Winter is tough on the mind, body (even our bones!) and skin -- there’s no question about that. Cool winter weather and harsh winds leave us with itchy, dry skin and a longing for warm weather that seems worlds away. However, the nurturing sensation of a delicious warm beverage can provide us with the luxury experience we need to get us through another long winter ahead. When we don’t have the time to pencil in a much-needed spa session -- a healthy hot drink may have a similar, temporary effect.
Sensploration: A Luxury Experience
Hot drinks infused with smells like cinnamon or peppermint have the power to boost our moods, energy levels and warm our bodies. In fact, physical warmth and emotional warmth are found to be linked! Even holding a warm cup of cinnamon or peppermint tea may be enough to awaken our mind and bodies. This is where the concept of sensploration comes in. Sensploration focuses on stimulating our sense of smell, touch and taste to provide us with a sensational experience that boosts our mood and energy levels.
Hot Drinks to Help You Glow All Winter Long
Sometimes we have the intense need for a pick-me-up that warms us from the inside and out, but without the calorie and sugar density of traditional hot cocoa. Fortunately, there are several naturally-sweetened hot drinks you can try this winter that’ll provide you with the sensational experience you crave this winter. Here are three simple recipes to get you through the cold winter season ahead:
Turmeric’s Golden Milk
Everyone can benefit from an immune boost during the winter--that’s where turmeric comes in. Experience the calming, nourishing benefits of turmeric’s golden milk during any time of the day (especially before bed!) for a calming and warming sensation.
Ingredients:
-
2 cups of nondairy milk (such as almond, coconut, hemp, rice, cashew or flax)
-
1 teaspoon turmeric
-
½ teaspoon cinnamon
-
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or raw honey
-
A dash of black pepper
-
¼ teaspoon ginger root powder
Instructions:
-
Use a high-speed blender to blend all ingredients together until completely smooth.
-
Pour mixture into a small saucepan and warm over medium heat for about five minutes.
Healthy Hot Cocoa
Traditional hot cocoa is packed full of additives and sweeteners, but you can just as easily make your own hot cocoa at home. Cocoa is filled with antioxidants that are beneficial to both your heart and brain, so you don’t need to feel guilty about indulging in this recipe.
Ingredients:
-
1 ½ tablespoons alkaline-free cocoa powder
-
2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
-
3 tablespoons filtered water
-
1 cup of nondairy milk (such as almond, coconut, hemp, rice, cashew or flax)
-
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
-
Combine the cocoa powder, maple syrup and water into a small saucepan and heat on low, stirring constantly.
-
After about two minutes, add in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until combined and heat until warmed through.
-
Just before serving, add the cinnamon and combine.
Peppermint Mocha
There’s something magical about stepping into a coffee shop and taking in the aroma of coffee beans--but you can just as easily make your own (and healthier) version of your favorite blended beverages at home.
Ingredients:
-
2 cups of nondairy milk (such as almond, coconut, hemp, rice, cashew or flax)
-
2 cups of freshly brewed coffee
-
¼ cup alkaline-free cocoa powder
-
⅛ to ¼ cup coconut sugar, pure maple syrup or raw honey
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
-
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Heat the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Once heated through, add the coffee.
-
In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder, salt, sweetener, vanilla and peppermint. Add the mixture to the saucepan and whisk until completely dissolved.
The next time you’re in dire need for some soul nourishing, try these hot drinks from the comforts of your own home. Grab a soft blanket, curl up on the couch with a good book and take in the wonderful sensations that these warm drinks provide.