Nourishing Hot Chocolate

If you know me, I’m a purist when it comes to food.  I don’t want anything weird in, well, anything!  I want everything I eat and drink to be pure and intentional.  Sometimes that means I make something that may seem complicated, but there is a reason.  So, stick with me!

May I present my gut-healing, hormone-balancing, Nourishing Hot Chocolate?

You may be wondering why I would “healthify” hot chocolate.  Here’s why.  If you are actively trying to heal your gut and bring balance to your hormones, regular hot chocolate would be off-limits, especially the prepackaged one full of sugar and God knows what else.  That being said, the temperatures are turning cooler, and that means snuggling up with a cup of hot chocolate is just a lovely thing to do.  (Hot chocolate = self-care.)

Here are the key players…

• Cacao Powder – Promotes healthy digestion and can reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS.)  Packed with flavonoids, cacao can help lower blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity, reduce the risk of diabetes, and reduce inflammation.  Because it is high in potassium, it can also reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Whey Protein Powder – A great source of antioxidants, most notably glutathione, which boosts our defenses against oxidative stress.  Additionally, studies show whey protein is beneficial in reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, reducing chronic inflammation, moderating blood sugar, and keeping us full longer.  (If you cannot tolerate whey protein, try pumpkin or hemp protein.)
• Collagen Peptides – Promotes heart health by supporting the structure of the arteries, helps relieve joint pain by supporting the integrity of the cartilage, and improves skin, hair, and nails.
• Maca Powder – Improves symptoms of menopause, improves sex drive and mood, and improves learning and memory functions.  (Just in case you’re wondering… It’s considered safe for kids because of its high nutrient levels and support for calcium absorption.
• Sunflower Lecithin – Its magic power is its ability to make things creamy.  Many foods contain soy lecithin as an emulsifier, but I prefer sunflower lecithin to keep soy at a minimum.  Lecithin lowers cholesterol, improves heart health, reduces acne, and supports healthy liver function.

One last thing I want to say about this recipe.  I’ve chosen pure organic stevia to sweeten the deal.  I generally never recommend alternative sweeteners.  Most are detrimental to your health.  Stevia is the only safe sugar alternative, provided you use a pure brand.  The reason I recommend it in this recipe is to avoid the sugar spike.  I want to drink this hot chocolate often, and I don’t want it to mess with my blood sugar!

I make this mix in advance and have it in the pantry ready for our first cool day!

3/4 cup cacao powder

1/3 cup whey protein

1/3 cup collagen peptides

2 tbls maca powder

2 tsp sunflower lecithin

1 tsp pure organic stevia

1/4 tsp sea salt

3 oz shaved dark chocolate or chips (optional)

Place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Store in an airtight container.

To serve, heat 8-10 ounces of filtered water. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of the mix and a good splash of your favorite non-dairy milk.

Optional add-ins: vanilla extract, peppermint extract, ground cinnamon, or ground cardamom.

If I can’t convince you to make this gut-healing recipe, then please, oh, please, try this absolute no-fuss option instead of those nasty packets!  Simply warm your favorite milk or milk alternative, add chocolate chips to melt them, and then add a splash of vanilla.  Done and done.