes, strain and drink. This makes a healthy and tasty hot beverage perfect to cozy up with during the cold winter months.

 

Available at Amazon.com:

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder

No More Digestive Problems

 

Copyright © Naturally Savvy. All rights reserved.

 

HEALTH & WELLNESS ...

AGING | ALTERNATIVE | AILMENTS | DRUGS | FITNESS | GENETICS | CHILDREN'S | MEN'S | WOMEN'S

 

 

Health - Healthy Hot Drinks Avoid Caffeine and Sugar