I love my Hemp milk Latte! This mug of lusciousness is from Frothy Monkey, a big favorite on my coffeehouse list and conveniently in my neighborhood. Not being a big milk fan myself –I don’t really like it, milk products have never suited my tummy well, and plus as a health and nutrition coach I see no nutritional need to drink it—I’ve experimented with a lot of alternative milks. I use them when I’m having my granola and also as a substitute in my coffee drinks. Hemp Milk is by far the most satisfying of all I’ve tried (unless it’s whole organic coconut milk in the non-bpa can—yummy!) and I promise it won’t make you high--ha! Avoid the sugar-added ones though—or better yet, you can make your own! Do you want to know 3 reasons why you should consider this nutritious milk alternative?
Reason 1: Hemp Milk tends to have a thicker consistency than other milk alternatives, so it really holds up when you froth it—which is a big plus! I’m not sure why more coffeehouses don’t offer this choice of milk but take your own in a mason jar and ask if they’ll steam it up for you!
Reason 2: It’s good for you! Hemp seeds are rich in the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid ALA and we know how good these essential fatty acids are. By the way, “essential” means just that-- they’re really important and our bodies don't produce them—they come from what we put in our mouths! Research shows that getting enough Omega-3 fatty acids each day can help keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check, nourish your brain and joints and help you stay more emotionally and mentally balanced and healthy.
Reason 3: If you’re lactose intolerant, making you feel very uncomfortable and bloated when ingesting milk products, you really have to find an alternative that you like, one that’s REAL and delish! So experiment around, check out ingredients (always!) and try to avoid ones with added sugar, but DO try hemp milk!
Bonus!: It’s so easy to make your own. And you can follow this recipe below for any nut (almond, cashew) or seed milk, being in control of the sweetness and flavor—plus, homemade is always healthier because it’s fresher!
1 cup hemp seeds
2 cups water
2 tsp ground vanilla bean or vanilla extract
Cheesecloth for straining
Throw all in the blender for 2 mins—you could also use a Vitamix or food processor. Lay a mesh strainer across a big bowl and put cheesecloth over that. Pour the milk slowly into cheesecloth/strainer—and give the cloth a little extra squeeze to get all that goodness out. Store in glass jar in your frig.
I love to try to be non- wasteful and budget-savvy, so while there really won’t be much left after you strain the hemp seeds, if you’re making almond milk instead there will be-- so here are some good ideas for that: Lightly bake until dry (or put in dehydrator) and use in any recipe calling for almond flour. Store in airtight jar. Use on it's own as a scrub or combine with other lovely and skin-smoothing ingredients. Check out this Almond Face Scrub!
Hope you enjoy making some new culinary discoveries. And remember, Life is just Better when You're the CEO in charge of YOU and your health!
Be Well-- Carol
Enjoy my newest e-newsletter, Bring it On! My Holiday Thriving Tips (yes, you can have a wonderful holiday season and stay fit and well!) And you'll find some nifty holiday specials there too!
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