Hark! Holiday season is drawing nigh!

With all the get-togethers, cooking, shopping, and ever-diminishing daylight, those sugar-filled, whipped cream-and-sprinkles-topped drinks from the local coffee joint can seem pretty darn appealing.

We know what one sip of soda does to the body.

But that creamy, sugary goodness of the something-occhino! It slides down the gullet like liquid gold!

True, those first few sips are intoxicating. Then diminishing marginal utility sets in.

After half an hour, I feel as if I have been run over by a train, then trampled by a herd of runaway reindeer and dragged out onto the ice to expire. I feel hazy. I think I see Elvis. He’s standing on the shore with the reindeer, laughing, pointing and strumming holiday jingles on his guitar. I prepare to fall into a deep sleeep…

Hello, sugar shock, my old friend! How have you been?

One of the perils (and opportunities) of eating mindfully is that one becomes more sensitive to sugar and caffeine.

This healthier green tea cococchino is a riff on the popular frosty coffee shop drink.

This concoction uses matcha tea, which is a jade green, delicately powdered tea with a fine, velvety consistency. Originally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, it possesses a delicate feel and an earthy taste. It can be purchased in many health food stores. Unfortunately, matcha tea can be a bit expensive. Luckily, a little goes a long way.

Matcha powder does contain caffeine, making it inappropriate for children or elves.

I also used the So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk beverage. One cup has 45 calories and 20% of one’s saturated fat intake. Coconut milk beverage contains medium chain fatty acids, which are a beneficial form of saturated fat for the body.

Without further adieu, the Green Tea Cococchino!

Green Tea Cococchino (serves 2)

1 c. coconut milk beverage (I used So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk.)
1-1 1/2 tsp. matcha green tea powder (depending on taste)
a few ice cubes
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 avocado
2 tsp. honey or agave nectar (or to taste)
half a banana
a blender

You may also wish to add a teaspoon of hemp seeds to add healthy fats. A pinch of spirulina or some nonfat Greek yogurt are nice additions as well.

1) Put coconut milk beverage and matcha tea powder in the blender. (Note: Use coconut milk beverage, rather than the highly caloric coconut milk found in cans, in this recipe. You may also wish to substitute almond milk, soy milk, goat milk or cow’s milk.)

2) Add other ingredients.

3) Blend until beverage reaches desired consistency. Add more ice if a slushier drink is preferred.

4) Enjoy! (And remember to share. This is the holiday season after all!)

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Ed: Bryonie Wise