Healthy Hot Chocolate
Yes, healthy hot chocolate does exist! So often people have the misconception that being healthy means depriving ourselves of our favourite treats, but I'm all about showing that this isn't at all true. As I mentioned in an earlier post; food rules to live by, its all about healthy swaps. By swapping the sugar filled version of hot chocolate for this healthy alternative you can still enjoy this warming classic.
Not only can you still enjoy it, but did you know that hot chocolate can actually be good for you?
Thats right, the main ingredients in this recipe also have positive effects upon our health!
Raw cacao powder comes with a host of benefits, some of which include:
High antioxidant levels: these antioxidants scavenge free radicals; which contribute to cell death and tissue damage, therefore cacao helps with decreasing the damage done.
Rich mineral content: including iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper and chromium, all of which play an important role in different facets of our health.
High magnesium content: the mineral which is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions within the body and plays an important role in muscle and nerve function, contributing to muscle, heart and brain health.
Mood boosting effects: due to its tryptophan content; a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, which play roles in our mood and sleep regulation.
It doesn't stop there, cinnamon also comes with its own advantages:
Stabilises blood sugar levels: by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and decreasing the amount of glucose to enter the bloodstream after a meal.
Anti-inflammatory properties: due to a high antioxidant content, similar to that of cacao discussed above.
If that isn't enough to convince you that this hot chocolate is worth making the swap for, the taste will be a deal maker. The best thing about it is that once you know this base recipe you can add all sorts of other boosters, some of my favourites include maca powder and carob powder. Alternatively you can make this drink even creamier and indulgent by adding in a tablespoon of nut butter.
A word of advice, cacao does contain a small amount of caffeine and can act as a stimulant, therefore I wouldn't suggest having this beverage right before bed.
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Vegan | Gluten Free |Sugar Free
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 cups coconut milk (or other plant milk)
1 tbsps raw cacao powder
1 tsps cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp rice malt syrup (or your choice of sweetener, e.g. raw honey or maple syrup)
Pinch of sea salt (or himalayan rock salt)
Method
Heat the milk in a saucepan over the stove.
When warm, add in the remaining ingredients until completely mixed through.
Remove from the stove and serve.
Its as easy as that! But don't take my word for it when you can try it yourself and enjoy this liquid gold.
Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on istagram @projectnourish if you give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear what you think.
