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This creamy, rich, decadent and healthy cacao delight will satisfy your cravings while providing essential nutrients. It is a must-try for chocolate lovers!
When it comes to making cozy drinks at home, this healthy cacao has been my personal favorite for a long time already. It is easy to make and ready in seconds.
As a coffee lover, I needed something throughout the day instead of a load of caffeine. I experimented a lot to find the perfect match, and this one has been my go-to choice.
With just a few ingredients, chocolatey flavor, and creaminess, it will satisfy all your senses. It is healthy and nutritious on a physical level (explained below) but also calming and emotionally satisfying .
No matter if you drink it in the middle of the day or before bedtime, alone or with your loved one, everytime you will find yourself wanting it again and again, just as I do.
Moreover, it is very helpful in overcoming sugar cravings, as I can tell first hand! Especially at the beginning when your taste buds are still adjusting to real flavors.
What You Need To Make This Healthy Cacao Drink
Cacao powder (organic, unsweetened) – it is a superfood and complex food source. Besides its gorgeous aroma, it contains large amounts of antioxidants that may affect how your body responds to insulin and have potential benefits for heart health. Cacao is a great source of polyphenols that reduce inflammation and improve blood flow; it is rich in serotonin and theobromine that may improve mood and signs of depression as natural mood elevators. Cacao powder is also known as the highest plant based source of iron and could improve sleep quality. What more could we wish for from just one plant from nature?
Be sure to use high quality cacao powder, unprocessed and organic, where all these goodies are intact. I am using this Cacao Powder.
Maca powder – Maca root (Lepidium meyenii), also known as “Peruvian ginseng”, is an adaptogenic plant, meaning it helps the body respond and adapt to stress. There are many brands available on the market, I tried this Organic Maca Powder.
It is mostly known for balancing hormone levels naturally, for both women and men. There are three types of maca – yellow, red, and black. The red maca is best for helping with symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and overall hormonal imbalancies in women.
Peanut butter – not only does it enrich the taste, but it also adds more creaminess and fullness to the beverage. It is a good source of healthy fats and protein, which helps keep you satiated longer.
Always be careful with store bought peanut butter (full of unnecessary ingredients, such as added oils and sugar) and read the labels to avoid hidden contents. Homemade peanut butter is the best choice; it is made of one ingredient – peanuts.
Salt – just a pinch of salt enhances the flavor of chocolate. Choose Himalayan or Celtic salt like this one to add minerals and maintain electrolyte intake to help with hydration.
How To Make This Cacao Drink
You will definitely need a blender to make this drink creamy, with stable, thick foam. A stick blender would also do the work.
In the blender combine cacao powder, maca powder, spices, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt. Add hot water and blend on high speed, not longer than 15-20 seconds. Voilà!
With minimal effort, you will get an incredible taste and texture. Now just fill your favorite mug, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or cacao powder, enjoy and relax. This cacao drink will boost your feelings of contentment while making you feel satiated and calm.
- Notes and Variations -
♦ Replace maca with any adaptogen of your choice (ashwagandha works well).
♦ Use any nut butter or regular butter instead of peanut butter. Coconut oil or MCT oil would be great choices also.
♦ For an even richer texture, use milk instead of water (almond, coconut, or regular milk).
♦ Maca powder has its own sweetness and cinnamon ads sweet aroma also, but if you need more, you can add honey.
Hormone Healthy Cacao Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp cacao powder (organic, unsweetened)
- 1 tsp red maca powder
- 1/4 tsp chai or pumpkin spice mix
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (homemade; without sugar)
- 200 ml water
- a pinch of himalayan or celtic salt
Instructions
- While the water is warming, in a blender combine all the rest ingredients; add hot water and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Pour into a mug and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon to allow its aroma to spread. That's it, enjoy!
