As the summer sun mellows and the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, we find ourselves transitioning into the beautiful season of fall. This time of year brings about a cozy ambiance filled with crisp air, rustic landscapes, and a plethora of seasonal flavors. One of the joys of autumn is indulging in a variety of comforting fall beverages that warm the soul and tickle the taste buds. While many fall beverages tend to lean towards the sweeter and caloric side, there are also healthier options that can complement your weight loss goals during this season.
We spoke with Megan Byrd, RD, to learn about the one fall beverage you can drink this season to continue with your weight loss journey, while also indulging in seasonal drinks. Byrd revealed that chai tea is the perfect beverage to try this season for faster weight loss.
Chai Tea
Chai tea, a popular beverage originating from India, is a flavorful blend of black tea and a variety of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Beyond its enticing taste and comforting aroma, chai tea has been associated with potential benefits for weight loss.
The spices in chai, particularly ginger and cinnamon, may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing cravings for sugary snacks.
"My number one hot fall beverage I recommend to people trying to lose weight is chai tea! Not only does it have caffeine which can help boost your metabolism, but it also has all those fall spices that make it a truly delicious fall drink! It's also very low in calories, and has been shown to temporarily reduce hunger, reduce blood sugar, and promote healthy digestion," Byrd noted.
Incorporating chai into a balanced diet and active lifestyle may contribute to better weight management and overall well-being instead of the usual sugar-laden fall drinks.
Chai Tea Recipe
Making chai tea is a simple, tasty, and enjoyable experience that delights the senses in more ways than one. Byrd shared her simple and quick 'dirty chai' recipe and you'll need just 5 ingredients: espresso, chai concentrate (found in tea and coffee aisle), milk, vanilla syrup, chai spice.
Hot Chai Tea:
Step 1: Heat the Chai Concentrate in a large coffee mug in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir in the brewed espresso and set aside.
Step 2: Heat & Froth Milk. Add the milk and vanilla syrup to a microwave-safe glass jar or measuring cup. Stir, then heat in the microwave to be about 200℉/93℃, steaming but not boiling. Froth the warm milk with a milk frother.
Step 3: Assemble. Pour the milk over the chai/espresso mixture in your mug, then top with chai spices. Drink up!
