Hot Cocoa Milk (1 Cup)

Make hot cocoa with unsweetened soy milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of sweetened dairy or flavored milk.

Use unsweetened cocoa powder and add cinnamon or vanilla for flavor; sweeten with stevia or monk-fruit sweetener rather than sugar, syrup, or honey.

Reduce the serving size, such as choosing a small cup and avoiding whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate drizzle.

Have the cocoa alongside a protein- and fat-containing snack, such as plain Greek yogurt or a small handful of almonds, rather than drinking it alone.

Drink it after a balanced meal instead of on an empty stomach.

Take a 10–20 minute easy walk after drinking it to help blunt the rise.