Soothing Hot Healthy Drinks

After a cold day on the ski slopes or on a frigid winter evening, nothing warms both the body and the soul as fast as a steaming cup of hot black coffee or a mug of rich, hot chocolate. But the addition of whipped cream, sugar, and flavored syrups can turn these soothing drinks into a dieter's nightmare. With the holidays approaching, smart dieters needs to put together a repertoire of drinks that warm the body and soothe the spirit without pouring on the calories.When meeting friends at the latte bar or coffee shop, opt for hot black coffee or unsweetened tea, rather than a fancy latte or a cup of gourmet cocoa hiding under a towering mound of sweetened whipped cream. Boost the flavor of these "plain Jane" drinks with the addition of mint or spices. If you must use sweetener, choose one that is sugar-free - or even better, honey.
At home, go ahead and make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, coffee or tea. But make sure that you use DARK CHOCOLATE or, when choosing a tea, pick one that is green, white or black. Dark Chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure and increase serotonin levels, as well as containing antioxidants; while the benefits of the poly-phenols of white, black and green tea are well-known. Feel free to flavor your tea with mint, lemon (or lime), honey and other spices, but skip the milk or whipped cream. Not only do they add calories, recent studies have shown that milk cancels out the benefits that are gained from drinking tea.
Mulled wines and ciders are always popular winter drinks, particularly around the holidays. Mulled red wine, packed with antioxidants & anti-inflammatories, also contains several chemicals that help reduce the risk of breast cancer, heart disease & high cholesterol. Mix up a batch of hot cider and give your party guests not only a delightful hot drink, but the gift of protection from a multiple of diseases. The apple cider aids in the prevention of colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease and the cinnamon releases chemicals that help control glucose and cholesterol levels.
To make a super healthy hot apple cider, combine 4 cups of apple cider, 4 cups of cranberry or pomegranate juice, 4-6 whole cloves, 4-6 whole cinnamon sticks, 4 allspice berries and the zest of an orange. A cup of good brandy can be added, if desired. Simmer the cider for approximately 20 minutes and strain to remove the spices. Serve in mugs with a fresh cinnamon "stir stick" and a dish of honey nearby for those who need their drink a little sweeter.
Another tasty alternative is a delicious concoction of orange juice, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Simmered on the stove until thouroughly heated, the spices are removed and the orange juice is sweetened with a bit of honey. The addition of a splash of whiskey is sure to make this a favorite of your holiday guests for years to come, as well as a soothing drink for those suffering from a cold or the flu. Heating the spices releases the essential oils which makes breathing easier and the honey soothes a throat made sore and scratchy from either the cold & flu or the cold winter winds. To "fancy" this drink up for parties, serve it in clear glass mugs and with a slice of orange or lemon floating in it.
As you can see, even while watching your health and seeking to cut calories, it is possible to enjoy hot, soothing drinks with your friends and family. Bundle up, pour yourself a tasty drink and stay warm! CHEERS!