Drinks

Bulletproof Chai Tea

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This bulletproof chai tea recipe uses chai tea bags, butter or ghee, and coconut or MCT oil to add a dose of healthy fats to your day without any coffee. 

chai tea bulletproof

I first started making bulletproof coffee because it really just tasted delicious.  But honestly anything with butter in it tastes good to me. 

As a new mom, my first meal of the day doesn’t always come so easy. I usually make a cup of coffee and nurse that until I finally have a break to make a meal.  However, when you make something bulletproof (explained below) that morning drink could be a meal in itself that is filling and full of healthy fats.

However I don’t always want coffee . . .

It’s true!  Ever since I went full decaf in the last few months of my pregnancy, I don’t actually NEED coffee and could go without it. So I started using brewed chai tea to make a bulletproof chai tea and it is a delicious alternative. 

What is Bulletproof Coffee?

Bulletproof coffee was invented by Dave Asprey who wrote the bulletproof diet which emphasizes high fat and low carbohydrate eating.  This diet brought about the bulletproof coffee craze in which you blend your morning coffee with a tablespoon of grassfed butter and a tablespoon of MCT oil (coconut oil).  

Since fats are digested slower than protein or carbohydrates, it also digests the caffeine slower making your energy last longer throughout the morning and setting you up for a day of high fat and low carb or keto eating. 

Since this craze started, there are many ways to make something bulletproof.  For instance I also add some collagen to my bulletproof chai tea, iced matcha or peppermint hot chocolate to add protein to my morning. 

What is the difference between MCT Oil and Coconut Oil?

Both are made from coconut, but MCT or medium chain triglycerides are derived from coconut oil and have been shown to go right from the gut to the liver making it a good energy source for the body.

Coconut oil is made up of 50% MCT oil.  

Sometimes I purchase MCT oil, but I usually just use organic coconut oil instead. 

Is Bulletproof Coffee Healthy?

It’s all relative to your body and what type of eating you do. I believe that Bulletproof coffee is healthy for those that are consuming a diet that supports high fat intake and low carbohydrates that are able to tolerate it.  

If you’re wanting to try it, try making a bulletproof beverage with half the amount of butter and coconut oil and see how you like it or what it feels like throughout the day. You could always add more.

What Kind of Chai Tea For Bulletproof Chai Tea?

This is all personal preference! Not all chai tea is created equal.  Some have a light warming flavor and some have a strong spicy peppery flavor.  A good neutral option is the chai tea from Trader Joe’s or this one from Tazo. 

How To Make Bulletproof Chai Tea: 

  • Prepare chai tea as instructed on box. This recipe works best with a strong brew using 1-2 bags per 8-10 oz.
  • Add hot brewed chai tea into a high speed blender along with butter, coconut oil and a small pinch of sea salt.
  • Blend on high until all ingredients are mixed and tea is frothy.
  • Serve hot.

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bulletproof chai tea

 

Bulletproof Chai Tea

Bulletproof Chai Tea

Yield: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This bulletproof chai tea recipe uses chai tea bags, butter or ghee, and coconut or MCT oil to add a dose of healthy fats to your day without any coffee. 

Ingredients

  • 1-2 bags Chai Tea
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 1 tbsp Grassfed Butter or Ghee
  • 1 small pinch Sea Salt
  • 10 oz Boiling Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare chai tea as instructed on box. This recipe works best with a strong brew using 1-2 bags per 8-10 oz.
  2. Add hot brewed chai tea into a high speed blender along with butter, coconut oil and a small pinch of sea salt.
  3. Blend on high until all ingredients are mixed and tea is frothy.
  4. Serve hot.

Notes

This is a high fat and high calorie beverage. Feel free to half the amount of coconut oil and butter to make it less calorie dense.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173 Total Fat: 19g Saturated Fat: 13g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 32mg Sodium: 119mg Carbohydrates: 1g Net Carbohydrates: 0g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 0g Sugar Alcohols: 0g Protein: 0g
It is the reader's responsibility to determine the value and quality of any recipe or instructions provided for food preparation and to determine the nutritional value, if any, and safety of the preparation instructions.
© Valerie Skinner | Thyme and JOY
Cuisine: american / Category: Drinks
This bulletproof chai tea recipe uses chai tea bags, butter or ghee, and coconut or MCT oil to add a dose of healthy fats to your day without any coffee.  #keto #chaitea #bulletprooftea

Easy Watermelon Lemonade Recipe | No Juicer Needed

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This easy watermelon lemonade recipe is perfect for summer for hydration and to use up leftover watermelon from your summer parties.  No juicer is needed to make this refreshing beverage. 

watermelon lemonade

Ever since my obsession with sprinkling sea salt on watermelon, there is rarely a day in my fridge during the summer where I don’t have some watermelon chopped up for snacks. 

