by Denise Barcelo

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2008

Brrr . . . there's a chill in the air! Winter is coming, and what's better than curling up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa? Healthier versions, that's what! Here are some healthy drinks to help stave off the winter cold, and maybe even winter colds!

1. Hot Chocolate-but not the powder-in-a-packet, or milk from a cow with chocolate added. Heat up some chocolate soy milk! It's a healthier alternative to dairy, is all-natural, and usually organic. Soy milk is available just about everywhere now, so you don't have to search for a health food store, just a grocery store. (My favorite chocolate soy milks are Silk and 8th Continent.) You can even throw in a candy cane stirrer, if you'd like, or a sprinkle of cinnamon! Once you try it, you won't miss the lactose, fat, and animal protein from dairy milk. Soy also contains isoflavones, beneficial to heart health, high cholesterol levels, and hormone balance.

2. "Coffee" Drinks-Don't want to give up your daily gourmet coffee drink, but trying to give up java? Try carob coffee instead! No caffeine, these "instant coffees" taste like coffee (pretty much) and can be personalized with your own add-ins, such as sweeteners and flavorings. Are you a chocoholic? Drop in some carob chips, too. They taste like chocolate! Check the gourmet section of the supermarket, or your local health food store.

3. Herbal "Tea"-No, not the bitter, leave-a-bad-taste-in-your-mouth versions of long ago. Today you can find almost any flavor of herbal tea imaginable (FYI-these technically aren't even "tea"; they're herbs). Get the old standby, chamomile, or be a little more adventurous with something more exotic like kava kava. To make things easier, you can choose your "tea" by a specific benefit it provides, such as for colds and flu, stress, tension, appetite suppressent, detox, etc. (Because herbs are nature's medicines, be sure to read the labels before trying in case there are any warnings or contraindications.) There's a drink for every mood!

4. Green Tea-there are sooooo many different varieties of green tea available now! Caffeinated, decaf, flavored, unflavored, with added herbs-the list goes on. Brew up a cup and drink with sugar, honey, lemon, milk, cream, soy milk, or plain. You'll also be getting the health benefits that green tea naturally provide. Studies suggest that those who drink green tea regularly have a lower risk of cancer and heart disease, and it is a main ingreient in many diet products because of its fat-burning properties.

5. White Tea-Have you tried this yet? Similiar to green tea, but even less-processed, white tea is made from the "young" tea leaves, and are believed to contain lower levels of caffeine than green tea. White tea also contains more anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities than green tea.

6. Black Tea-Not adventurous enough to switch to soy, carob, or herbs? Alright, alright-get some black tea. Yeah, black tea. The one you're used to, you old stick-in-the-mud! Though more processed than white or green teas, black tea is still rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxident. You can get regular or decaffieinated versions, flavored or unflavored, and warm up your insides.

So, grab that hot mug and curl up in front of the fire with a better winter drink, whether it's from a soy bean or a flower! You're certain to find a few you like, and it sure beats a 900 calorie gourmet coffee drink, doesn't it?

Learn more about this author, Denise Barcelo.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.