Happiness is: fuzzy socks, movie marathons, pj’s, and a steaming mug of something that warms the soul. This scene is my perfect Friday night (and by ‘night’ I mean like 7pm). Tired moms turn into pumpkins at 9:45 – everyone knows that…
Hot cocoa, apple cider, or a creamy decaf latte might be just the ticket for your comfy evening treat, but consuming over 20 grams of sugar and/or 300+ empty calories before bed might be one of the worst ideas ever (aside from letting your husband pick the movie for the night). It’s easy to let the cold weather give us an excuse to have lazy nights and enjoy sweet warm treats, but making a habit out of that will surely add on a little hibernation weight this winter. Leave that for the bears.
Look, no matter what the season, there will always be treats we crave after dark – liquid chocolate or cinnamonie cider during the winter, milkshakes or a cold beer in the summer, wine in the…well wine pretty much always. Anyhoo, my point is, there’s always a craving for something. Luckily there are always healthy alternatives for that something! Especially THESE healthier holiday drink swaps.
So next time you’re itching for something warm and toasty in hand, try these healthy swaps. They pair perfectly with movies like Love Actually, Bridesmaids, 13 Going on 30. Or Sniper, Gladiator, Enemy at the Gates if the husband gets dibs (ugh). Compromise is such a pain in the rear.
These drinks won’t anything to your rear. Because rears are for looking good in yoga pants and shaking when your favorite holiday song is on. Not for getting bigger in the winter.
Here are three warm bevies for the ultimate liquid treat, without the guilt!
Healthier Holiday Drink Swaps
When you’re craving hot cocoa, try this!
1. Skinny, Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa
Pour 1 1/2 cups of 30-calorie almond milk in a mug and combine with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder. Heat in the microwave and stir well. As an option, add a drop of peppermint extract for a festive flavor kick!
Traditional hot cocoa: 327 calories, 41 grams of sugar
Healthy swap: 102 calories, 0 grams of sugar
When you’re craving a creamy latte, try this!
2. No-Guilt Gingerbread Latte
Pour 1 1/2 cups decaf coffee in a mug and add 1 tablespoon coconut milk, 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon molasses. Starbucks eat your heart out!
Traditional gingerbread latte: 200 calories, 28 grams of sugar
Healthy swap: 60 calories, 5 grams of sugar
When you’re craving hot apple cider, try this!
3. Tea with Raw Honey
Make 1 1/2 cups tea (whatever blend you prefer), pour into a mug and add 1 teaspoon raw honey for a slightly sweet and ultra-healthy warm drink.
Traditional apple cider: 170 calories, 40 grams of sugar
Healthy swap: 26 calories, 6 grams of sugar
I also love a big ‘ole mug of steaming hot water and adding the juice of 1/2 lemon to satisfy my drink need. It hydrates and it’s virtually zero calories (which I later fill with popcorn). Hehehehe.
Need healthy alternatives to alcoholic beverages? Check these healthy drink swaps for your next holiday party.
What is your favorite warm beverage for snuggly, cuddly nights staying at home?
Love the gingerbread latte idea!
Thanks Rebecca!
Oh, I NEED that healthier gingerbread latte. Making that this evening, I think! 🙂 Thanks for more awesome ideas. And yes…by 9:45 I’m a pumpkin!
Gingerbread is one of my favorite flavors this time of year!!! In food and candle scent forms 😉
Movie night at home after a busy day of shopping! Making the hot cocoa “healthy ” version tonight – perfect timing!
Hope you enjoyed Shar! Shopping is hard work!
Gingerbread Latte sounds amazing!!
It is! That molasses. Molasses makes everything better!
Wow these all sound really yummy!
I need to try some of these.
xoxo, Jenny
Plenty of time to try them all! 🙂
I could totally go for a gingerbread latte right now. I was in shock when I saw how many calories they have at Starbucks. Thanks for the substitutions!
Starbucks always gets ya!!! Seriously even time. Dang it!
These are fantastic ideas!
Thanks Angie!
That gingerbread latte sounds good! A few weeks ago I just made a regular cup of coffee and put maybe a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a bit of creamer in it. It was a pretty good makeshift mocha!
You are already on top of the game!! It doesn’t taste exactly like the same thing, but hey, I’ll take it over the crazy not-so-healthy versions!
28 g of sugar in a typical gingerbread latte?! My oh my.
Great tips for swaps 🙂
I know right?! Kind of mind blowing. Ugh!!
Love these swaps! Especially the hot chocolate one. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Lindsay! Enjoy!
Great ideas. I hate drinking calories but sometimes it’s nice to have a treat. Thanks for the tips.
Treats are always nice! And I totally crave something after dark, even if I just had dinner! Probably just a habitual thing 😉
Love the peppermint in hot chocolate idea!
I’m 110% obsessed with peppermint and gingerbread as soon as Thanksgiving is over!
These are such great little recipes. I really struggle to give up soft drinks, so hopefully if I try one of these I will get hooked!
My husband is a soda hound. It’s definitely a hard habit to kick! There is something to be said about drinking something warm and comforting when it’s chilly out (although it’s probably not chilly where you are)!
I’ve tried these kinds of drinks before and have to say they never measure up to the real thing. However, I realise we should be watching sugar intake and so on. Not giving up my wine though!
This IS true – not gonna lie. If you are expecting to have the same sweetness as the originals you will likely be a little disappointed. But for me, it’s worth it! Sugar wreaks so much havoc on your body!
These sound so yummy! Since I have a cold, I’ve been really digging ginger tea before bed.
Oh you have just inspired me tonight. YES for ginger tea!!
These are great swaps! I never finish a full calorie drink feeling satisfied, I’d much rather eat my treats. Loving tea in the evening if I can remember to drink it while it’s still hot 😛
HA – love your style Georgie! I mean, if you are gonna have some empty cals, may as well make it COUNT!
Yum! I often drink tea with raw honey but have never found a good alternative for hot chocolate. I can’t wait to try this – so easy too!