If your morning routine consists of a cup or two of joe, then you really will be ready to rise and shine. It turns out, coffee is more than just a tasty way to start your morning—the sip offers some serious health perks: Studies suggest it’s associated with a decreased risk for Parkinsons disease and type 2 diabetes. Coffee also delivers a shot of energy and can help power you through a workout. Researchers believe it’s the combo of caffeine and antioxidants in the beneficial brew.

But sip strategically! When you start sprinkling in the sugar and pouring in the cream and syrupy add-ins, you can easily get into trouble in the form of loads of extra calories, fat and sugar—or unknown chemicals, in the form of artificial l sweeteners. Here are a few ways to flavor up your morning cup without derailing your diet.

 

 

 

Try This DIY Vanilla “Creamer”

 

Try This DIY Vanilla “Creamer”

Love vanilla creamer? Make your own by whipping up a naturally sweet vanilla “creamer” with no added sugar using this simple two-ingredient recipe.

Low-Cal Coffee Hacks

If your morning routine consists of a cup or two of joe, then you really will be ready to rise and shine. It turns out, coffee is more than just a tasty way to start your morning—the sip offers some serious health perks: Studies suggest it’s associated with a decreased risk for Parkinsons disease and type 2 diabetes. Coffee also delivers a shot of energy and can help power you through a workout. Researchers believe it’s the combo of caffeine and antioxidants in the beneficial brew.

But sip strategically! When you start sprinkling in the sugar and pouring in the cream and syrupy add-ins, you can easily get into trouble in the form of extra calories, fat and sugar—or unknown chemicals, like artificial sweeteners. Here are a few ways to flavor up your morning cup without derailing your diet.

Enjoy Flavored Pods

 

Enjoy Flavored Pods

Try some of the no-sugar-added flavored coffee beans or single serving pods, like vanilla, mocha, and hazelnut. There are a ton of great brands that offer delicious flavors without any added sugar (real or fake). And of course, they’re super convenient—simply make and toss!

Go for Cocoa


Go for Cocoa

Sprinkle some cocoa powder right into your cup (add a teaspoon of sugar, too, if you want). Not only will you enjoy a delicious chocolate-flavored coffee, but you’ll also score some of the perks of cocoa flavanols—specifically, the heart-health benefits of improved blood flow.

Spice up Your Cup


Spice up Your Cup

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon right into your cup. A little (calorie-free) spice is nice. (You can also combine cocoa powder and a dash of cinnamon for a Mexican blend.)

Or try a sprinkle of nutmeg added right to your cup. It’s a quick and calorie-free way to add extra flavoring and a festive feel.

Another option: Add a dash of cayenne (warning: start sparingly!) to your coffee grounds before brewing. It can help slightly rev metabolism and perk you up in the morning. This gives new meaning to “hot” coffee!

Make Your Own Iced Coffee

Make Your Own Iced Coffee

Whip up your own iced coffee by combining brewed coffee with a splash of milk (keep calories low by using skim or one percent cow’s milk, lite coconut or unsweetened vanilla almond milk), 1 teaspoon of sugar and a couple of ice cubes. Simple, slimming and certainly less expensive than a coffee shop!

Whip up a Smoothie

Whip up a Smoothie

Blend up a coffee smoothie…with a mocha twist. Toss brewed coffee, a splash of skim or low-fat milk (or milk alternative) and a squirt of chocolate syrup into a blender. You’ll be slurping up just about 70 calories compared to almost 300+ calories from coffee shop frappuccinos. You can also add a small drop of mint extract for a chocolatey mint flavor—yum!

Tame the Caffeine

 

Tame the Caffeine

For a mid-afternoon jolt that won’t keep you up all night, combine regular coffee with decaf (you can do a 50-50 mixture).

Create Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice Latte

 

Create Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte

Make your own pumpkin spice latte whenever you’re in the mood—why wait until the fall to enjoy this beloved beverage? Combine ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup skim milk, 1 cup brewed coffee, 1 teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for a DIY pumpkin spice latte. You’ll transform your coffee into festive holiday bevvy.

Add a Little Flair

Add a Little Flair

Top your coffee with a squirt of aerated whipped cream. For a mere 15 cals per squirt, you’ll give your cup a more decadent, splurge-worthy feel.

Freeze It

 

Freeze It

Freeze leftover coffee for future iced creations. Instead of tossing your old coffee, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Add a few “coffee cubes” to your next cup of java to create iced coffee that’s not watered down. You can even add spices or flavorings liked cinnamon or cocoa powder before freezing for extra zing.

Mix in Some Powdered Peanut Butter

 

Mix in Some Powdered Peanut Butter

Power up your coffee with peanutty protein. Mix in 2 tablespoons of “powdered peanut butter” to your hot mug of coffee—it’s just 45 calories and delivers 5 grams of satiating protein (and some fiber, too). Powdered peanut butter is simply ground peanuts with the fat removed, so you can enjoy more of it for less fat—score!