8 Ways to Eat Peppermint Right Now

This holiday classic can now be found in all kinds of delicious food and drink. Of course, some of the more decadent goodies have more calories than you think, so enjoy in moderation.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha (pictured at top)
This holiday beverage is back! It’s made with espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha and peppermint-flavored syrup, and it’s topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. Order a tall nonfat drink with whipped cream (hey, it is the holidays!) for 310 calories, 9 grams of fat, 48 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein. If you want to cut back on calories even more, order the short 8-ounce size.

Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark
If you don’t have time to make your own peppermint bark, order this gorgeously packaged one that’s available at Williams-Sonoma online only. The price ranges from $29 to $52.

Fran’s Dark Chocolate Mint Thins
Fran’s mint thins are made with dark chocolate and locally grown peppermint. One serving, four thins, is 96 calories, 7 grams of fat and 9 grams of carbohydrates. A 16-piece box of mint thins costs $10 online; you won’t be disappointed!

McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract
Add a touch of peppermint to cookies, cakes, or even a cup of hot chocolate or joe. It’s an easy way to add a ton of holiday flavor for very few calories.

Coffee-mate Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer
This peppermint-flavored coffee creamer is available only during the holidays, though it isn’t a very healthy choice.

Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Hot Cocoa
This limited-edition cocoa is available only during the holidays. Just mix it with low-fat or nonfat milk and enjoy a cup.

Amoretti Peppermint Syrup
Add peppermint syrup to cocktails, coffee, eggnog and tea. You can also add it to muffin and cookie batters, or use it in a fruit salad. Amoretti’s syrup is GMO- and gluten-free and 32 calories per serving.

Teavana White Chocolate Peppermint Rooibos Tea
This caffeine-free tea has a richly sweet white chocolate flavor with a delightful peppermint finish. It’s available for a limited time and costs $40 per 8-ounce tin. Or you can stop by your local Teavana and order a cup from the to-go counter.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. She is the author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day.

from Healthy Eats – Food Network Healthy Living Blog http://ift.tt/1Q4p5UH