Trying to Cut Back on Sugar and Cream? Check Out This Trick!

Try adding this homemade Spiced Chai Coffee Blend to your coffee grounds in the morning!

Have you been struggling to cut back on the amount of cream and sugar you add to your cup of joe every morning? You are not alone. Many people are accustomed to adding so much to their coffee that by the time they are done their coffee isn't really coffee anymore.

One thing is for sure, sugars quickly add up! They can seriously impact your weight loss efforts and keep you from achieving a healthy lifestyle. One of the first places I advise my clients to look when cutting out added sugars is in their beverages. That late afternoon swing by your favorite coffee shop can be dangerous. Let's take a look at Starbuck's 16-Oz. Caramel Macchiato. This coffee beverage has 33 grams of sugar, according to the nutrition information available on the Starbuck's website. If we do the math that is equal to 8.25 teaspoons of sugar or 132 calories. The American Heart Association advises that American women consume no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day. Drink this Starbuck's coffee and you've already exceeded the recommended amount by 2 teaspoons on just one item!

So, what's a coffee lover to do? You can dramatically decrease the need for added sugars by keeping your cup interesting. My favorite way to do this is to add flavor directly to my coffee grounds before I press "start" on the coffee machine! Some days feel like cinnamon days and other's feel a bit more spicy! Try adding pumpkin spice for a fun twist or modifying this Chai Spice Blend per your taste buds! If you need a little sweetness beyond the spice in the grounds, try adding a bit of pure vanilla extract. If you need cream, try adding unsweetened coconut or almond milk. Make it your own, but don't make it loaded with sugar!

Spiced Chai Coffee Blend

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp cardamom

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Directions:

1. Add ground spices directly to the ground in your coffee pot before brewing

2. Add 10-12 cups water

3. Enjoy black or with a splash of cream