Stress Smarter Snuggly Sips - warm and cozy beverages that won’t stress out your system
Tis the season for self-sabotage at Starbucks!
All jokes about pumpkin spice lattes aside - sweetened, coffee-adjacent beverages trip up a lot of folks who are trying to get a healthier handle on their stress (or their hormones, or sleep, or fat percent, etc.)
Because who doesn’t crave a cuppa something sweet and warm to sip at a rainy soccer game? And I don’t have to tell you that a caffeine jolt (especially combined with sugar) really hits the spot when you’re scrambling to get out the door in the morning dark. And let’s not forget the comfort of cozying up to a hot cocoa on a blustery fall evening.
But here’s the thing: sugar-sweetened beverages spike blood glucose, hugely increase type 2 diabetes risk, raise inflammation, decrease immune function, and cause weight/fat gain (especially around the midsection). And don’t think you can cheat nature with artificially-sweetened beverages - research shows that syrups and add-ins made from aspartame, xylitol, sucralose, and other “sugar free” sweeteners are actually worse for you than the real stuff!
But, I’ve got great news for you, my latte-loving friend.
You can still enjoy delicious, warm, creamy beverages this season without sacrificing your long-term health, whole-person wellbeing, or fitness goals. In this post, I’m going to share my favorite “snuggly sips” that won’t spike your stress hormones, disrupt your sleep cycle, or throw your blood sugar out of whack. In fact, they’re actually really good for you - and they taste good, too!
Note: if your brain or body is addicted to sweets, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, it may take some time for your tastebuds to get used to treats that aren’t SUPER sweet. Give it time and keep trying - your tastebuds turn over every 10 or so days, and you can retrain the new guys as you go!
Quick n’ Easy Sips:
Golden Fusion Deluxe: This mix is my go-to for a modern take on traditional golden milk, a centuries-old recipe from India with well-established medicinal properties - plus grass-fed collagen peptides for hair, skin, nail, and joint health. It’s so soothing and delicious as an evening treat, and boosts immunity and gut health, too! You could certainly enjoy this mix with hot water alone, but I like to add some healthy fats and creamy texture with canned coconut milk. You can grab a tub of Golden Fusion for 20% off HERE.
Directions: mix 1 scoop with hot 4oz non-dairy milk of choice and 2oz full-fat coconut milk. Stir with milk frother (this one is handy) or whisk for super creamy blend.
Adaptogenic Hot Cacao: Do NOT be thrown by the presence of mushrooms in this little packet of rich, dark chocolatey goodness. The Reishi extract in my favorite organic “hot cocoa” blend helps balance hormones and calm the stress-response system - and you’re not going to taste anything mushroom-y (scout’s honor). And with a mere 2 grams of sugar per packet, it won’t spike your blood sugar. Click HERE to save 20% when you try it!
Directions: Just mix one packet of Mushroom Hot Cacao with hot water (or non-dairy milk) and enjoy!
Coffee subs that don’t suck: Want that roasty, toasty flavor of coffee without the caffeine burst and stomach acid? Here are my fave coffee substitutes:
Teeccino Dandelion Tea Sampler
Original Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage
Homemade Sips:
Easy Masala Chai: this recipe from minimalist baker features warming spices like cardamom, ginger, and peppercorns steeped gently on the stovetop. Just imagine the scent of sweet cinnamon and cloves wafting through your kitchen on a chilly day, inviting you to refill your cup. Masala chai has long been revered for its medicinal properties, and is offered to guests as a sign of welcome and hospitality. Tap HERE for the recipe!
Your Matcha Moment: I love this matcha latte recipe for three reasons. First, it’s super easy to whip up. Second, it’s sweetened with dates, a low-glycemic sugar source that also contains fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. Third, it includes protein and healthy fat from nut butter! Add to that the anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, disease-prevention power of green tea, and you’ve got a cup o’ goodness that you can get behind! Did I mention it’s a fraction of the cost of coffee-shop matcha lattes? HERE is the recipe for you!
P.s. If you’re looking for a mix-and-go matcha, or you’d like to add a boost of collagen to your morning beverage, check out an alternative matcha mix HERE.
I know I talk about this a lot, but it’s SUPER important to have healthy, real-food treats that you can say “YES!” to - especially if you’re feeling stressed or making significant changes to your diet. I hope you find something here that tickles your tastebuds without holding you back from your health & wellbeing goals. Enjoy!
Hey!
