Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day? If you’re a foodie like me, it’s CHOCOLATE! (Oh–and love, of course–that’s kinda the point of the holiday, right?)
Now, many of you are still trying hard to stick to your New Year’s resolutions (I’m rooting for you!) but rest assured, you can enjoy chocolate without feeling guilty.
Yes, commercial chocolate (think Hershey’s) that has been processed and loaded with sugar is not a model of healthy food, but raw, unadulterated chocolate is actually considered one of the world’s top superfoods – and it’s delicious!
Chocolate comes from the cacao bean, which is packed with the highest antioxidant content in the world (15 times more than blueberries, 30 times more than red wine), the highest source of iron (a blood builder), and magnesium (a stress fighter) among other nutrients — all of which are essential to living a vital life. Bonus: chemicals have been found in the cacao bean that link it to sexual arousal and the feeling of falling in love. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, right? Research has also shown that the consumption of chocolate has been linked to reduced risks of diabetes, stroke and heart attack. To get these benefits, choose chocolate that is at least 65 percent cacao content (the higher the better!) and have no more than three ounces a day.
So let me inspire you to indulge in some chocolate this Valentine’s Day with a few healthy treats:
Simple Raw Dark Chocolate Recipe
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup raw cacao powder
2 tbsp coconut butter
1-2 tbsp (to taste) sweetener of your choice – honey, agave, maple syrup
Sea salt
Optional: rose petals, herbs, dried fruit – get creative!
Melt coconut oil in small saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk or blend in honey, coconut butter, and cacao until well mixed. Add the mixture to molds or a shallow dish. Top with sea salt and pop in the freezer. Wait until frozen – about 30 minutes!
Chocolate Smoothie
1 frozen banana
½ cup of fresh or frozen berries
1-2 tbsp of cacao powder
1 ½ cups of milk (cow, coconut, almond, etc.)
Optional: sweetener of your choice – honey, agave, maple syrup, stevia
Or if you’re not feeling ambitious in the kitchen try my favorite store-bought chocolate treats: Merry’s Miracle Tart by Hail Merry. Park Natural carries it, for those of you in the area, or check on-line to see where it is sold. It is tasty!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
– Lauren McKenna, massage therapist & holistic wellness coach