Got a Craving for Chocolate? Try this Healthy Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding

As passionate as most people are about chocolate, I have never been one to really care

that much about it.

Sure, I love to enjoy a dark chocolate bar from time to time, but I had never experimented

with raw cacao powder in my kitchen at all.

Until recently.

While browsing the shelves at a well-respected health food store, I noticed a package of  organic

cacao powder and decided to buy it.

When I got home, I stuck it into my pantry with thoughts of using it right away to make some of

the yummy chocolate creations I have seen or tasted.

Life interceded and that did not happen until one day I stopped by one of my favorite raw, vegan

restaurants–a cozy spot located in the heart of the East Village.

I had already eaten a hearty dinner, so I didn’t need anything heavy.

But I still had a desire–room–for a healthy dessert.

After browsing their menu, I decided to try their Raw Cacao Pudding.

This dark, sweet, creamy concoction was topped with coconut cream and cacao nibs.

It was love at first bite.

When I got home I was determined to try mind hand at creating a healthy, raw, chocolate dessert

of my own.

I fetched that package of cacoa powder from the pantry shelf and scoured the kitchen for other

ingredients to create with.

Previously, I had read several articles about the health benefits of chocolate and so I approached this

project without a bit of guilt.

Health Benefits of Cacao Powder

Got a Craving for Chocolate? Try this Healthy Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding

Cacao provides numerous health benefits especially for the cardiovascular and immune systems.

1. Improves Mood

Cacao powder provides “legendary” mood-elevating effects due to chemicals, such as endorphins,

stimulants, phenylethylamine, and serotonin, which can help improve your mood.

2. High in Antioxidants

Cacao powder is high in flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage and increase your risk of developing

disease.

3. Lowers High Blood Pressure

Chocolate may help to lower ‘’bad’’ cholesterol level and raise ‘’good’’ cholesterol level when used

in  moderation.

This also helps to lower your risk of developing heart complications.

The magnesium in cacao powder helps to lower high blood pressure by improving blood circulation

and distribution.

4. Boosts Cardiovascular Health

Because they are rich in flavonoids which help with circulation, cacao powder can improve the

function of the heart–preventing the development of  heart attacks and strokes.

Chocolate’s benefits are too often far outweighed by the negative consequences of the fat and refined

sugar we often pair with our raw cacoa powder.

We can’t go around overindulging on sugary chocolate bars, however, there are many healthful

ways to add cacoa powder to your diet without any of the unhealthy ingredients.

Buying Tips

When buying cacao powder, look for:

*certified fair trade

*organic

*higher fat content

*unsweetened cocoa powder

*cocoa as the only ingredient

*Avoid buying “ground chocolate” which is actually powdered chocolate bars full of ingredients we’re

trying to avoid

Cacao should be used in moderation.

Ready for some chocolate goodness?

Try this healthy, easy to make, Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding recipe.

This guilt-free chocolate pudding is a thick, rich, creamy, smooth treat!

It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding

Got a Craving for Chocolate? Try this Healthy Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

2 ripe organic bananas

1/2 organic avocado

1 organic orange peeled and separated

1/2 cup organic blackberries (save a few for the topping)

2 teaspoons raw organic cacao or cocoa powder

1/2 cup organic unsweetened almond or coconut milk

3 tablespoons organic chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla

1-2 tablespoons organic coconut palm sugar (optional)

Got a Craving for Chocolate? Try this Healthy Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding

Directions:

Add the ingredients to your blender–I use a VitaMix

Blend until smooth.

Pour the pudding into a bowl.

Top with a few blackberries.

Got a Craving for Chocolate? Try this Healthy Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding

For a firmer pudding, place in your refrigerator for a few minutes to chill.

You can top your pudding with a dollop of coconut cream and coconut flakes,

if you like.

Enjoy!

Got a craving for chocolate?

What are your favorite ways to use cacao powder?

Share your thoughts and suggestions with us.

 

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Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding  - Got a Craving for Chocolate? Try this Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding. It's made from healthy, yet tasty ingredients, so it tastes good and is good for you.  #Chocolate  #Banana  #Berry   #Chia   #Pudding   #chiaseeds  #chiapudding  #cacao  #vegan  #vegandessert

 

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