like pumpkin spice Hershey’s Kisses, m & m’s and Pop-tarts. Is that really necessary?
But let’s face it, people go crazy for seasonal flavors. Myself included. As the weather gets cooler, those warming spices suddenly draw me in.
At Starbucks, they now refer to their Pumpkin Spice Latte as PSL. There are even special travel mugs for it. Again, maybe a little out of control.
But here’s the real problem with all this pumpkin spice madness…
Most of it is loaded with crap. Even the beloved PSL. It contains 50 grams of sugar, which is even more than a can of coke. It also contains potassium sorbate, a common preservative that may have some dangerous side affects.
Recent studies have shown that when combined with ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C) potassium sorbate can actually damage your DNA as well as your white blood cells. Not good. Prolonged exposure may also cause nutrient deficiencies over time.
Don’t get me wrong…I love Starbucks! I just prefer to stick to drinks without so much added sugar.
And don’t even get me started on the artificial flavors and colors in most of the pumpkin spice flavored items that start popping up in September.
So what’s a girl to do when she wants to spice things up? Listen, if a PSL from Starbucks truly makes the fall season special for you, having one isn’t the end of the world. Enjoy it. And move on.
This is what I talked about a few days ago, in Halloween doesn’t have to be scary. If there is one seasonal treat that you can’t live without, plan to indulge (once), and truly savor it. This is the philosophy Melissa Hartwig uses in Food Freedom Forever, and I couldn’t agree more.
But if you want to enjoy this warm, spicy flavor on a regular basis, then just modify it so it’s actually good for you! And that’s just what I did a few days ago. I played around and came up with my own pumpkin spice latte that is free from dairy and sugar and tastes delicious.
In my happy, healthy and hot version of the pumpkin spice latte I started with organic coffee, since coffee is a crop that is usually heavily sprayed. I threw in my Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which support firm skin and healthy hair and nails. Another key ingredient is organic coconut oil, which can help increase your metabolism and has medium chain triglycerides, which are actually good for your brain!
I made a blend of spices that included cinnamon, ginger, cloves and allspice. There is plenty of it left over for more lattes, dusting on apple slices, and any other little kitchen experiments.
I sweetened my latte with my favorite brand of liquid stevia, NuNaturals. You could also use some coconut sugar or other natural sweetener. Use a little, then taste for sweetness and try not to overdo it.
My trusty Vitamix did a great job whipping everything up until it was light and frothy, but for something like this I think any blender will do. Not only did my version of a pumpkin spice latte taste amazing, it’s actually good for me!
So here you go…
happy, healthy and hot pumpkin spice latte
8 ounces hot freshly brewed coffee
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (see below)
Liquid stevia to taste
This is too easy…dump everything in your blender, blend on high till it’s light and frothy. Enjoy!
Oh, and it looks really cute if you sprinkle a little of the pumpkin spice blend on top!
Pumpkin Spice Blend
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspooons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Mix together in a small bowl. I am storing mine in an empty spice jar and keeping it close by!
So, can my happy, healthy and hot version of the pumpkin spice latte help you feel happy, healthy and hot? (I guess we could call it the hhh psl!)
Of course it can!
You will be happy enjoying a seasonal treat with warm, spicy flavors. The coconut oil, collagen peptides and even the spices contribute to a healthy lifestyle, by boosting your metabolism, supporting your connective tissues, and even promoting healthy skin, hair and nails. And that is very hot!
SHOP THE POST:
Nutiva Coconut Oil
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
NuNaturals Liquid Vanilla Stevia
Thrive Market great way to save on many of these ingredients, especially the coconut oil and organic spices!
Vitamix
Food Freedom Forever
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50g of sugar!!!! That is shocking, the PSL is advertised over here too, which is funny as pumpkin pie is really not a UK tradition. But those spices are yummy, I have been adding cinnamon to my bulletproof coffee, not dairy free, but it’s delicious on greek yoghurt too. I shall try out your latte, it sounds really delicious.
Tanya, that is so funny about the PSL in the UK. Starbucks makes such a big deal out of it! Yes, love plain cinnamon in my coffee too. I started doing that at the first sign of fall, then decided to kick it up and mix in the other spices. I’m addicted! Let me know how you like it. Nutmeg would be nice too but I didn’t have any.
I tried the spices in the bulletproof coffee, really nice. I didn’t add stevia but vanilla. Btw we had your delicious southwestern chicken again, very popular in this house. My eldest has even taken some cold for her lunch today.
Would you please share which supplements/brands you take on a daily basis?
Hi Alexandra, thanks for checking in. I’m not taking a lot of supplements at this time, but I’ll tell you exactly what I am taking😀 I use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides every day mixed into my coffee…this is really more a food than a supplement. I also take Vital Proteins Grass Fed Liver Capsules. They are really great for your energy levels. At night I take Natural Calm magnesium supplement, which is a powder that you mix with water. I have been taking it for years. If you try it, start with a very low dose (maybe a quarter of a teaspoon) and work your way up, as it can cause some stomach upset. I also take Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Greens on days that I don’t make a fresh green drink. They are powdered greens with added collagen and other skin friendly ingredients that you can mix with water or into a smoothie.
In the past I have taken CoQ10 and Resveratrol, as well as a multi vitamin/mineral, but I’m not doing that right now. However, I’m thinking of starting that up again and if I find something I love I’m sure I’ll be telling everyone about it here at happy, healthy and hot!
Tanya, the spices would be great with just vanilla…no sweetener needed! And so glad you are enjoying the chicken. I will probably make some later this week😊