Sugar Free Peppermint Mocha (THM FP)

One of the drinks I missed so much from Starbucks was their Peppermint Mocha's. That is until today. :) A FB friend of mine shared a picture of a frozen sugar free Peppermint Mocha Frapp and I asked her to share her ingredients with me. I changed only one due to the fact I didn't have what she had. I blended the ingredients and then warmed it on the stove, topped it with FF Ready whip, dusted it with cocoa and voila!

Sugar Free Peppermint Mocha Heaven!

I made a drink big enough to share, or to sip yourself all afternoon. It was such a cozy drink. I sat by my hubby while we finished our movie from last night and my senses danced in a minty stupor. It was delightful.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. Erythritol
• Pure white stevia (to taste. I used approx. 5 sprinkles)
• 3-4 Tbsp. cocoa
• 1/2 scoop Swanson's vanilla protein powder
• 1/4- 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract (depending on how pepperminty you want it ;)
• a dash of salt
• 1 heaping tsp. of granulated instant espresso

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in your blender. I have a vitamix and did this part on low since it was during nap time. I just wanted to break down the powders and it worked on low.
2. Taste and see if or what you might want to add more of.
3. When you're happy with the taste, pour into a sauce pan and warm until desired heat. You can also use a microwave, of course,
4. Pour into a cup, add some FF Ready Whip and dust the top with cocoa.

Yum!!

Sugar Cookie Delight (THM FP)

Starbucks who? That's what I think every time I make a sugar-free drink that tastes better than what they serve. Don't get me wrong, I still love their Decaf. Mocha's but probably only because I haven't figured out how to make those just yet. lol

This new drink surpassed all of my expectations. It was like an afternoon dessert.

I kid you not!

Hubby bought me some Celestial Seasonings 'Sugar Cookie' tea. It seemed festive and I thought, "Awesome!"

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Truvia
• 2 Sugar Cookie tea bags
• FF Ready Whip

1. Heat water and milk
2. Add tea bags and steep for 4 minutes.
3. Remove bags and add Truvia.
4. Taste. Mmmmm..
5. Now add FF Ready Whip if you're sugar tooth is really hankering for something good and sweet.

Prepared to dazzle your taste buds with sugary goodness without the sugar!

*The above serving I made is shareable. Unless of course you're having a particularly rough day and are in need of a serious comfort drink and a long book. In that case, enjoy it all without the guilt.*

Mama's Little Secret Energy Drink (THM FP)

 

 

I am so excited to be sharing this information with you. I have learned so much from Pearl and Serene (authors of Trim Healthy Mama) which is where I first heard the word Matcha. Serene makes a pudding with it.

 

I read a little about it and was instantly interested. It is a wee bit pricey but beings a serving is as little as 1/4 tsp. that made the price much more appealing.

 

Now, I have to tell you just how much I love this stuff!!

 

It is amazing!

 

I don't know about you but in my house as we approach dinner time I tend to get more tired and my kiddos seem to have found some hidden energy without sharing with their mama.

So not fair I tell you. lol

 

Each day the dinner yawns would approach and I begin to daydream about Costco pizza and chocolate cake, both of which are uber-yummy and I wouldn't have to prepare; both of which I do not need.

 

Then I began making this drink that I'm going to share with you.

 

It is life-changing!

 

 

 Within an hour of drinking it I have energy and lots of it. Not the kind of jittery energy that caffeine can give. I'm actually so sensitive to caffeine in coffee that I don't drink it.

 

Mama's Little Secret Energy Drink not only gives me energy for hours, but it (bizarrely enough) provides a sense of calm when I need it most. It is the oddest thing I tell you!

 

It has a light creamy vanilla flavor with just a hint of green tea flavor. It's unbelievably yummy and so good for you!!

 

And here are some of the wonderful things about it...

