I do not know if it is only me, but when I think about the winter, I see myself covered in a blanket sitting next to the fireplace, reading a book and drinking a delicious hot drink. Whether you are about to read a book, watch TV, or just gather with your friends and family, what you will definitely need this winter is a hot and healthy beverage.
Warm Tea
There is no winter without tea.
The powerful blend of slimming teas made from natural ingredients provide you with a host of health benefits. It can supress the appetite, improve digestion and boost metabolism, eventually leading to weight loss. It is also known for its calming effects. Slimming teas contain antioxidants crucial for cardiovascular health. Finally, it can improve energy levels, which is what we need, especially during winter.
These drinks are not only delicious, but they can help you regulate your calories and stay healthy during the coldest months, as well.
Turmeric Milk
Add the following ingredients to a blender: 2 cups of almond milk, ½ cup of light coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of raw honey, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 black peppercorn, 1 vanilla bean, a pinch of cayenne pepper and nutmeg.
Heat the mixture, but do not boil it.
Turmeric has various benefits, including decreasing inflammation. Cinnamon balances blood sugar levels, while ginger is good for providing gastrointestinal relief.
Wine with Cranberries
In a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups of cranberry juice, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 pieces of star anise and simmer for 15 minutes. Add 3 cups of dry red wine and ½ cup of fresh cranberries, stevia to taste and simmer again. Serve warm.
Star anise is a Chinese herb commonly used for treating the flu. Cranberries boost good cholesterol, they are a good antioxidant and they nurture our skin.
Hot Cocoa
In a saucepan, add 1½ tablespoons of raw cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of water and stevia to taste. Cook the mixture for 2 minutes, stirring. Stir in 1 cup of milk of choice and 1 vanilla bean. Whisk until it thickens slightly.
Cocoa has antidepressant benefits as it boosts two happy hormones: endorphin and serotonin. It is also a powerful antioxidant helping you fight heart disease and ageing.
Apple Cider Vinegar Brew
Bring ¼ cup of water to a boil. Add ¼ cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar and stir the mixture. Combine it with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and stir again.
Apple cider vinegar can help you control blood sugar, just like cinnamon. It is full of probiotics, which means it is good for our immune system, as well as for battling constipation.
Hot Apple Cider
Combine 4 cups of apple cider, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and 5 whole cloves in a saucepan. After you bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of cinnamon-flavoured syrup and serve hot.
Some of the health benefits of clove include providing aid in digestion, protecting the liver, boosting the immune system and containing antimicrobial, anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Warm Eggnog
Beat 6 eggs, ¾ cups of Splenda and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Add 4 cups of skim milk and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of brandy, bourbon, or amaretto, 1 vanilla bean and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Serve it with whipping cream.
Prepare the eggnog with skimmed milk to reduce fat. Milk contains calcium, keeping our bones strong, while eggs are rich in protein and lutein, powerful antioxidants. Not to mention that this is the ultimate Christmas drink!