Mocha Blend and Weight Watchers

I always had the impression that Mocha is a combination of both coffee and chocolate. Intriguingly, I discovered that the “chocolatey” flavor you get from a mocha blend is just a mere aftertaste one gets from the mocha coffee bean, without the actual content of chocolate. I just love that delicious twist to it.

When I was around 15 years old, my mom, my sisters, and I discovered a not so expensive Mocha Café at the mall we often hang out at. Whenever the “barista”, the server of the coffee bar, would see us coming from a far, he would immediately prepare his concoctions, as he knew exactly each of our orders. I would have my ever famous Mocha Java, accompanied with my ever favorite “ensaymada”. To those who do not know what an ensaymada is, it’s basically a pastry, like bread which has a buttery taste as butter is used instead of lard, and is topped with lots of cheese and some white granulated sugar. It’s best served warm. Sounds pretty delicious right? I’m telling you, it’s the perfect combination! I’d have to admit though that sad to say, our family bonding at the café did not last for long. We all put on those heart-breaking extra pounds! Though coffee may actually be good for you, be cautious of the other ingredients mixed into your drink. For instance, a mocha blend may contain a lot of cream and loads of sugar, which is actually often the case. So be mindful.

Well, for the weight watchers out there do not despair, because there are number of alternatives to that good old fattening drink you just can’t resist. I for instance discovered a recipe which was able to satisfy my mocha cravings. Remember the famous Mocha Java drink I would forever order? The cause of my saddlebags? I was able to substitute it with a delightful healthy mocha drink. I simply combine in a blender some low-fat milk, coffee granules, vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa powder, a few packets of artificial sweetener, and a banana. I must say, it makes a marvelous alternative! Be creative and you’ll surely come up with your own favorite delicious coffee blend.