Happy Raw Choc Chip Cookie Dough / High-Fibre High-Protein

I told you, I am having a sweet tooth lately.
While I mostly satisfy it with ripe Mangoes, Bananas & Melons, I am also really craving chocolate, so I have been experimenting with healthy vegan choc recipes and came up with this one which is super good for you. It's based on Chickpeas!!! Yes, just trust me on this one, it tastes really good!

Why this is SO good for you:

• They're a High-Fiber Food

• Chickpeas Are Folate-Rich

• They're a Vegan Source of Iron

• Chickpeas Are High in Protein

"As a legume, chickpeas are considered both a vegetable and protein food, helping you hit two important food groups at once. These nutty beans are rich in a number of important nutrients that keep you well -- including protein, vitamins and minerals -- and they provide fiber too. Including chickpeas in your diet may play a role in reducing your risk of a number of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
A 1-cup serving of boiled chickpeas has 270 calories, 45 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber. That same 1-cup serving also meets 70 percent of the daily value for folate and 26 percent of the DV for iron. It's also a good source of a number of other minerals including manganese, magnesium, zinc and copper, as well some other B-vitamins, including thiamine and vitamin B-6." (via livestrong.com)

Happy Raw Choc Chip Cookie Dough Recipe

Makes enough for 2 people as dessert or snack
Ingredients

1 tin organic chickpeas (well rinsed)
1/2 cup organic rolled oats
1-2com piece organic vanilla pod
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp. organic tahini
2-3 organic dates
1/3 cup rice milk (or Mylk of your choice)
1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt
1 tbsp. cacao nibs
1/2 a bar of "Happy Thoughts" Raw Vegan Chocolate by The Chocolate Yogi

 Just blend all ingredients except cacao Nibs & Chocolate in a high speed blender or food processor until smooth then mix in the Cacao  Nibs & chopped up chocolate!

Enjoy! We ate ours straight with a spoon! 

This recipe was inspired by The Wellness Fox

Bounty Bliss Bowl

I have had a bit of a sweet tooth lately and really felt like chocolate!  As in Chocolate everything! 

Did you know that Cacao is really good for the skin? Researchers found cacao boosts skin health by increasing blood flow and improving skin density and hydration. But that's not all...
It’s packed with Antioxidants & boosts well-being and mood!
It can actually protect the nervous system. That's why it makes perfect sense that we are craving chocolate in times of increased stress!  And that’s why I called this a BLISS bowl. :)  

 IMPORTANT: Don’t confuse Cocoa with Cacao!!!
Raw cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cocoa and removes the fat (cacao butter). Cocoa looks the same but it’s not. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures. Sadly, roasting changes the molecular structure of the cocoa bean, reducing the enzyme content and lowering the overall nutritional value.

Good thing that there is is so much yummy & healthy-ish vegan chocolate out there...
And so it happened that most my smoothies, desserts and snacks involved adding some raw cacao & chunks of raw & sugar-free The Chocolate Yogi's creations. 

So instead of my usual Green Smoothie in the morning, I mixed things up, literally.
This works well as Special weekend brekkie! 

I won‘t recommend having a bar of chocolate every morning!
Yet, this is SO much better for you than regular sugar loaded cereal. 

Here is my recipe:
1 handful Red Kale
1 Frozen Banana
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tbsp Raw Cacao powder
1 tbsp raw vegan protein powder (optional)
Half a bar „Happy Thoughts“ Chocolate by The Chocolate Yogi
1 cup Rice Milk (or Almond or any Mylk of your choice)
Blend all the above on in a highspeed blender until smooth & creamy

Top with:
Dried Coconut
Berries in season
& the other half of your chocolate bar!  

Turmeric Latte - Why I have been drinking it for years

Have you had a Turmeric Latte yet?

It seems like the next hip health drink trend but Turmeric Milk is so much more. It's not just a fashion, quite the opposite it's actually been an ancient natural remedy in India. Popular with Yogi's for longer than anyone would be able to remember. They call it Golden Milk. 

I came across Golden Milk many years ago through my Kundalini Yoga practice. Whenever I felt my body needed some healing support I made myself a daily turmeric drink for a few weeks. I have always made it as a vegan version with creamy soy milk or delicious coconut milk as a soothing night time drink. I used to follow the original Indian recipe making the paste from spices from scratch. 

Now I buy a ready made mixture and just stir it into warm soy milk. Too easy!!! And it's extra tasty too. With a mix of spices and natural vanilla, it's extremely comforting. I use Turmeric Latte Mix by Nature's Harvest. It's a beautiful blend of organic spices and of course, it's vegan.

I have been having a Tumeric Latte every morning (replacing coffee and avoiding caffeine while breastfeeding a newborn) since I had our little Faye arrived.
But not just because it tastes so good...The health benefits are really amazing. It does so many things and is not only safe but beneficial during breastfeeding too.
I have listed some fun facts for the health nerds below:

Health Benefits of Turmeric

A high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and traditionally has been known to lower risk of heart disease, prevent cancer, support healthy brain function, and treat arthritic conditions. The spice is full of nutrients, such as vitamins, proteins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.
The latest research has even shown that Turmeric is able to kill cancer cells!

Beauty Benefits of Turmeric
 

Turmeric also makes you more beautiful...well kind of:
The health benefits of turmeric include an improved ability to digest fats, reducing gas and bloating, decreased congestion, and improved skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Breastfeeding Benefits of Turmeric

Many women have problems with swollen breasts and clogged milk ducts, which can be very painful for nursing mums and can lead to more serious complications like mastitis. Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation in nursing mothers’ breasts, so they can continue to feed and remain healthy.
The herb contains antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that help enhance your immunity and protect you from a cough, cold, and the flu while nursing your baby.
Turmeric helps regulate body weight, increase the flow of bile, and prevent the risk of weight gain, and obesity for lactating mums. Have a teaspoon of turmeric powder after your meals to maintain a healthy weight. Isn't this great? Spread the word and tell all breastfeeding Mamas out there.

Benefits of Turmeric Latte Mix

All of the above PLUS:

Cinnamon
Another high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory may improve some key risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, as well as help balance blood sugar levels.
Ginger
Traditionally used to treat nausea and morning sickness, it’s antiinflammatory properties may also help relieve muscle pain while it’s gingerol can help lower your risk of infections.
Cardamom
Similar to ginger in its use for digestive concerns, it is also a detoxifier, mild diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Chilli
Used to decrease pain and inflammation, help control weight by stimulating metabolism and prevent disease with its antioxidant content.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a true medicinal food that has been used for centuries, and an everyday ‘superfood’. It’s especially powerful at enhancing brain and mood health.
Black Pepper
Enhances nutrient absorption and bioavailability of Turmeric and improves digestion.