Problem is, my husband is allergic to watermelon and I almost always refuse to buy pre-cut fruit because it’s too expensive. 

Luckily, I learned how to make watermelon lemonade back in our restaurant and juice bar.  The best part is, you don’t even NEED a juicer to make this hydrating and refreshing treat. 

How To Make Watermelon Juice Without A Juicer:

To make about 4 cups of watermelon juice without a juicer:

  1. Add 6 cups of cubed watermelon to a blender.
  2. Blend watermelon until a fully pulverized liquid is formed. 
  3. Using a strainer or nut milk bag strain juice through into a pitcher to remove any pulp or impurities. 
  4. Chill watermelon juice in closed pitcher or mason jars for up to 5 days.

To make lemon juice for watermelon lemonade, you can use a traditional juicer (peel lemon skin off first) or you can use a regular hand held citrus juicer.

How Much Lemon Juice Comes From One Lemon:

  • An average sized ripe lemon will produce about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice and about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. 
  • The amount of juice that comes from a lemon will vary by the lemon size and ripeness.  When picking out a lemon, make sure the lemon is a deep yellow and feels heavy for it’s size. 

Do I Need To Sweeten Watermelon Lemonade?

Personally I don’t like to add any additional sweetener to my watermelon lemonade as watermelon by itself is sweet enough for me.

However, most people do prefer their lemonade to have more sweetness.  If you would like to sweeten your watermelon lemonade in this recipe, try adding any of these options:

Make sure you taste your lemonade as all sweeteners have a different taste and level of sweetness to them. 

Watermelon Alcoholic Drinks:

You can turn your watermelon lemonade into an alcoholic drink or cocktail with these simple changes:

  • Spiked Watermelon Lemonade: Add one cup vodka to recipe
  • Watermelon Lemonade Margarita: Add one cup tequila and 1/2 cup triple sec to recipe
  • Watermelon Mojito: Replace lemon juice with lime juice, add 25 mint leaves and 1 cup white rum to recipe
  • Watermelon Lemonade Mocktail: In place of water, add plain or flavored sparkling water to recipe

How To Make Watermelon Lemonade:

  1. Add cubed watermelon to blender and blend until pulverized.
  2. Strain pulp out of watermelon juice into a pitcher.
  3. Add fresh lemon juice, water and one pinch of sea salt.
  4. Serve cold and store leftover watermelon lemonade in covered pitchers or mason jars for up to 5 days. 

Also Check Out:

Watermelon Lemonade

watermelon lemonade

Easy Watermelon Lemonade

Easy Watermelon Lemonade

Yield: 4 servings (6 cups)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This easy watermelon lemonade recipe is perfect for summer for hydration and to use up leftover watermelon from your summer parties.  No juicer is needed to make this refreshing beverage. 

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Fresh Cubed Watermelon
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt
  • 2 cups Water
  • OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar or other sweetener

Instructions

  1. Add cubed watermelon to blender and blend until pulverized.
  2. Strain pulp out of watermelon juice into a pitcher.
  3. Add fresh lemon juice, water, sea salt and sweetener and stir until fully combined.
  4. Serve cold and store leftover watermelon lemonade in covered pitchers or mason jars for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 148
It is the reader's responsibility to determine the value and quality of any recipe or instructions provided for food preparation and to determine the nutritional value, if any, and safety of the preparation instructions.
© Thyme and JOY
Category: drinks, cocktails, mocktails
This easy watermelon lemonade recipe is perfect for summer for hydration and to use up leftover watermelon from your summer parties.  No juicer is needed to make this refreshing beverage. #summerrecipes #watermelon #watermelonlemonade

Valerie Skinner is a Whole30 approved personal chef & recipe developer that bridges the gap between healthy eating and busy lives by providing simple healthy meals and recipes for you and your family.Charleston Personal Chef Thyme and JOY

Thyme and JOY is a parnter with the Whole30 Approved program. For more information about the Whole30 reset and Personal chef services in Charleston check out these links:

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Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe | Apple Pie Flavor

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This apple cider vinegar shot recipe tastes just like apple pie and takes the sting out of consuming apple cider vinegar.  Simply mix ingredients and take a daily ACV shot to increase digestion and overall health. 

3 apple cider vinegar shots on a table with cinnamon and apple

There are so many foods out there that are so good for us that just taste SO BAD!  Apple cider vinegar is one of those drinks that has incredible benefits if taken daily but man, it sucks to get down  . . . am I right? 

