So I happen to be of the Vata-Kapha dosha type in Ayurvedic Medicine. The Vata keeps me endlessly wondering many thoughts and thirsty for knowledge, and the Kapha ensures that I gain weight just by smelling chocolate chip cookies baking. The downside of Vata influence is that I can easily become off-center with too much activity or stress, and the upside of Kapha influence is that I am dependable and nurturing. Characteristic of both is that I don't like being cold. Recently, the weather dipped below the 70's in San Diego, causing me to unpack my scarves and boots and be very ambivalent about my usual ice cold green breakfast smoothie. (If you live in the part of the country that is getting dumped in snow right now, please don't hate me for my last sentence. I grew up in the coldest part of the United States so I have paid my dues...and I'm still sensitive to cold!) I decided to try a hot cocoa version of one of my breakfast smoothies and I am sharing it with you because it was just too delicious and satisfying to keep to myself.
This concoction is super nutritious, boasting 18 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber, almost half of your RDA of magnesium (magnesium keeps depression and anxiety at bay), 8.5 grams of healthy fat, only 12 grams of sugar, and antioxidants and polyphenols. Antioxidants and polyphenols, particularly from raw cacao, have been reported to have protective benefits against heart disease, allergies, cognitive decline, cancer, chronic illness, harmful gut bacteria, and aging among other things. The cocao also has stimulant properties so this could be good if you typically rely on coffee to wake you up, or bad if you are trying to calm down or go to sleep soon. This drink is also dairy-free and gluten-free for those of us that don't tolerate that digestive nonsense very well.
You will need:
12 oz. hot or boiling water
1 serving of Usana Nutrimeal Free (or your favorite non-gmo plant-based protein shake powder)
1 serving (2.5 T) raw cacao powder
Optional:
.5-1.5 cups of raw spinach
sprinkle of cinnamon
drizzle of raw honey for added sweetness
I suggest blending this drink in your blender or shaker unless you enjoy powdery protein dumplings in your cocoa. It was delicious, creamy, not too sweet, and warmed me up this morning. I intended to add spinach, but what was left in my refrigerator looked like something only a Great Depression era grandmother would salvage...not particularly alive. I passed for today. Adding 1 c. of spinach would increase the nutrition astronomically, by giving you 900% RDA of Vitamin K building bone health, it would complete your RDA of magnesium for the day, nearly complete your RDA of calcium, and it would add in a host of other antioxidants and nutrients such as B vitamins and Omega 3's that can help to prevent cancer and mental health issues. Spinach secret: It blends well with chocolate (and strawberry) smoothies so that you do not taste it, but it will give your drink a slight greenish hue. The green is where the goodness is! If you are used to the super sweetness of high fructose corn syrup, you can add in a little honey (local honey will help inoculate you from seasonal allergies) to transition to this drink.
You might be tempted to try this with a packet of Swiss Miss. Keep in mind that doing so is not the same, because not only is Swiss Miss devoid of the nutritional goodness, it also contains ingredients deleterious to your health. If you don't have access to a health foods store in your local area, you can find raw cacao online cheaply at places like iHerb.com. Contact me if you would like a discount code for your order at iHerb or a discount on the delicious Nutrimeal Free Protein powder by Usana Health Sciences. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter here for more information and freebies like this delivered straight to your inbox.
This concoction is super nutritious, boasting 18 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber, almost half of your RDA of magnesium (magnesium keeps depression and anxiety at bay), 8.5 grams of healthy fat, only 12 grams of sugar, and antioxidants and polyphenols. Antioxidants and polyphenols, particularly from raw cacao, have been reported to have protective benefits against heart disease, allergies, cognitive decline, cancer, chronic illness, harmful gut bacteria, and aging among other things. The cocao also has stimulant properties so this could be good if you typically rely on coffee to wake you up, or bad if you are trying to calm down or go to sleep soon. This drink is also dairy-free and gluten-free for those of us that don't tolerate that digestive nonsense very well.
You will need:
12 oz. hot or boiling water
1 serving of Usana Nutrimeal Free (or your favorite non-gmo plant-based protein shake powder)
1 serving (2.5 T) raw cacao powder
Optional:
.5-1.5 cups of raw spinach
sprinkle of cinnamon
drizzle of raw honey for added sweetness
I suggest blending this drink in your blender or shaker unless you enjoy powdery protein dumplings in your cocoa. It was delicious, creamy, not too sweet, and warmed me up this morning. I intended to add spinach, but what was left in my refrigerator looked like something only a Great Depression era grandmother would salvage...not particularly alive. I passed for today. Adding 1 c. of spinach would increase the nutrition astronomically, by giving you 900% RDA of Vitamin K building bone health, it would complete your RDA of magnesium for the day, nearly complete your RDA of calcium, and it would add in a host of other antioxidants and nutrients such as B vitamins and Omega 3's that can help to prevent cancer and mental health issues. Spinach secret: It blends well with chocolate (and strawberry) smoothies so that you do not taste it, but it will give your drink a slight greenish hue. The green is where the goodness is! If you are used to the super sweetness of high fructose corn syrup, you can add in a little honey (local honey will help inoculate you from seasonal allergies) to transition to this drink.
You might be tempted to try this with a packet of Swiss Miss. Keep in mind that doing so is not the same, because not only is Swiss Miss devoid of the nutritional goodness, it also contains ingredients deleterious to your health. If you don't have access to a health foods store in your local area, you can find raw cacao online cheaply at places like iHerb.com. Contact me if you would like a discount code for your order at iHerb or a discount on the delicious Nutrimeal Free Protein powder by Usana Health Sciences. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter here for more information and freebies like this delivered straight to your inbox.
