Did you know that a grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has 50 (F-I-F-T-Y!) grams of sugar?! That's more sugar than a can of soda. Seriously!
Fall is my faaaavorite time of year and pumpkin flavored everything is one of the highlights. I can't begin to tell you how many pumpkin spice lattes I drank in my early 20's. It makes me a little sick to even think about how much sugar I was chugging down without a clue! It was such a symbol of this time of year and all the fun traditions that come with it.
Once I started getting my act together and focusing on good nutrition, I knew I needed to figure out a way to get my pumpkin fix in a healthier way. I came up with this recipe and haven't been back to Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte since!
Lindsay's Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
1 - 3 teaspoons raw honey (if you're used to sweet coffee drinks, start with 3 teaspoons and gradually wean yourself down to 1)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)
1 cup organic coffee, brewed
Instructions:
There are two ways I like to make this drink, depending on how much time I have and if I'm taking my coffee to-go.
Option 1 - Fast Version
Combine coconut milk, pumpkin puree, honey, vanilla, spices and optional collagen peptides in a nutribullet and blend until combined. Pour into stainless-steel mug and pour in strong, hot coffee on top.
Option 2 - Relaxing at Home
Combine coconut milk, pumpkin puree, honey, vanilla, spices in a sauce pan on medium heat. Stir to combine and heat until lightly bubbling. Pout into the bottom of a coffee mug, add collagen peptides, then pour strong, hot coffee on top. Give a quick stir with a spoon and you're set!
Note that I gave a range for the amount of raw honey to include in this recipe. Though it is a natural sweetener and contains beneficial nutrients, I still encourage my clients to be mindful of their sugar consumption, especially first thing in the morning! Start with 3 teaspoons of honey (also known as a tablespoon) and see if you can slowly wean yourself down to 1 teaspoon. You'll still get the yummy pumpkin flavor and creaminess from the coconut milk but without starting your day on a blood sugar rollercoaster.