My dilemma is this:  When the ACV is dilluted by a lot of liquid, it is easier to manage but who wants to drink an entire glass of faint tasting vinegar? 

I have found a way to make this tolerable by creating this apple cider vinegar shot recipe that tastes like apple pie.  There are hints of cinnamon, vanilla and apple juice mixed in with the apple cider vinegar in shot form so yo can get it all done in one . . . shot. heh . . .

What are Apple Cider Vinegar Shots?

Apple Cider Vinegar Shots are a quick 1-2 ounce shot of flavored liquid plus a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar meant to be taken quickly.  Not only will the vinegar be diluted by other liquid and flavors, but it will not touch your teeth which can get damaged in the presence of vinegar. 

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

So why would you even want to consume Apple Cider Vinegar?  There are so many benefits to taking this healing elixir including:

  • Lowers Blood Sugar
  • Kills Harmful Bacteria
  • Boosts Digestion: by supporting healthy gut bacteria and stomach acid production
  • Helps Lower Cholesterol
  • Helps Tame Seasonal Allergies
  • Gets Rid of Dandruff: when applied topically  

How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar Shots:

Since this elixer can be stored in the fridge, this recipe makes 4 2oz apple cider vinegar shots:

  1. Add 4 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to a 16 oz mason jar. 
  2. Add in 2 oz Apple Juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, stevia OR just use vanilla flavored stevia. 
  3. Put lid on mason jar and shake until all ingredients are combined.  It does take a couple hours for cinnamon to fully dissolve into the liquid, so don’t be worried if it all stays on top at first. 
  4. Pour a 1.5-2 oz shot and enjoy!

Apple cider vinegar shot recipe will last up to one month in fridge in sealed container. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What Kind of Apple Cider Vinegar Should I Use?

The most popular brand of apple cider vinegar is the Bragg’s kind with the mother. For a while, this was the only kind that I saw in stores until ACV gained popularity.  

The healthiest kind of apple cider vinegar to buy is organic with the mother.  The mother is the beneficial bacteria that is used to culture the ACV.  This is similar to a SCOBY with kombucha.  These cultures are what makes apple cider vinegar so powerful so be sure you are buying one where it is NOT filtered out! 

Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar | Organic with The Mother

Dynamic Health Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with The Mother

When Should I Drink This ACV Shot?

This is a question that could only be answered by trial and error.  Some people have trouble tolerating ACV on an empty stomach and others like taking it on an empty stomach because they feel it kick starts their digestion which is known to be true!

My favorite time to take ACV shots that work for me is about 30 minutes after my first meal. This way my food has already begun digesting so there isn’t nothing in my stomach BUT there’s also not a full days worth of food to compete with.  That way, I don’t get a stomach ache but I also have the benefits of digestion for the rest of the day. 

Experiment and see what works for you! 

3 apple cider vinegar shots with cinnamon and apple

Can’t I Just Take Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements or Pills?

Apple cider vinegar pills are a great alternative for those who truly can’t stand stomaching the liquid.  Although these can carry some of the benefits that liquid apple cider vinegar can, it’s missing a key component. 

Once something becomes freeze dried for pill consumption, it’s likely that any of the key bacteria from the mother is no longer a live product.  I believe that this is the biggest benefit to consuming raw ACV in liquid form and why it is so powerful.  

Still, I agree that something is better than nothing and it can’t hurt to take an apple cider vinegar supplement. 

Popular Apple Cider Vinegar Pills:

Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe | Apple Pie Flavor

3 Apple cider vinegar shots with cinnamon and apple

Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe | Apple Pie Flavor

Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe | Apple Pie Flavor

Yield: 4 shots
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes

This apple cider vinegar shot recipe tastes just like apple pie and takes the sting out of consuming apple cider vinegar.  Simply mix ingredients and take a daily ACV shot to increase digestion and overall health. 

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a 16 oz mason jar.
  2. Secure lid and shake until all ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Pour a 1.52 ounce shot and drink one shot daily.
  4. Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • If you are using vanilla flavored stevia, there is no need to add vanilla extract.
  • Cinnamon will settle into after a couple hours in fridge.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 2 oz
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 21 Total Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 6g Protein: 0g
It is the reader's responsibility to determine the value and quality of any recipe or instructions provided for food preparation and to determine the nutritional value, if any, and safety of the preparation instructions.
© Thyme and JOY
Category: drink, health drink, elixir

Valerie Skinner is a Whole30 approved personal chef & recipe developer that bridges the gap between healthy eating and busy lives by providing simple healthy meals and recipes for you and your family.Charleston Personal Chef Thyme and JOY

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