For many people, there’s nothing quite like waking up in the morning and walking straight to the kitchen to make a morning latte. The first caffeinated sip powers up the mind to start the day. With a daily latte serving as a part of your ritual, it doesn’t hurt to find ways to make it healthier. When you examine your habits and rituals, it’s good if they support your overall health and wellness. To get started, consider four healthy replacements for your daily latte.
1. Sugar-Free Syrup
If you visit the local coffee shop, it’s pretty common to see an array of syrup flavors. Chocolate, caramel, and toffee nut are a few of the beloved options. However, sugar isn’t something to be consumed in excess. In fact, most nutritionists encourage no more than 25 grams of sugar each day. If you’re pouring tons of syrup, creamer, and additional flavors into your morning latte, you can easily double that amount of sugar at the start of the day. Instead, look for sugar-free syrup options. You’ll still be able to enjoy delightful flavors without the harmful effects of sugar. Will your elevated palette be able to taste the difference? It might. However, it’s worth the adjustment.
2. Plant-Based Milk
Milk and creamers are perfect for providing the creamy, frothy texture of a warm latte. However, cow’s milk is connected to a lot of harmful health issues such as mucus production and hormonal disruptions. Plus, cow’s milk is catastrophic for the person who suffers from lactose intolerance. Instead, enjoy plant-based alternatives. Almond milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk are a few of the excellent options to consider. If you’re looking for a rich creamer that’s low in sugar, look for a flavored oat-milk creamer. Plenty of major retailers carry a range of options as more people continue to replace their dairy options with plant-based alternatives. If you really want to be mindful of every ingredient that’s going into your coffee, consider making your own plant-based milk. Whether you make almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk, you just need to add some sea salt, vanilla extract, and purified water. Add those ingredients to the blender along with your nut of choice. This option will typically last for a few days in the refrigerator.
3. Protein
Protein tends to be very filling. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy their latte as they head out the door. It’s also great for those who are looking to increase their protein intake as they lift weights at the gym. If you’re trying to tone, trim fat or build muscle in the gym, you’ll want to consume between 1.2 grams to 1.7 grams of protein per pound of body fat. While protein powder works, a protein shake is probably the most popular option for a morning latte. Make it an iced latte in order to make the protein shake more enjoyable. If you learn how to make pour-over coffee, you can always add it to a protein shake in a separate tumbler with ice. Once you’ve added the coffee to the mix and stirred the mixture, you’ll have a delicious yet filling iced latte that comes packed with a considerable amount of protein.
4. Matcha
Matcha is the powdered form of green tea. Green tea contains a considerable number of health benefits. It’s amazing for those who are looking to increase their antioxidant intake, decrease their weight or improve heart health. Matcha lattes continue to be a fan favorite among millions as it combines the frothiness of a regular latte and the health benefits of matcha. Plus, matcha powder provides its own energy boost for those who need it. When it’s time to shop around for matcha powder, do your best to find a ceremonial grade as it provides the most nutrients. If you’re drinking one or two lattes every single day, you’re investing in your body. If it’s made in a healthy way, you’re investing wellness into your body. If it’s packed with sugar, you’re investing toxicity into your body. Whether you choose well or not, your decisions will always catch up to you. It’s best to make the small changes in your wellness with what you eat each day as it can make a major impact in the long run.
