This holiday season, remember that what you drink counts just as much as what you eat. So if you’re going to indulge, do it mindfully, and with the best ingredients possible. Here are three of our favorite holiday beverages that hit the sweet spot, without breaking the healthy habits bank.
Spiced Cider: Pour eight ounces of unsweetened fresh apple juice into a microwaveable mug, and pop in a mulling spice bag, then zap for 90 seconds. Let steep for three minutes. Don’t have mulling spice bags? No problem! Simply stir a pinch of ground cinnamon and clove to warm apple juice.
Hot Chocolate: Using your preferred milk (we love this with unsweetened vanilla almond milk), stir 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and 1 splash of vanilla extract into a mug. Microwave and adjust seasonings to your taste.
Peppermint Mocha: Make the hot chocolate as above, but also add 1 shot of espresso and 1 splash of peppermint extract.
Want that coffee shop experience? We get it. The “most wonderful time of the year” is also “the most indulgent time of the year” and treats abound. When the weather is cold, turning to a warm drink is satisfying – but what to do about all those calories? Well, you could edit your order to be a small or tall beverage, made with milk that’s lower in fat, and skip the whipped cream topping. Or, savor those sips and then step up your exercise game by adding a Freestyle session to your workout.
Wondering what’s the right swap? Check it out below!
Caramel Apple Spice = Boot Camp
Clocking in on the lighter side of things with 280 calories and 65 grams of sugar, a grande (16oz) Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks is still no joke! And that’s without whipped cream! Get ready to kick some Boot Camp butt to make up for that treat. Better yet? Check out our recipe for Spiced Apple Cider above.
Eggnog = The FitStar 15 + Beach Booty
Want to know the sneaky truth about eggnog? A serving is technically half of a cup. Say what? It’s true – and if you do imbibe a full eight ounces you might be looking at a glass full of 400 calories and more than 25 grams of fat. So enjoy your eggnog in all it’s glory and commit to doubling down on Freestyle sessions – like an intense session of our favorite moves, plus a more targeted workout. Or add a splash of eggnog to your tea or coffee to stretch those festive flavors out. Wanting some eggnog without all the guilt? Try our “Healthier Eggnog Recipe.”
Peppermint Mocha = Leg Day + 7 Minute Workout
This one puts the pep in your step since it’s essentially a caffeine and sugar bomb. But to enjoy those 370 calories (per medium – 16oz – drink, made with 2% milk, and no whip cream from Peet’s Coffee) without any guilt, make the day of indulgence legendary with our Leg Day Freestyle session. Also squeeze in our 7 Minute Workout for full-body fitness. Another option? Make one at home with less sugar and fat, see our recipe above!
Hot Chocolate = Greatist Wherever Workout + 10 Minute Abs
We know hot chocolate is something everyone loves – we’re human, and we love it, too. That said, it’s not an ideal drink, day in and day out, when you’re upping your healthy habits. Especially not when a typical drink is over 300 calories and packs 9 grams of fat (we’re looking at you, Starbucks grande – 16oz – hot cocoa, made with 2% milk and no whipped cream). So on the day of indulgence, bump up your routine to focus on abs as well as a quick total body workout. And to sip a better-for-you version, check out our recipe above.
Pumpkin Spiced Latte = Mudder Mayhem
We know many people have been drinking these for months, and totally get the pumpkin-spiced-everything craze. We’re just not crazy about all those calories! To burn those 310 calories and 50 grams of carbs, get moving with Mudder Mayhem! And if you really need to feed that pumpkin-spice addiction, and don’t want the intense sweat sesh, opt for a smaller beverage.
What holiday beverage do you enjoy most, and how do you fit it into your healthy habits? Tell us in the comments below!
Keep Moving,
– Team FitStar
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