Tru Yoga Lifestyle

With the crisp cool air of fall and the wonderful color change of the leaves (even in San Diego), I find my self craving comfort foods. Something warm and sweet to wrap up with on a fall afternoon. I recently discovered this Superfood Hot Chocolate! It hits the spot while not sabotaging my eat clean diet plan. I can still feel good about what I am putting into my body and curb my comfort craving at the same time. This wonderful warm, chocolatey, sweetness is filled with antioxidants, hormone balancing, energizing goodness! Add a little cayenne to the recipe and you’ll get an extra health kick too…..SWEET!

So what makes this hot chocolate a superfood? Here’s the skinny…

Maca – This root is rich in B-vitamins and has high levels of bioavailable calcium and magnesium causing it to be a great energy builder.  Maca root has also been shown to be beneficial for all sorts of hormonal problems including PMS, menopause, and hot flashes.

Raw Cacao Powder – This Mayan superfood is loaded with essential minerals, B vitamins, essential heart healthy fats, protein, and fiber. There are many components of cacao including alkaloids, proteins, beta-carotene, leucine, linoleic, lipase, lysine, and theobromine, that all work together to improve physical and mental health.  For example, theombromine helps to stimulate the central nervous system, relax smooth muscles, and dilate blood vessels, giving the body a boost of energy;  “bliss” chemicals found in cacao help to increase circulation and availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in brain, improving mood and combating depression. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!

Cinnamon – Can regulate blood sugar, reduces LDL cholesterol levels, effective against ulcer causing H. pylori bacteria, reduces pain linked to arthritis, effective for menstrual pain.

Coconut Sugar – A low glycemic index sugar which keeps the body from having those high low sugar spikes. Also high in mineral and B vitamins. This is a great natural sugar alternative to use.

Himalayan Sea Salt – Himalayan salts are said to be the purest sea salts. They contain over 80 plus minerals and elements. These minerals and elements can help the body, reduce water retention, create electrolyte balance, prevent muscle cramping, improve circulation, balance ph to reduce acid reflux, strengthen bones,  and more! Are you convinced to switch to Sea Salt yet?

Cayenne – I could list all the health benefits of this wonder herb, but it would take a while! Just know this, it is amazing and pretty much great for everything! Add Cayenne to your diet daily!!

Recipe

2 Tabls Raw Cacao Powder

1 Tabls Coconut Sugar

1 tsp. Maca Powder

1/8 Himalayan Sea Salt

pinch cinnamon

pinch on cayenne powder )optional

1 1/2 cups milk of choice or water ( I use almond milk)

Warm milk over the stove. Mix dry ingredients together. When your milk begins to lightly boil mix in dry ingredients until smooth. Serve! I like to top this with a dollop of fresh coconut whipped cream (recipe below).

Coconut Whipped Cream

1 can coconut cream refrigerated

1 Tbls. coconut sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

When you refrigerate your can of coconut cream it allows the cream to separate from the liquid. Scoop out the cream from the can, make sure not to get any of the water in the mix. Whip the cream on medium-high for a few minutes. When the cream begins to thicken add the sugar and vanilla and continue to mix until desired consistency. Great replacement for whipped cream.

I offered this recipe with some maca goji cocoroons, that I found at sprouts, after one of my yoga classes. It was a huge hit! I really hope that you enjoy this treat as much as I do and I hope that it brings you comfort and health!

Drink to your HEALTH!

Namaste