I've been addicted to this healthy hot chocolate lately. It's a recipe I whipped up one night while I had a hot cocoa craving, but wanted something healthier than the typical sugar-filled recipe. This is a hot chocolate that you will actually feel great about fueling your body with. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day, sometimes I even like to combine it with my morning coffee. It's refined sugar free and features some incredibly beneficial ingredients:
Raw cacao contains more than 20 times the amount of antioxidants as blueberries, is a food containing one of the highest sources of magnesium, and is a great source of plant-based iron.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps regulate your body's stress hormones. Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels and anxiety, boosts immunity, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Personally, I've had great success treating my own chronic anxiety by using ashwagandha.
Maca root is another adaptogenic food. Maca helps reduce stress levels, boost energy levels, and is a great source of antioxidants. It has an almost sweet, butterscotch flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup dairy-free milk of choice (I prefer cashew)
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon maca powder
1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of Himalayan salt
Optional: herbal tincture. I prefer to add a bit of a chaga mushroom tincture that I made. Feel free to add whichever tincture you'd like.
METHOD
Combine the ingredients in a small sauce pan and heat until simmering, whisking constantly. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!