How To Enjoy Eating Chocolate (The Right Way!)
This week, leading up to Easter, it is hard to avoid the subject of Chocolate!
It's everywhere, right?!! 🍫🍫
Now you may have heard that chocolate is not good for you and that it should be avoided, particularly if you are trying to lose weight...
Well I’m here to show you how you can eat chocolate, lose weight and stay healthy...
You just need to know how to eat it the right way...
Chocolate isn't the problem!
Chocolate in its’ raw form is an amazing superfood; treasured and revered by Ancient civilizations. It even held a special place in royal and religious events in the past.
Did you know that the Mayan and Aztec Priests presented cacao seeds as offerings to the gods? In addition, they used to serve chocolate drinks during sacred ceremonies.
Why would they do this? These cultures knew the true value of chocolate. Besides being super rich in absorbable antioxidants, nutrients, minerals and vitamins, it is also extremely high in natural healing properties.
So, if chocolate isn't the problem, what is?
Actually, the real problem isn't with chocolate but with highly processed chocolate. Most people, may not have stopped to consider that the two are similar, but certainly not the same. In fact, there's a big difference.
Chocolate that has been highly processed, is refined and has undergone the addition of artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives and additives.
This type of chocolate has been created with the goal of maximising corporate profits. It has additives to ensure a long shelf life and as a result, is also likely to be highly inflammatory, as well as addictive.
Processing chocolate can transform it into a toxic product, which destroys all of it's good qualities. (I go into this subject in more detail in my book, 'Losing Weight is a Healing Journey')
Here are 4 ways that you can enjoy eating chocolate in a healthy way this Easter...
1. Organic Chocolate
When you buy a bar of organic chocolate it means that all the ingredients are organic. This assures you that there are no fake artificial additives, colourings or flavourings.
Money-wise, be prepared to invest more than highly processed chocolate that you might find in the supermarket, as real chocolate is more expensive. But, it’s delicious and you will certainly find that you eat far less of it.
Look at the percentage of chocolate. The higher the chocolate percentage, the more chocolate is present and the less sugar it will have. Since real chocolate does not have artificial additives, you will find that it is not as addictive as commercial chocolate.
Milk chocolate is about 30-45% but for the healthiest chocolate, go for dark chocolate. My favourite organic dark chocolate is in the 55% - 75% range.
2. Raw Organic Chocolate
The cacao in raw chocolate is never heated above 45°C, unlike commercial chocolate which is roasted at 130°C, meaning all the anti-oxidants, enzymes and nutrients remain intact
Today, there are many conscious chocolate companies that sell delicious raw organic chocolate bars and snacks. Raw organic chocolate comes in many different forms; so keep an eye out for raw chocolate powder, nibs or ready-made chocolate bars.
Raw organic chocolate is not cheap, but keep in mind that it is full of nutritional goodness. Let the price serve as a powerful reminder that chocolate is a treat.
You can even make your own raw chocolate treats at home, using raw chocolate powder (this looks very similar to cocoa powder), cacao butter or coconut oil, salt and a sweetener of your choice. You can add extra flavours such as nuts, peppermint or vanilla essence. Et voila, delicious, healthy, home made real chocolate.
Raw chocolate powder makes a delicious smoothie when blended with banana and a liquid (such as non-dairy milk, apple juice or water). Make sure to choose an organic powder, without any additives or fillers.
Raw chocolate powder is a great addition to a healthy diet and the good thing about it, is that a little goes a long way!
3. Drinking Ceremonial Cacao
Drinking ceremonial cacao is about enjoying chocolate in its most natural and healthy form. It's made from raw cacao beans, which means it keeps all its goodness. Unlike regular chocolate, it’s not just for eating; people have been drinking cacao for centuries to feel more relaxed, peaceful and focused.
Making ceremonial cacao is simple. Start with cacao powder, which is just pure cacao beans that have been ground up. Over some gentle heat, warm up some water or non-dairy milk—not too hot—and slowly mix it with the cacao paste in a saucepan. Whisk until it’s all smooth. You can add a bit of honey for sweetness as well as a dash of cinnamon, ground ginger and nutmeg for spice. Some like it plain to really taste the cacao.
Pour it into your favourite cup. When you drink your cacao, take your time. Savor the rich chocolate flavor and let it help you slow down and find a moment of calm in your day. It's not just a drink; you can make it into a small, peaceful and healing ritual for yourself!
4. Organic Carob
Organic carob powder can be purchased in health food shops and supermarkets that have a good healthy foods section. It looks very similar to cocoa powder, and can be used in baking, smoothies and making chocolate snacks.
As well as being very chocolate-y, it is high in nutrients including calcium, magnesium, potassium and trace minerals such as iron, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel and other vitamins.
Organic carob is a great alternative for anyone who is caffeine sensitive, adrenal exhaustion or experiencing any peri-menopause or menopause symptoms.
Carob powder has a delicious chocolate taste, that is a little 'sweet'. Carob is one of my favourite ways to enjoy chocolate without guilt.
I hope these ideas inspire you to experiment and enjoy the healing power of real chocolate this Easter!
Find out more about the Healing Mediations for Weight Loss Program Here>>>
With so much Love,
From my heart to yours,
Katrina Love Senn xo
PS. To learn more about 'Healing Meditations for Weight Loss' click here >>
