In case you're interested in HOW these ingredients fuel your body, here's a quick summary:
Coconut Oil - this medium chain triglyceride (MCT) isn't broken down like most other fats - it goes directly to the liver where it can be used as energy very quickly (bypassing the digestive process where it will often be stored as fat to be used later). MCT also manages cravings, improves blood sugar regulation, allows your body to burn fat more efficiently and is an amazing energy source for athletes.
Cocoa - I'm talking about REAL cocoa, not the sweetened hot chocolate mix from back in the day. Cocoa has the ability to increase our serotonin production, which makes us feel happier. It can be a great source of antioxidants and it contains stearic acid which makes us feel full and satisfied.
Ok, are we now happy with these 2 ingredients and why they make an amazing powerhouse combo??
This recipe is VERY versatile - add any combo of nuts/seeds/dried fruit that you wish. It takes about 10min. to put together and sets very quickly in the freezer because of how hard coconut oil becomes in the cold.
My kids LOVED this after a day at the pool - it fueled their bodies with plenty of healthy fats and helped give them a nice even energy for the rest of the day (without the hyperactivity we'd see from granola bars or cookies!). I've been enjoying a piece with my afternoon coffee and find it really satisfying (you don't need a lot).
Here's what I used:
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup coconut BUTTER (this is the oil AND flesh of the coconut combined - it's less 'oily' than coconut oil...if you don't have this ingredient you can used shredded coconut and pulse it in your blender until it's a fine meal).
2 TBSP good quality Cocoa powder (I used Cocoa Camino)
Sweetener of choice (depending how sweet you like it, you can use honey, maplesyrup, stevia or monkfruit....I added 1 Tbsp of honey for my first batch).Warm these all up until they melt and you have a runny liquid.
In the meantime arrange your dry ingredients on a parchment lined plate (I used cashews, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds (super high in calcium!) and dried cherries.
Pour your chocolate mixture over top, and then sprinkle with a few extra seeds to make it look pretty. Put the entire plate into the freezer for 5-10 min, and the then break into pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy as needed!
Hello friends,
ReplyDeleteDo it for yourself. Studies show that people who are "externally motivated" -- that is, they hit the gym just to look good at your class reunion -- don't stick with it. Take baby steps. Hang tough. Mix it up. Don't be your own drill sergeant. Bring a friend.If you would like to know more about it see here-Max Philisaire
Thanks