Are you nostalgic for the taste and comfort of hot chocolate on a chilly winter day? Good news! You can enjoy hot cocoa on all Phases of the South Beach Diet.
Most traditional cocoa mixes contain a lot of added sugar, so be sure to choose a mix that is unsweetened and ideally made with dark chocolate. Also, opt for a hot chocolate mix that is trans-fat-free; be sure to check the label before purchasing.
When made with water, you can count hot cocoa toward your daily Sweet Treat allotment of 75 to 100 calories. Another option is to mix your hot cocoa using unsweetened cocoa powder, fat-free or 1% milk, and artificial sweetener. In this case, it counts as both a Sweet Treat and a serving of dairy.
If hot cocoa is not your thing, but you're looking for a warm drink with a little more pizzazz than regular tea or coffee, try a cup of chai tea. Remember to choose a brand without added sugar or honey (chai tea bags are usually best), and enjoy the chai with a touch of fat-free or 1% milk, or low-fat plain or artificially sweetened soymilk.