(courtesy of http://www.matchasource.com)

 

Boosts metabolism and burns calories

Detoxifies effectively and naturally

Calms and relaxes

Enhances mood and aids in concentration

Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium

Fights against viruses and bacteria

Is rich in fiber

Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

Does not raise insulin levels

Oh, and did I mention that if you're a Trim Healthy Mama plan follower it's a Fuel Pull?! Oh yeah!!!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 cup unsweetened Almond Milk
• 1/4 tsp. Matcha powder (I heap mine)
• 1/2 Scoop Swanson Unsweetened Vanilla Protein Powder
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• a dash of pure salt
• pure white Stevia (to taste)

1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend for a couple of seconds. I then add a couple of ice cubes, just enough to cool the drink to perfection.
2. Now drink and feel the difference!

*This drink is so awesome that I double the recipe and share with my hubby. (aka Mr. Meat and Potatoes, Sweet Tea and nothing green) He loves it!!!

SF Pumpkin Spice Kicker THM (FP)

Hello, my name is Kristy and I am a Starbucks addict. Okay, well maybe not an addict, but I have gained weight from drinking one too many Decaf Café Mocha's from there which has brought it to my attention that I either drink too many, or that they're not really good for my body. *gasp* I know, right. How can that be when they're so tasty?

I have one thing to say to that. My scale doesn't lie.

Real quick, before I give y'all the yummy weight loss drink recipe that will knock the socks off your taste buds, all the while warming you to your core AND shrinking your bum, I would like to bring something to your attention. It (sadly enough) was something I never put much thought into until recently.

If you're a fellow Starbucks drinker like myself (the employee knows my drink when I walk in *sighs*) have you ever really paid attention to the picture on their cups?

A couple of weeks ago I asked my Starbucks Drink Diva (she really does make great drinks) what that odd woman-mer-thing was. She told me that it is the "Siren." I had no clue what she was talking about so I asked and she kindly explained to the best of her knowledge, she too finding it a bizarre choice for a logo.
If you're like I was and don't know exactly what a Siren is, here's a definition for you.

si·ren
/ˈsaɪrən/ Show Spelled [sahy-ruhn]  

noun

1.

Classical Mythology . one of several sea nymphs, part woman and part bird, who lure mariners to destruction by their seductive singing.

 

I say: O.O

 

Taken from Starbucks own website about their Siren:

 

Starbucks: "She means something different to every one who sees her, who knows her. For me she’s kind of the final say on the spirit of everything I write and everything we do. Even as I’m writing this, I wonder what she thinks. (She likes it, by the way.)"

 

Me: hmmm...

Starbucks: "After all, who can resist her?

Not me."

 

Wanna read that from their site directly?  http://www.starbucks.com/blog/so-who-is-the-siren

 

Anywho...

 

Moving on :D I believe that it's just about time I share with you the recipe for this tasty drink. Only one more thing first. I want to share with you how I came up with it. I happened upon this recipe for Spicy Hot Chocolate Tea but sadly didn't have the needed ingredients. I had just put my kiddos down for a nap and wanted a Starbucks-ish drink so off to my kitchen I went and out I came with this!!

 

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (I used Silk unsweetened vanilla)
• 1 cup water
• 2 bags of Oolong Tea
• 1 Tbsp. Cocoa
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Truvia (or sweetener of choice)
• 1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Spice
• A sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper
• FF Ready Whip
• A Cinnamon Stick (optional, but sooo good!)

 

 

1. Heat Almond Milk and water to a boil (or almost)
2. While heating, mix Cocoa, Truvia, Pumpkin Spice, & Cayenne together in a small bowl.
3. When almond milk & water are heated add Oolong tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
4. Take tea bags out and mix in spices.
5. Add a little FF Ready Whip.
6. Sprinkle a little Nutmeg on top and add your Cinnamon Stick.
   
   Now sit back, drink, enjoy and help your body burn those calories! It's even hubby approved!!

Happy Autumn drinking!

P.S.
This is the actual size of the drink.