Did you know that a little chocolate mixed with love can help you beat the seasonal blues and help you feel fabulous. 

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” ~Charles M. Schulz

As we know, all chocolate is made from Cacao Beans (also known as Cocoa Beans). So basically, Cacao is chocolate! All the antioxidant value, mineral benefits, neurotransmitter rejuvenating properties, and overall health-giving qualities of chocolate are found in Cacao (Chocolate) Powder made from cacao beans.

Studies show that Cacao (Chocolate) may lower blood pressure, increase circulation, increase blood flow to the brain, and decrease chronic inflammation in the body, heart and cardio-vascular system. Dark chocolate can also boost serotonin level to help fight moodiness.

I would like to share with you 2 tasty and healthy chocolate recipes you can make for Valentines or any other time of the year to to make you or special Valentine feel fabulous.

Tasty Instant Chocolate Pudding Recipe for your Valentine Sweetie

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cup (about 12 ounces) firm silken tofu, crumbled
• ¼ to ½ cup dark brown sugar, or pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup Cacao (Chocolate) Powder or Carob Powder
  
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt (optional)

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in food processor and blend several minutes until smooth and creamy. Chill I the refrigerator until serving time. Adopted from Breaking the Food Seduction by Neal Bernard.

Chocolate Frosting Valentine Recipe for a Healthy Mind

Ingredients:

• 11/2 extra firm silken tofu
• 1 cup Cacao
• 1/3 cup agave nectar or  Yacon Syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Blend the tofu, Cacao , agave nectar and vanilla in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Stir the chocolate chips in a large metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Carefully add the melted chocolate to the food processor, then blend until thoroughly combined. Transfer the frosting to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours or until just firm enough to spread. From The Real Food Daily Cookbook by Ann Gentry.

Bon Appetit!

”

Breathe, smile and be happy.

© Irina Wardas, HHC

Women’s Holistic Health  Counselor and Coach

Tasty Chocolate Valentine Recipes for a Healthy Heart and Happy Mind

Do you like to try new eggplant recipes?  Eggplant nutrition is good for us women; here are some reasons why:

* The purple peel of eggplant contains proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins  (like in elderberry, persimmon, tart red cherries and purple grapes, beets, and purple cabbage), which are compounds that can help protect against brain aging, heart disease and various women’s cancers.

* Eggplant is an excellent source of fiber, a mild laxative and diuretic, which can help you with weight loss, keeping blood pressure under control, diabetes, and cholesterol reduction and arteriosclerosis.

*Eggplant is one of the alkaline-forming vegetables, which can be used to strengthen the immune system to keep you healthy and in balance (acidity creates inflammation, puffiness, weaken our immune system which can lead to heart disease, etc.)

P.S. If you suffer from arthritis, foods in the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and some citrus should be avoided.

P.P.S. Eggplant should be eaten in moderation by pregnant women.

Healthy Ratatouille Recipe with Eggplant and Zucchinni

Eggplant is considered to be one of the most energizing and soothing. foods for women, and zucchini is helps with elimination and to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

• 3 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 medium eggplant, chopped
• 2 onions chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin oil
• 1 tbsp garlic
• ½ tbsp basil
• 1 tbsp dill and parsley
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• sea salt and black pepper to taste

Sautee onions in olive oil for 3 minutes, add garlic and spices, cook for a few minutes more. Add tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini. Cook until vegetables are soft. Serve with couscous, or basmati rice.

Bon Appetit!

Breathe, smile and be happy.

©Irina Wardas, HHC

Women’s Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach and Counselor

Ten Great Reasons to Make Ratatouille Recipe