Magical Cacao in Decadent Chocolate Truffles!

Eat chocolate, get healthier, slow down the aging process -- seem too good to be true? Well, there is evidence showing it is true, but you have to eat the real thing, not the sugar-added, highly processed chocolate found in conventional stores.

 

Magical Cacao: "Raw cacao is one of the most, if not THE most, nutrient rich and complex foods known to man. All chocolate starts out as raw cacao “beans” or nuts - the seed of the cacao fruit which grows on a tropical tree. The usual roasting/processing of chocolate destroys a significant amount of its valuable health supporting properties. Much of the mood elevating, antidepressant and antioxidant qualities are eliminated with heating." (Excerpt from Sacred Chocolate Website) 

Sacred Chocolate is a company I love and fully endorse. Their products are raw, stone ground, organic and vegan. Did you know that chocolate (the real whole raw kind that is) is an amazing health food, filled with polyphenol antioxidants and flavanols.





Sacred Chocolate: Raw, Stone-Ground, Organic & Vegan

Do your sweethearts a favor this Valentine's day and fill their heart with goodness - sweet, chocolatey, heart-healthy, decadent, sensuous goodness in the form of chocolate hearts and incredible truffles, hand-made here in the US, with love and blessings.

Check out their complete selection and place your order here.

Out of this world!

Chia Seeds - 5 Reasons to Eat Them!

I love chia seeds so much and here are just 5 reasons why:

1.  They have twice as much protein as other seeds or grains, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form.
2.  They have three times the antioxidant strength of blueberries.
3.  They are the richest plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids, (the vital fats that protect against inflammation—such as arthritis—and heart disease).  They have twice as much as wild salmon.
4.  They are easier to digest than flax seeds and they don't need ground up.
5.  They make a delicious drink in minutes, called Chia Fresca, and it is so hydrating.

There are so many more reasons than 5 to eat Chia seeds.  They are shown to help with high blood pressure, weight loss, and blood sugar control.  They have 5 times more iron than spinach, 2 times more potassium than bananas, and 5 times more calcium than milk (plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones).


What a great plant-based source of all these great nutrients!  And they are so much fun and so easy to use.  Add them to your morning smoothie, make Chia Fresca, Chia Pudding, and many other wonderful recipes.

'Chia Fresca'

2 tsp chia seeds
10oz pure water
juice of one lemon or lime
agave syrup or raw honey to taste

This is still a popular drink in modern-day Mexico. Simply stir the ingredients together and enjoy.

Raw 'Rice Pudding'

4-5 tbsp chia seed
2 cups almond milk
raw honey or agave syrup to taste

Combine the ingredients to your taste. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. You can also add other flavours like vanilla, cinnamon or cardamom.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/022468_chia_seeds_food.html#ixzz1dcyLsmeo 

and http://www.nutsonline.com/cookingbaking/chia-seeds/premium.html

Coco-Choco-PB Energy Bites

Coco-Choco-PB Energy Bites

Last night after dinner I was really wanting a chocolate or sweet treat and my food supply was sadly missing anything along those lines.  Usually I can find something for my sweet tooth that is satisfying and healthy, even if its a tablespoon of peanut butter, but alas I was also out of that.  It was a little late and too rainy to run to the store, and I made do with a cup of tea.

So today I decided to whip up some healthy, tasty  tidbits of chocolatey goodness to keep in the fridge or freezer for the next time my sweet tooth kicked in.  They turned out really well and are very satisfying as well as very easy to make.  All the ingredients are healthy too, so win/win for me!

Here is the simple recipe

These are dairy-free, gluten-free and raw.  You could also substitute a different natural sweetener if needed.  So simple, here is the recipe:

1-1/2 cups shredded organic coconut
1/2 cup organic cocoa powder or cacao
1 tablespoon organic extra virgin coconut oil (melt if needed)
1/4 cup organic agave nectar
2 tablespoons organic Crunchy Peanut or Almond Butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt

Stir all this together until well mixed and shape into balls.  You can cover with a little finely shredded coconut if desired (I used the Vita-Mix to make the coconut flakes very fine).  Keep in refrigerator.

What's in Your Green Smoothie Today?

I think green smoothies are a great way to start the day and give you the energy needed to make it through the morning.  This morning my green smoothie is one of my favorites and its so super simple. 

Put into your blender a handful of spinach and of kale (large stem removed), 1 cup of blueberries, and a cup of almond or coconut milk (unsweetened), 1 cup of water.  Blend till smooth.  This makes one serving.

If you like less sweet smoothies like I do, this one is perfect.  If you like more sweetness, add another fruit, like half of a banana, strawberries, or apple.  If you don't have almond milk, you can use another milk, water, coconut water, juice or a combination of liquids.  You can also add in some superfoods like blue-green algae, bee pollen, goji berries, cordyceps, etc.  Try different combinations and you will come up with your favorites!  I will be posting more smoothie recipes too, so stay tuned. 

Here's to an energetic day!

PS. This smoothie is purple in color from the blueberries. Green refers to the greens inside!