Oh, the guilt people feel when they even think about eating chocolate, sheesh! Guilt is not a feeling, it is a fact. You either are or you are not guilty of doing something you think you should not be doing or have already done. The feeling that you experience is remorse. Let’s reframe the “remorse” felt around chocolate consumption. It’s self-induced. So, if you had healthier recipes to score your chocolate addiction, would you feel remorse? Likely not, or at least not as much right? Then I’ve got you.
Wait for a second and savor the moment as I am going to tell you that you do not need to give up your love for chocolate to be healthy. But you need to focus on eating the right kind of chocolate which contains almost 70 percent cocoa and is referred to as high-quality dark chocolate. My fave.
Dark chocolate is filled with healthy benefits such as flavonoids, which maintain cardiovascular health and lower the risk of cancer. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants which are essential for a strong immune system and help to reduce inflammation in your body. It also offers various benefits such as reducing your risk of stroke, diabetes prevention, improving the functionality of your brain, cancer prevention, and even weight loss!
Other kinds of chocolates contain added chemicals and more refined sugars which are highly addictive. White chocolate is technically not even considered chocolate as it doesn’t contain cocoa. Try to avoid white chocolate because its basic ingredients are sugar, cocoa butter, soy, milk, lecithin, and added flavors which result in it being loaded with sugar. Choosing dark chocolate is helpful as it has much less sugar and is rich in cocoa. You can get the maximum benefit of dark chocolate by using one of my favorite recipes. These Chocolate Cherry Superfood balls will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and still get in some sweetness to satisfy your desire. Paired with a source of high-quality protein such as two hard-boiled egg whites or a grass-fed beef stick you have a complete mini-meal that will keep your blood sugar stabilized and you a happy camper because no one likes being hangry.
Chocolate Cherry Superfood Balls
Prep Time: 15 min. Cook Time: 0 min. Total Time: 15 min. Yields: 12 medium-sized balls
Here is a fantastic recipe for all you chocoholic lovers out there. These little golden nuggets of yumminess will help you quit unhealthy habits a little bit easier and maintain a healthier lifestyle without deprivation. Use this recipe to help you fight sugar cravings while helping you feel content more easily.
Yields: About 12 medium-sized balls
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin seeds (unhulled)
½ cup Brazil nuts
8 dates
¼ cup dried cherries
¼ cup dried coconut flakes
2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon raw honey (optional)
hemp, sesame seeds, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, or coconut flakes (optional, to roll balls in)
Instructions:
1. Soak the Brazil nuts in a bowl of water for 8 hours. Ensure that they are completely covered with the water.
2. Drain and rinse the nuts five times. Then combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend. You want everything to be combined, yet not fully blended. Some chunks are nice!
3. Form into small balls and either keep as is or roll in hemp or sesame seeds, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, or coconut flakes. Enjoy!