Need an excuse to indulge in some hot chocolate? You can thank me later! Chocolate has been consumed as a health food since we started eating. It’s high in antioxidants, flavonoids that help protect your heart, and vitamins and minerals such at magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron and selenium. According to a meta-analysis of 13 studies, consuming chocolate significantly reduced serum triglycerides when compared to a control. Other markers for heart health, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, did not show improved outcomes, but did not show worse outcomes either. So why not eat more chocolate? We typically add lots of fat and sugar to our chocolate. If you’re a chocolate lover, we recommend that you go for 70% cocoa or darker and be mindful of the fat and added sugar!
Tag: chocolate
Sea Salt Cashew Butter Chocolate Protein Bars
These chocolate bars are easy to make and will surely hit the spot!
Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Ever have a chocolate and peanut butter craving? These easy no-bake cookies are quickly put together to satisfy your sweet tooth and could be a fun recipe for kids. Remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a sweet treat now and again! Eating healthy is all about moderation, not about restriction. Making your own cookies at home versus buying pre-packaged cookies also reduces the amount of processing, additives and ingredients.
Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola
Making homemade granola isn’t as difficult as it might seem, and making a larger batch can last for weeks in an airtight container. This granola might help with any chocolate cravings you have and would be great over some Greek yogurt to up the protein for breakfast. You could also try it with low fat milk or high protein plant milk with added chia seeds for extra fiber. Enjoy! Read More
Chocolate Banana Bites
The kids will love getting their fingers messy making these treats. Chocolate and bananas are a great flavor combination, especially when using antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Homemade peanut butter cups are fun to make with kids. If there are peanut allergies in your family, try this recipe with other nut butters.
Chocolate & Healthy Eating
My friend gave me a plaque that read, “Chocolate comes from cocoa, which comes out of a tree. That makes it a plant. Therefore, chocolate counts as a salad.”
While that may be a stretch, it begs the question … how does chocolate fit into a healthy eating plan?
Homemade Trail Mix
Homemade trail mix is superior to store bought for many reasons. You control the individual ingredients (no more picking out only what you like from expensive store bought mixes). Use this recipe as a basis for individualizing your trail mix. And get your kids involved too!
Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
Using cocoa powder in baking is nothing new, but olive oil? Believe it or not, this cake is very good! The use of yogurt keeps it moist. Sprinkle with powdered sugar instead of a super-sweet icing, and serve with berries for an antioxidant-loaded dessert!
Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Dip
If you are looking for a great dessert that you don’t need to cook, try this chocolate yogurt dip!