Chocolate....A Healthy Food?

Did you know that cocoa (the pure form of chocolate before milk and sugar are added) is good for you? This is great news for me, as cocoa is my favorite treat. I LOVE the taste and smell of chocolate!!

Cocoa has polyphenols, an antioxidant which is known to help with mood, better blood flow, inflammation, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Cocoa is also rich in flavanols, which may improve blood pressure, heart health, and type 2 diabetes. Cocoa also is high in potassium, a necessary electorlyte which helps muscle and nerve function. Potassium also helps to regulate the fluid levels in our bodies.

The best kind of chocolate to eat is dark chocolate, as it has more cocoa and less sugar than the milk chocolate variety. Both kinds can be eaten as a fat burning snack, however! One ounce of a chocolate bar is one serving! Below is my recipe for Protein Hot Chocolate...if you try it, tell me what you think!

Protein Hot Chocolate

8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk

1 scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder

1 TBlsp of cocoa

Heat almond milk in microwave safe mug in microwave until desired tempurature. Mix a little cold almond milk with protein powder and cocoa until well blended, add to hot almond milk, enjoy!