September is here and inside I am doing a happy dance.
September means Fall is coming. Cooler weather will be upon us shortly (See ya next year 100 degree summer days!) and with that brings my favorite time of year.
Anyone who knows me knows I looooove a good pumpkin spice latte. I celebrate every time PSL season rolls around because it’s my absolute favorite coffee flavor. Maybe it’s my favorite flavor since this sacred coffee blend only makes an appearance for a very short and specific time. Or maybe it’s just my favorite and I would likely drink it all year long if it were available to me. I don’t stock pile it during the Fall so I can have it throughout the year…. Although as I type that last sentence, I think I may have just had my most brilliant idea ever! Lookout local grocers! I’m coming for your stock!
To be honest, I am not a fan of the most famous pumpkin spice cup. Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte is not good. I’ll wait why you scream at me for having such an awful opinion. But I just do not like it. I have not had a Starbuck’s PSL in years, so maybe it’s different now, although I doubt it, but I just don’t love the flavor. It’s too… spicy? I don’t know. It’s not something I can put my finger on, I’m just not a Starbuck’s PSL gal. I am a fan of Dunkin’s Pumpkin Spice Latte, possibly another unpopular opinion…. I’m full of them today! But perhaps the best Pumpkin Spice Latte I’ve ever had award goes to a local, mom and pop coffee shop, Krazy Kup. But unless you live in central Florida, you’re probably never going to experience that one for yourself. But seriously…. it’s dreamy!
When I transitioned to a Paleo-style diet a couple of years ago and started paying more attention to what I was putting into my body, I realized I did not really know what was in those PSLs that came from a coffee shop. I also realized all those pumpkin flavored coffees at the grocery store contained artificial flavors. “Artificial flavors”=chemicals. Anytime you see this moniker on an ingredients list, very slowly set the food back on the shelf and run in the opposite direction. Seriously. It may taste good, but those chemicals are reeking havoc on your system.
So what’s a Pumpkin Spice loving girl to do? My love for the PSL is strong, so I came up with my own Pumpkin Spice coffee treat. And it is a treat! I’m not a chef or by any means a recipe creator, so I was pretty pleased with myself when this little concoction turned out not drinkable, but good!
So if you are like me and you are trying to cut the crap out of your diet, I present to you my Paleo Pumpkin Spice Coffee:
Paleo Pumpkin Spice Coffee
- 8oz of Organic Coffee (100% coffee, no natural or artificial flavors)
- Liquid Stevia– 2 drops (4 if you like your coffee on the sweeter side, but you don’t need much)
- Collagen Peptides– 1 scoop (look for grass fed or pasture raised)
- French Vanilla Nut Pods Coffee Creamer– (1-2 TBSP or to taste)
- Dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Dash of Cinnamon
Pour the coffee into your mug. Add the French Vanilla Nut Pods Creamer, Liquid Stevia, and Collagen Peptides. Sprinkle a dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice and Cinnamon on the top of your coffee and mix together. I love to use my electric milk frother to blend everything together. Plus it adds a fancy barista feel.
As for the ingredients, you do not have to use these exact brands. These are brands I personally use and like, but feel free to experiment. You may come up with something you like even better! If you do alter the recipe, use organic ingredients whenever possible. I cannot stress enough the importance of pure foods and putting fewer chemicals into your body. All of the ingredients linked are organic or non-GMO (genetically modified organism) which means they are better for you. And if you are wondering about the collagen peptides, I recommend adding this in for a few reasons. Collagen peptides are proteins that can aide in skin, hair and nail health. Collagen peptides are also believed relieve joint pain and help heal leaky gut. They are tasteless and dissolve into any beverage so they can be an easy and beneficial addition to your health care regiment.
Linked products are not affiliated with Thriving on Ashes. They are great products that I love and recommend.
*DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or medical professional. I am not licensed, nor qualified, to give medical or nutritional advice. My posts are not meant to diagnose or treat. They are meant to be informative. I am sharing my experience as someone who has suffered with and continues to live with autoimmune disease. Please consult with a doctor, nutritionist or medical professional for any medical needs and/or questions.*
