November 29, 2017
I’m definitely a dessert-for-breakfast kind of person (or a dessert-anytime kind of person). The good news is that studies now show that not only does chocolate first thing in the morning contribute to weight loss success, it has also been associated with increased cognitive performance.
There is very little I love more than waking up to a sweet treat, and this Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding is a perfect make-ahead recipe to blend up the night before and refrigerate so it’s ready and waiting for those on-the-go mornings. It would also make a delectable (and healthy) dessert for dinner guests, or just for you if you’re looking to replace that nightly bowl of ice cream. 😉
It’s what I call a “magic” recipe – like that magic shirt that makes you look skinny even when you don’t feel skinny.
Here’s the deal:
It’s crucial to start your day off with some healthy fats, which help us utilize fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. Healthy fats also help regulate hormones, which are vital for just about every system in our bodies, particularly energy production. They slow down nutrient absorption, so we feel satisfied throughout the day and can avoid that mid-morning crash or 3PM trip to the vending machine.
Coconut oil has been used traditionally since ancient times by the Polynesians, a culture with some of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world. It is a rich source of small- to medium-chained saturated fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s), which are sent directly to the liver to be immediately converted into usable energy, rather than being stored as fat. In this way, coconut oil supports healthy body weight, reduces the risk of heart disease, supports thyroid function, increases energy and metabolism, and helps control diabetes and digestive disorders such as Crohn’s and IBS.
Avocados are high in both Omega 3’s and vitamin E, both essential for glowing skin, shining hair and preventing wrinkles. Omega 3’s reduce inflammation and may help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, arthritis and even cancer. These fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain, and are important for cognitive and behavioural function.
Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing or milling unroasted cacao beans to protect their nutrients and flavour, keeping the living enzymes intact while removing the fat. It’s important to use raw cacao in this recipe, because, although the two might look the same, processed cocoa powder is cooked at high temperatures, which changes the molecular structure of the cacao bean, reducing the enzyme content and lowering its nutritional value.
Raw cacao has over 300 different chemical compounds and nearly 20 times the antioxidant power of blueberries! It’s also a good source of protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, iron and flavonoids, which have been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Another ancient superfood, chia seeds were a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets, used medicinally to relieve joint and skin pain. Rich in Omega 3’s and antioxidants, chia seeds help slow the process by which carbohydrates are converted into sugar, and may promote weight loss and sustained energy levels while protecting against diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Not only are they higher in protein than any other seed, they contain double the calcium, iron, potassium and antioxidants, along with good supplies of fibre, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin and zinc.
Last but certainly not least, the humble vanilla bean is a little antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory power house! Studies have shown that including vanilla in the diet can measurably reduce cholesterol levels and promote healing and immune function. The antioxidants in vanilla can prevent the negative effects of free radicals, such as cancer and chronic diseases. Not only has it been used to strengthen hair, prevent acne, and soothe anxiety, some research has pointed to vanilla as a weight-loss aid, due to its appetite-suppressing and metabolism-boosting qualities.
TIP: Since most commercial vanilla extracts contain alcohols, I always look for dried vanilla bean powder, which contains only the pure, undiluted vanilla. This can be a bit pricey and hard to find however, 100% pure organic vanilla extract will also do just fine.
Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
- ½ avocado
- 1 ½ tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
- 1 ½ tbsp raw cacao powder
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- ¼ tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- ½ cup almond (or other non-dairy) milk
Directions
- Blend well (I use a Nutri-Bullet) and refrigerate 30 min. (or overnight)
- Top with nuts, cacao nibs, shredded coconut and/or coconut yogurt
- Indulge!
Enjoy!
