A few nights ago, we had some friends over to celebrate Christmas. Because no party is complete without something yummy, I made a big batch of crock pot hot chocolate- complete with chocolate chips, whole milk, condensed milk and heavy cream, in all its rich glory.

I had about 2 sips before I started to feel sick. And for the next 24 hours, I continued to feel sick. I honestly don't even want to know how much sugar I consumed in just a couple of gulps. It was yummy, and I'm all about some decadent indulging occasionally, but this one just wasn't worth it.

So last night I decided to hack the hot coco and make a healthy holiday cup. It satisfied my need for sweetness and kept me full for a couple hours.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup almond milk  |  1/4 cup coconut milk  |  1 scoop vital proteins collagen peptides  |  1/2 tbsp cacao powder  |  1 tsp vanilla extract  |  1 tsp raw agave  |  2 or 3 drops of peppermint oil

Start with the almond milk and coconut milk.

Heat- in the microwave or on the stove.

Add the collagen peptides. This stuff is the bomb and will actually dissolve in water, so stir well until it fully mixes.

Add the cacao powder. It's important that you use cacao instead of cocoa, the pure form of chocolate without the added sugar.

And just a smidge of vanilla extract.

Next, add a sweetener of your choice. I added about 1 tsp of raw agave.

Finally, a few drops of peppermint.

Blend well in the blender to make it nice and frothy.

Pour it in your favorite holiday mug and enjoy!

It might not be your rich, decadent childhood cup of hot cocoa, but it's a still a cup of warm Christmas goodness! The best part? It's only got 4 grams of sugar and it's loaded with cell-building protein, healthy fats, and antioxidant rich cacao that will leave you feeling great!

Curl up with a blanket, put on a Christmas movie, and enjoy your healthy cup of holiday cheer!

xoxo, mollie