Wellness
4 Easy Ways to Make Your PSL Healthier
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Fall is officially here, and if you haven’t noticed, it’s pumpkin-spice-everything season. From scented candles to cookies and the infamously delicious pumpkin spice latte, it can be hard to escape autumn's favorite flavor. Let’s face it: there’s something comforting about sipping a PSL on a crisp, cold October day.
Pumpkin in its purest form has a bevy of health benefits, but when it’s in beverage form from your favorite coffee retailer, that can change. Did you know that a grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has 50 grams of sugar? That’s more than a can of Coke! The next time you order that oh-so-seasonally satisfying drink, consider modifying it with these four easy tips. Don’t worry; you’ll still get all the pumpkin spice deliciousness!
Get nutty.
Opt for plant-based milk.
While we love all things dairy, swapping out cow’s milk for plant-based milk alternatives can help save fat and calories when it comes to your PSL. Our preference? Unsweetened almond milk. The almond flavor truly complements the savory tastes of cinnamon and pumpkin. But remember, whatever milk alternative you choose (almond, coconut, soy, rice, oat), make sure you ask for unsweetened.
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Get nutty.
Opt for plant-based milk.
While we love all things dairy, swapping out cow’s milk for plant-based milk alternatives can help save fat and calories when it comes to your PSL. Our preference? Unsweetened almond milk. The almond flavor truly complements the savory tastes of cinnamon and pumpkin. But remember, whatever milk alternative you choose (almond, coconut, soy, rice, oat), make sure you ask for unsweetened.
PSL 2.0
Order a hybrid version.
Caffeine and pumpkin? If you ask us, it’s the perfect combination—and it doesn’t always have to come in PSL form. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar but still embrace the taste of the season, order this “light” version: Black coffee with one pump (or dash) of pumpkin flavoring, plus ¼ steamed milk of your choice. Try a smooth, lighter roast and plant-based milk. Top with powdered cinnamon and voilà!
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PSL 2.0
Order a hybrid version.
Caffeine and pumpkin? If you ask us, it’s the perfect combination—and it doesn’t always have to come in PSL form. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar but still embrace the taste of the season, order this “light” version: Black coffee with one pump (or dash) of pumpkin flavoring, plus ¼ steamed milk of your choice. Try a smooth, lighter roast and plant-based milk. Top with powdered cinnamon and voilà!
Go halfsies.
Say no to syrup.
Sipping on something sweet and savory is satisfying, but you might be shocked by how many pumps of sugary syrup can go into a flavored drink. Next time you order a PSL, ask for “less sweet”—at least half of the suggested amount. We are talking two pumps, MAX. If you want to naturally add more flavor minus the syrupy sweetness, stir in powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash (or two) of stevia into your latte.
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Go halfsies.
Say no to syrup.
Sipping on something sweet and savory is satisfying, but you might be shocked by how many pumps of sugary syrup can go into a flavored drink. Next time you order a PSL, ask for “less sweet”—at least half of the suggested amount. We are talking two pumps, MAX. If you want to naturally add more flavor minus the syrupy sweetness, stir in powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash (or two) of stevia into your latte.
DIY deliciousness.
Make your PSL at home.
Running out the door and grabbing a latte on your way to work might be part of your routine, but finding time to make your next PSL is worth it—and your body will thank you, especially after that killer workout. This keto-friendly pumpkin spice latte is worth every step, especially on a chilly Sunday morning. And if you want to add a little *extra* protein with your pumpkin drink, mix up this Pumpkin Protein Shake from Love Grows Wild. Try eliminating the banana and adding coffee for an extra boost!
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DIY deliciousness.
Make your PSL at home.
Running out the door and grabbing a latte on your way to work might be part of your routine, but finding time to make your next PSL is worth it—and your body will thank you, especially after that killer workout. This keto-friendly pumpkin spice latte is worth every step, especially on a chilly Sunday morning. And if you want to add a little *extra* protein with your pumpkin drink, mix up this Pumpkin Protein Shake from Love Grows Wild. Try eliminating the banana and adding coffee for an extra boost!
Beauty
Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know
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February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society. As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.
While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support.
1. Beauty Bin
Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.
2. KIKA Stretch Studio
The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.
3. Kimberly Coleman Salon
At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads.
4. Pressed Roots
Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.
5. SW3AT
Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins.
6. The TEN Nail Bar
Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days.
7. Bettye O Day Spa
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.
Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well!
