It has been a bit cold here in the midwest. And that means that it is perfect weather for hot chocolate!
Cold weather has an effect on the body by leaving it cold, dry, light, creaky and stiff. We can start to balance out those reducing qualities, by adding things into our daily routine and lifestyle that is rich, sweet, nurturing and grounding. One of these things is hot chocolate. Here is my favorite recipe that I have been playing around with this winter. Enjoy a guilt free cup with those that you love (young and old) and feel the love rush in!
Hot Chocolate Recipe
Serves 2
2 cup milk (coconut, almond, cow)
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 TBL almond butter
2 Medjool dates
4 TBL organic 100% pure cacao (cacao powder is high in anti-oxidants)
1 teaspoon *Ashwagandha powder
Optional: if you love coconut you can also add 2 teaspoons of coconut butter
Instructions: Measure and stir all ingredients into a pot, heat until it starts to simmer. Pour into a blender and blend for 2-3 minutes. Pour and sip hot with someone you love!
*Ashwagandha is an herb that is highly used in ayurvedic medicine:
- Increases energy and vitality
- General adaptogen for combating stress
- Assists in calming the mind and promotes restful sleep
- Supports proper function of the adrenals
- Helps calm anxiety and soothes the nervous system
- Will adapt to helping with rest in the evening or giving energy in the morning/mid-day
- Purchase here: http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/prodinfo.asp?number=6082
Obviously you can make the hot chocolate without this herb, but I highly suggest you order it and give it a try.
Cheers to a cozy night in!
Loved your benefits listed for hot chocolate, as we know chocolate is considered a modern miracle food. It helps the cardiovascular system because the cocoa bean is rich in flavonoids.
ReplyDeleteWhen we eat foods rich in flavonoids, it appears that we also benefit from its "antioxidant" power.
Being an antioxidant, chocolate is believed to help the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals that are formed by normal bodily processes, such as breathing, and from environmental contaminants, like cigarette smoke. I would enjoy adding this to your list of impressive benefits!
Thank you Jonathan, I really appreciate this extra dose of benefits. I try to make my blogs short and sweet so that people dont have to memorize a ton of information, but that the information that is given makes sense and memorable. This fits perfect!
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