Yes, I realize it is getting cold…
…but it’s hot after I come in from running!
A couple of weeks ago I posted about Peet’s coffee (and how to help a hangover). I’m still enjoying the samples they sent and used it in this coffee treat. I brewed mine strong and added a bit of cinnamon. Then turned it into a frappuccino frozen coffee beverage.
Most recently, I enjoyed it in a Pumpkin Frappuccino.
People clamor to a certain coffee chain every fall for their Pumpkin Latte, but have you seen the nutrition info on those drinks? The sugar content (38g in a tall… that equals 9.5 teaspoons!!!) is so high that you would be better off drinking a Coca-Cola (28 g in a 8.5 oz).
Source: blasphemousandoffensive.wordpress.com
My pumpkin frapp? Sugar free, my friends.
The holiday season means an increase in sugary baked goodies. This pumpkin frapp is one way to save yourself some unnecessary sugar so you can have another cookie.
Not a coffee drinker? Still tempted by treats? Here are a few other ways to help.
Keep Your Sweet Tooth in Check:
- Eat regular meals with healthy amounts of protein and “good” fat. This will keep you full longer so you’re less tempted to snack on treats.
- Bring your own baked goods (BYOBG) to parties. Use sugar alternatives in your treats (Stevia, Xylitol, bananas, pumpkin, dates, etc), or simply offer to bring a vegetable dish to ensure there is something healthy to nosh on.
- Brush your teeth or pop a piece of gum when you are done. That refreshing minty taste signals to your body the meal has ended.
- Drink LOTS of water. It makes you feel full and helps flush the junk out when you do indulge (you know we all will at least once).
- Don’t deprive yourself. It will drive you crazy and can lead to over-eating. Have tastes of “worthy” food items. For me, worthy = homemade chocolate cake. I’ll have a slice of that and pass on the grocery store cookies my lazy co-workers bring to the potluck.
Remember: the more sugar you eat, the more you crave it. Try not to sugar-up in the morning and it will be easier to turn it down throughout the day.
Try these Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins for breakfast – only 5 g of sugar and they pair well with a certain frapp. 
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Pumpkin Latte Frappuccino
- 1/4 C pumpkin puree
- 1/2 C coffee (chilled)
- 1/4 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 handful spinach (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4-1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 4-5 drop vanilla stevia (or sweetener of choice)
- Shake of salt
- Ice + water, to taste
Put all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Top with cinnamon and nutmeg… maybe a little whip if you have it. Enjoy!
***
This weekend I’m going on my last (and first) long run before the Thanksgiving Half. #nervous
What are you up to this weekend? Anyone running races?
How do you keep holiday (over) eating in check? I’d love to hear your ideas!
27 comments
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Lee
November 11, 2011 at 8:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I made homemade frappuchinos this week too!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat
November 11, 2011 at 9:23 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s too cold for Frappuccinos for my taste, but I “splurge” at Starbucks with a brewed coffee with one pump of the pumpkin flavor – only 30ish calories instead of the alarming total in latte.
Happy weekend! <3
Laura
November 13, 2011 at 9:30 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Good idea adding just one pump of the pump!
Allie
November 11, 2011 at 9:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
AH.. I totally am STILL drinking iced coffee even though it is snowing right now in Pittsburgh hahaha. Good times! But really.. i’m sweating when I come back from a run… makes me in the mood for pumpkin frap’s! It sounds delicious
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family
November 11, 2011 at 9:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yours is so much more nutritious as I am quite certain spinach is never an ingredient at Starbucks.
Plus who doesn’t want save some green by making their own beverages
Happy Friday Laura!
Laura
November 13, 2011 at 9:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ha – I’m going to start a campaign for Starbuck to start offering spinach as an add-in.
Tanveer
November 24, 2011 at 12:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Please do!! I love this recipe.
http://mystarbucksidea.force.com/
Laura
November 24, 2011 at 3:29 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is awesome! Making a laundry list of suggestions now. Thanks!!!
Hope you are doing well!
Lisa ♥ Healthful Sense
November 11, 2011 at 10:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I still have yet to make a pumpkin latte… u just inspired me to make one though!! Perfect on this chilly cloudy morning =)
Hayley @ Oat Couture
November 11, 2011 at 11:43 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thats so true about not eating sugar in the mornings. Sometimes I do, shameful I know! Then I always have a terrible day of eats. Sooo not worth it! This post reeeeeaally makes me miss drinking coffee as well btw… Would kill for a big mug of hot coffee right now but I don’t think I would ever sleep again! In fact maybe thats just what my study routine is missing!
Parsley Sage
November 11, 2011 at 12:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sugar free GENIUS! That looks incredible
I love the accusing straw that’s pointed at the camera too
Laura
November 13, 2011 at 9:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that you called it an accusing straw. Lovely description.
veronica gantley
November 11, 2011 at 1:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a great idea! The pumpkin puree made it creamy? Sorry, i will skip the spinach. I am so glad it was optional. This way I dont have to derail my diet. Thanks for sharing
Laura
November 13, 2011 at 9:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The puree does make it creamy. If you want it even creamier, add half a banana. As far as the spinach… I PROMISE you can’t taste it.
Amalia
November 11, 2011 at 1:57 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This looks awesome, your pictures really do it justice! And 9 1/2 teaspoons of sugar?? You’re kidding me! That’s insane…I’m never drinking one of those! Thanks for the sugar free deliciousness
Laura
November 13, 2011 at 9:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Scary, right?!
Christin@purplebirdblog
November 11, 2011 at 2:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m definitely a sucker for the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, but I always ask for less syrup pumps than normal. This looks incredible!!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
November 11, 2011 at 3:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohhh, hiding a little spinach in your frapp. good idea.
Ruth Reynoso-Sance
November 11, 2011 at 3:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great tips!! I will definitely need them this season!
Cupcake Kat
November 11, 2011 at 4:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
wow that’s a lot of sugar for one drink! I didn’t event think it was that sweet last time I had it. Next time I’ll ask for less syrup or just make my own
Caroline
November 11, 2011 at 4:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum, this sounds delicious! Adding spinach is always such a great idea, because the flavor is masked by the other ingredients.
Laura
November 13, 2011 at 9:36 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Agreed! No one believes me when I tell them you can’t taste it.
STUFT Mama
November 11, 2011 at 7:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Loving the tips to avoid consuming too much sugar.
Last race with that darn double stroller!
My Magic Bullet cup are not as photogenic as yours.
The boys and I are racign a hlaf marathon Sunday!!! Yikes!!!!!!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
November 11, 2011 at 8:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I will do a couple of the Starbucks drinks but otherwise I don’t want all the extra sugar. Definitely prefer to find other ways to get in things I enjoy. This sounds perfect.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)
November 11, 2011 at 8:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Smart suggestions on curbing the impulse to over indulge during the tasty season! Food is definitely an addiction, so be careful when you start. I agree on taking things to parties that are safer to eat or at least so you know there are healthier choices to balance things out. This frap sounds perfect! YUM!
Hotly Spiced
November 13, 2011 at 4:54 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Here in Sydney we’re just coming in to the frappe season. Your recipe sounds great.
Laura
November 13, 2011 at 9:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohhhh… good point! I need to take my frapp to Australia.
Gobbling Up 13.1 | Sprint 2 the Table
November 24, 2011 at 6:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] Click here for a few tips on keeping the gluttony under control… and an idea for using some of that leftover pumpkin puree. [...]