By: Kristen Owens Holistic Nutritionist, BIE Practitioner, Master Coach
Valentine’s is one of the biggest times of the year where the sale of chocolate is at its highest. Imagine…..just for a moment that you could eat chocolate and get healthier as you do it.
Sound exciting? Well, my friend it’s true and I am going to share why and give you a recipe for you to indulge without the guilt.
- Cocoa versus Raw Cacao. There is a difference between cocoa powder and raw cacao. Cocoa powder you buy in the stores is refined, all the good properties have been destroyed and it’s left with not much for feeding your body the nutrients its craving. Raw cacao on the other hand is chalk full of super food properties which is why it is considered a super food along with gogi berries, kale and berries.
- Contains Minerals. It contains magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, vanadium, phosphorus. All important to protect our body from excess stress.
- Anti-oxidant Food. Cacao has 30 times the antioxidant power than red wine and 20 times more than blueberries….hmmmm interesting!
- Ditch the candy chocolate. Remember that when I talk about chocolate I mean real raw chocolate (cacao) that is sweetened naturally with maple syrup, coconut nectar or lakanto. The chocolate bars and the like are sweetened with refined sugar, artificial ingredients, milk solids which will not have a positive impact on your waist line, immune system or your moods.
Just to show you how great it can be try this recipe below.
Raw chocolate almond cups
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
Pinch of sea salt
Nut butter of choice or jam or fruit pieces (raspberry, banana slice)
In a small pot over low heat, melt oil and whisk in maple syrup then cacao until smooth and salt. Pour into muffin cups and freeze a few min until solid. Add fruit or nut butter in center then pour chocolate mixture over top. Freeze and enjoy your chocolate cups. If using banana, freeze over-night for ice cream texture.
I really want to know what you think of these because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. So please leave a comment below and share this post with others. The last Thursday of each month I will be hosting a wellness talk at Milton Orthotic & Wellness Centre. February 27th 7:15 join us to learn more about how you can build radiant health spirit, soul and body.