It’s crazy that we’re already one month into the year! How’s your health? I hope you’ve applied some of my tips to start off with a healthy year, maybe doing a mini detox or trying some of my healthy recipes /substitute suggestions. (see my blog for more!)
As most of you know, I don’t believe in restrictive dieting, because it’s unrealistic and so boring! Instead, I urge you to find the way of eating that makes you feel best – inside and out.
I suggest you try what I call the 80-20 rule, where 80% of the time you’re eating very healthy, mostly plant based, no processed food nor sugar, and then you leave 20% for the less healthy things – like your coffee, wine and occasional dessert. (Just make sure that 20% isn’t causing you harm - if there are foods that don’t make you feel good, then leave them out completely!)
Chocolate is always in my 20% - I LOVE it and have chosen to never give it up. And thankfully it doesn’t do my body harm. It actually has awesome HEALTH BENEFITS, as it contains polyphenols - a powerful antioxidant (like that found in green tea, berries and red wine) that helps defend against free radicals and diseases like heart disease, cancer and chronic inflammation. Dark chocolate is also high in minerals (including copper, iron & magnesium), has anti-inflammatory properties, can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, and is even good for your mood!
BUT because large amounts of SUGAR is most definitely harmful (for everyone!), I make sure to enjoy chocolate without all the sugar (nor milk nor additives) that comes in regular commercial chocolate. I buy organic 70%+ dark chocolate, or I make my own desserts using raw cacao.
My “go-to” is a chocolate chia pudding (email me for this recipe!), but for special occasions, I like playing with different recipes, ones that are maybe a bit sweeter and delicious for just about anyone!
Since Valentine’s Day is coming up, I got inspired to try new chocolate recipes. I’m not someone that tends to make a big deal about this holiday, but I love It as an excuse to indulge in some rich chocolate (and some roses are much appreciated as well!).
After some experimenting, I found 2 recipes that I love (without being too sweet), and think you will, too!
Here are my 2 amazing and healthy chocolate recipes (all dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, vegan and raw!).
Recipe inspired by both Spinach for Breakfast and Taste
NOTE: Before making the dough, I recommend leaving both the nuts and dates (separately) soaking in water overnight, then drain and dry. This makes both nuts and dates easier to digest, removes some of the phytic acid in the nuts, and makes the dates easier to work with!
Feel free to adapt the recipes to your liking. For a sweeter pudding, add 2 bananas instead of one. You can also add more/less almond butter, add honey instead of stevia (or neither!), etc. For the balls, add more dates if you want them sweeter, less if you want them less sweet. You may also add more coconut oil if they’re too dry.
If you’re like me, you will LOVE these recipes and incorporate them into your 20%!
Love, Chocolate and Roses,
Mariana