Chocolate is the only ingredient that is its very own food group.

Well not really – but it seems as if it should be. Powerfully comforting, creamy, delicious – many people eat chocolate at least several times a week.

Which begs the question…

Is Chocolate Good for You?

The answer is both yes and no.

Chocolate has been used for centuries to treat bronchitis, sexual malaise, fatigue, hangovers, anemia, depression, memory loss, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, and more. It also helps release that feel-good neurotransmitter – serotonin – in the brain.

But eat the wrong kind and you’ll get loads of sugar, calories, and junky ingredients.

 

How to Eat it Responsibly

Chocolate begins life as raw cacao (pronounced kah-kow) beans. Loaded with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and plant phenols, cacao is a powerful superfood. The more processed cacao becomes, however – think commercially produced candy bars – the fewer healthy components remain.

So how to get the most out of your chocolate fix?

  • Don’t be afraid of the dark. The darker the chocolate, the more beneficial cacao it contains.
  • Know your percentages: the number on dark chocolate packaging refers to the percentage of cacao bean in chocolate. For maximum health benefit, look for dark chocolate that has 75% to 85% cacao.
  • Go raw – or as unprocessed as possible.

Looking for more fun ways to enjoy your favorite food? You’ll love this dark chocolate treat. Invite some friends over and make a batch!

 

Chef Karolina’s Raw Chocolate Truffles

Prep time: 20 minutes

Makes 25 truffles

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1 cup cashews or macadamia nuts
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • Water (to mix)
  • Roll-in ingredients: shredded coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate nibs, raw sugar, cacao powder, ginger, or something else you love

 

Directions:

  • Mix cashews in a food processor until it forms a powder, adding enough water to create a thick paste.
  • Add maple syrup to cashews and pulse to process.
  • Add cacao powder. Pulse to process.
  • Refrigerate for four hours or overnight for best results.
  • Form teaspoon-sized balls of dough. Coat balls in your chosen roll-in ingredients!

 

 

About Me

I am an Optimal Wellness and Resiliency Building expert. What does that mean? Well, I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the only school in the world that integrates over 100 of the latest nutrition theories with coaching and business skills. Additionally, I was a United States Marine for nearly seven years and a Military Olympic Athlete. I am also an RYT500 registered yoga instructor, am currently obtaining my Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver, and frankly, I’m a survivor and thrivor of many things. I have a passion to help you shift your behaviors to develop lifelong, sustainable healthy habits and a deep understanding of your mental, physical, and spiritual needs. We’ll work together to create lasting changes to your health, energy, and well-being because “small changes make big differences!”

 

Get Even Healthier!

Are you curious about how to choose chocolate – and other delicious superfoods – to keep you healthy (and your taste buds happy)? Let’s talk! Schedule a complimentary health coaching consultation with me today – or pass this offer on to someone you care about!

 

Forward to a Friend

It’s such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Pleaseforward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it. The content of this blog was shared with permission from IIN. You can use this link www.sempersarah.com/8038