The BEST Sugar-Free Treats!
Why I am in LOVE with raw cacao.
Did you know that chocolate (I’m talking about the real thing… raw cacao) is the #1 superfood of all superfoods? I think of superfoods like jet fuel for the body. One of my teachers, raw food guru David Wolfe, always talks this superfood up. Why?
Here is what raw cacao provides beside that delightful chocolate taste:
Flavanol – 10,000 milligrams per bean! That means it has 20 times more antioxidants than red wine and 30 times more than green tea. Think of antioxidants as the secret of the fountain of youth!
Magnesium – Raw cocoa contains more magnesium than any other plant. Much of the U.S. population is deficient in this mineral, which is concerning since it helps keep our hearts healthy and our bones strong. Magnesium increases flexibility and the relaxation muscles. Just as important to keep in mind, magnesium aids with the detoxification process and alkalizes your body.
Chromium – Chromium in raw cocoa helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels so we have less sugar spikes (aka, sugar cravings).
And my # 1 Reason to eat more Raw Cacao:
Brain Food – Chocolate is good mood food! Raw cocoa is one of the few plants that contains Theobromine, a relative of caffeine with a weaker stimulant effect. It will not affect the central nervous system, but instead it will provide a relaxing affect. It also lowers blood pressure. It also contains Phenylethylamine (One of my crazy and favorite words to try to pronounce!), which is the same as the molecule that your brain releases when you are happy or excited. Anandamide, a brain chemical that positively influences your mood, memory, and appetite is also found in raw cocoa. Raw cocoa also contains considerable amounts of the amino acid tryptophan, which your body converts to the calming neurotransmitter serotonin.
Now that you know about the benefits associated with raw cacoa, you can appreciate why the following recipes are so super good for you! Not sure where to buy real raw cacoa?
Your Free Recipes : Too Good Not To Share!
Nuts About Brownies
4-1/2 cups pecans or walnuts (set aside 1/2 cup for topping)
1 cup cacao nibs
¼ cup cacao powder
1½ tsp. stevia or 2-3 tsp local raw honey
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
⅛ cup cacao butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
✴ Place the nuts and cacao nibs into a food processor and process until broken into small bits
✴ Add cacao powder, sea salt and vanilla and pulse to combine
✴ Add remaining ingredients and blend until mixture begins to stick together and clump up
✴ Remove from processor and press into a rectangular glass dish lined with plastic wrap or container of your choice
✴ Take remaining 1/2 cup of nuts and process in food process into small bits
✴ Press chopped nuts onto brownies
✴ Place in the fridge for at least an hour to set
✴ Remove from fridge and cut into desired serving size
✴ Serve as is or top with a puree of fresh strawberries
Vanilla Chocolate Chip LIVEFIT Protein Bars
2/3 cup almond flour (grind almonds in coffee grinder)
1/2 cup LIVEFIT SMOOTHIE vanilla protein powder *
1/3 cup psyllium
6 Tbsp. shredded coconut
6 Tbsp. almond butter
4 Tbsp. coconut nectar or maple syrup
2 Tbsp. water (more if needed)
2 tsp. vanilla
4 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
6-8 Tbsp. cacao nibs
✴ In a bowl (or food processor) combine all but the coconut oil and cacoa nibs; add more water if need, but just 1 tsp. at a time
✴ Add the melted coconut oil
✴ Stir in the cacoa nibs
✴ Press into the bottom of a regular size bread pan lined with plastic wrap, or glass container of your choice
✴ Chill in the fridge for a few hours; remove and slice into bars.
* To order LIVEFIT SMOOTHIE MIX click here or use a natural sugar vegan protein mix of your choice
Have a Happy and Healthy Today!
Roseann Zaft, CHC, CPT. RYT