Over the past few years, I have really dialed back on the “sweetness” I like in my foods. However, there are times when you do want something to be sweeter but don’t want the calories in sugar or the chemicals in other sweeteners. Stevia has been a great option for me and I have to admit that at first, I didn’t like it! And honestly, it’s still not my first preference when it comes to sweet,(I still like sugar, just in MUCH smaller amounts!) but I’ve really gotten used to Flavored LIQUID stevia drops! The powder is still a little bitter for me so I hardly use it, but these drops I carry with me all the time! (This particular flavor and brand has a little coconut taste to it even though it isn’t coconut! At least, that’s what my hubby and I think!)
There are different brands out there and many different flavors to choose from! (vanilla, cinnamon, toffee, cocoa bean etc) I purchased mine at the local health food store but you can get them almost anywhere now. Try Amazon if you can’t find them locally.
Here are my favorite ways to use them!
1.) Drinks
I am not a fan of them in my hot drinks for some reason but I love them for my unsweetened tea or iced coffee! Gives just the kick I need!
2.) Smoothies and yogurt!
In general, my smoothies are sweet enough thanks to the fruit or protein powder, but there are times when I use plain greek yogurt and it needs just a kick of sweetness. I also have plain greek yogurt and sliced fruit as a snack often and if the fruit isn’t ripe enough I add a few drops! It also changes the flavor a bit too!
3.) “Cereal”
One way I get around your usual cereal is by making a protein powder “cereal”.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 Plain Rice Cakes
– Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
-1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
– Sliced Fruit of choice
– Flavored Liquid Stevia Drops (optional)
Mix the protein powder and milk together in a bowl. Crumble the rice cakes over top of it. Top with fruit and a few drops of stevia! Mix together and eat!
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Do you use flavored liquid stevia drops? Which flavor and brand? What do you like to do with them?
I would never have thought to use rice cakes as cereal. Now I will definitely have to try that out with my almond milk. Thanks, Clare!
This is a GREAT idea!!! I will do this tomorrow as I’m low on our cooked cereal and I have places to be. I use liquid stevia now too. Like vanilla & just tried English toffee, but never thought of taking it with me. Thanks for your posts
I use KAL Pure Stevia. It is a powder. I did NOT like Stevia at all until I tried this brand. It is a little pricey, but you only use the tiniest amount. I even like it in my coffee… in fact, I now prefer it in my coffee! Check it out! They sell it on amazon and in some health food stores. It’s AMAZING!!!
How many drops do you use in tea or iced coffee?
Depends on size! 2-4
Clare
Cool idea! I never thought of rice cakes for a “cereal”! I don’t use protein powder but have been wondering about it as I wanted to up my percentage of protein…and as I don’t care much for meat, this sounded like an option for me. Thanks for the article!
LOVE the protein cereal recipe!! Thanks so much!! I drink iced coffee every morning, and put my vanilla protein powder in that (mmmm good!), but always feel like my protein powder may not be the healthiest (I use GNC Spiru-meal)… curious of your favorite vanilla protein powder!? =)
Whey powder: About Time, Designer Whey, Jay Robb
Rice/Pea: Arbonne, Vega
Do you have a brand of protein powder you recommend?
See comment above!
Clare
this i a great idea i have a daughter who can not have gluten and she eats a lot of rice cakes will have to try this 🙂