Healthy, Protein-Packed Hot Chocolate

We had a cold snap here in Georgia where all I wanted was hot chocolate. I'm pretty picky about hot chocolate too so it took me quite a few tries to get this one to where I would "approve" but I definitely think I hit the nail on the head, if I can say so myself! This will warm you up and also provide you with the protein you need. It's perfect as a "snack" during the day, maybe after breakfast or even right before bed while you are relaxing! You can't go wrong with this one! Try it and let us know what you think!

HEALTHY, PROTEIN-PACKED HOT CHOCOLATE

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 2 small scoops stevia
• 1/4 cup liquid egg whites
• 1 packet TLS vanilla whey protein powder {If you are interested in ordering this product email us at thegang@heandsheeatclean.com and we can also send you a free Shake & Bake Recipe eBook!}

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients, excluding almond milk. Blend together using a hand blender. You can use a regular blender but because there isn't much liquid it will be more difficult so I suggest a hand blender/frother or even combining by hand mixing.

2 Heat almond milk over medium heat until it starts boiling (Be careful as it will overflow quickly!)

3. Add hot almond milk to blended ingredients and stir to combine

Enjoy!

- Whitney

Clean Eat Recipe: Charged Peppermint Almond Hot Chocolate

Can we just tell you how much we love Christmastime? It's such a fun time of year and just because you are a clean eater, doesn't mean you should miss out on any (and we said ANY) of the festive drinks available this time of year. Insert your favorite coffee chain here and let's whip up something that will take your taste buds straight through to December!

We have been cooking up some fancy treats with some amazing flavored liquid stevia, Sweet Drops from SweetLeaf. If you haven't had a chance to check them out, you definitely should! Their products are all natural, zero calorie and zero gylcemic response. Check out the flavors - Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha, Rootbeer - how could you go wrong!?!

Note: We aren't that big of fans of dairy, so we used unsweetened almond milk in this recipe. If you have a craving and don't have any on hand, organic cow's milk will work just as well. 

Charged Peppermint Almond Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2/3 c unsweetened almond milk, warm
• 1/3 c your favorite organic brewed coffee, warm (We love Marley Coffee. It's sustainability grown, ethically farmed, and artisan roasted.)
• 1 TBSP Sweetleaf Peppermint Mocha Sweet Drops
• 1 TBSP all-natural, unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Warm almond milk, preferably on your stovetop to slightly warmer than desired temperature.

2. Prepare your favorite organic coffee as directed.

3. Mix all ingredients together.

4. Allow mixture to cool to desired temperature prior to drinking. 

This is such a wonderful drink! It's so easy to make and will wow your guests (or your taste buds). You will forget all about that corner coffee shop and start enjoying treats that are as good for you as they taste!

A special thank you to SweetLeaf Sweet Drops for allowing us to try the Sweet Drops and post a recipe.

Cucumber Lime Skinny Water

Want a FREE Dessert & Treat eCookbook?

Join our newsletter and instantly get your copy of our favorite dessert and treat recipes like Clean Eating Cookie Dough and Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Cookies! Click here to join now.

Note: We're on Snapchat now! You can find us under hesheeatclean. We will be posting more of our meals, workouts, and money saving tips! Also, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

---

Infusing water with fruit and vegetables is all the rage, and for good reason! Many fruits, citrus especially, have slimming effects, especially when paired with our favorite, apple cider vinegar. You might be thinking that such a combination would be too tart, but we beg to differ! Add a little stevia and you are well on your way to a VERY low-calorie, slimming drink that's sure to take away your urge for one of those fizzy, sugar-laden soft drinks!

Our newest recipe, Cucumber-Lime Skinny Water, is a great drink for helping with occasional bloat or a little fatigue. While the water won't replace working out or eating healthy, if you drink it, you will definitely notice that your body is ridding itself of excess water - fast! Make sure you check out our other flavored water recipes below.

Cucumber-Lime Skinny Water

Ingredients:

• 1 c filtered water
• 1/2 c lime juice, freshly squeezed (chop limes and keep to infuse in water)
• 1/4 c cucumbers, chopped
• 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp liquid stevia
• 1/4 c ice

Directions:

1. Combine filtered water, lime juice and limes, cucumbers, apple cider vinegar, and stevia in a large container with a lid, or a mason jar with a lid, stirring with a wire whisk to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
2. Add ice.
3. Place lid on container and store in refrigerator overnight so that the water will be properly infused.
4. Drink cold and enjoy!

Have extra cucumbers left over? You can make our Cucumber Zings recipe - they are a great alternative to a store-bought, pickle!