Guilt-Free Chocolatey Hot Cocoa

Satisfy cravings for comfort and chocolate at one time by making a cup of guilt-free hot chocolate. This hot cocoa recipe has little to no added sugar, it’s easy to make, and it has only 60 calories. Compare that to hot cocoa from a mix or coffee shop, which can have 200-300 calories and over 20 grams of added sugar. 

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You can keep calories lower by using unsweetened almond milk as in the recipe, or add protein by using skim milk or unsweetened soy milk. 

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Add 1-2 extra tablespoons of cocoa powder if you love a thick, very chocolatey drink, or keep it at 1 tablespoon for a milder flavor. For sweetness, add sweetener to taste if desired. To make a mocha, stir in a teaspoonful of instant regular or decaf coffee, or to taste.

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Hot cocoa is delicious on its own, or consider serving it with a small healthy snack like a few almonds, some air-popped popcorn, or whole-grain crackers. For a sweet accompaniment that offers a cold contrast, try thinly sliced frozen banana. 

Recipe for Guilt-Free Chocolatey Hot Cocoa

Makes 1 Serving

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other low-calorie milk alternative
• 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder (baking cocoa)
• ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• (Optional) pinch of salt
• (Optional) 1-2 packets of sweetener of your choice (stevia or monk fruit)

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave. When heating the milk, heat it to almost boiling. 
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder until incorporated. 
3. Stir in the vanilla, sweetener of desired, and salt if desired.
4. Serve in a mug.

Nutrition information per serving: 60 calories; 3 grams of fat; 0.5 grams of saturated fat; 150 mg sodium; 4 grams of carbohydrates; 1 gram of dietary fiber; 1 gram of protein

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