KAWARTHA LAKES-‘Tis the season of hot chocolate and when you’ve been out parade hopping and holiday shopping there is nothing better than a warm mug of something sweet and comforting. However, hot chocolate comes with a heavy amount of sugar, which can throw off our hormones, spike our Insulin, and make us put on weight fast.
I have a great recipe I am going to share with you today, and this hormone-loving, energy boosting ingredient might be a game changer in your diet! Let me introduce to you the amazing Maca Root!
The maca plant, is a root that is sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng.
It grows in the Andes of Peru, in harsh conditions and at very high altitudes-so because this plant can thrive in harsh conditions, it is proposed that it can help us thrive in any condition as well. Maca root is generally dried and consumed in powder form and the taste is earthy and nutty. Many people add it to their smoothies, sweet treats and use it to make a hormone-boosting hot chocolate!
Health Benefits of Maca
Before we get to the hot maca chocolate recipe, though, let’s talk about the health benefits of maca.
Energy: Incorporating maca into your daily diet can help boost your energy levels and increase endurance and stamina. It is ideal for athletes performing energy-demanding activities. Maca has also been shown to expand and sharpen mental memory and activity, making it an excellent remedy for fatigue.
Remedy for Women’s Health: Maca powder can be helpful in relieving various side effects of menstruation and menopause. It is effective especially in alleviating hot flashes and cramps.
Skin Health: Adding maca to your diet can do wonders for the health of your skin. Maca has anti-inflammatory properties effective in fighting acne or blemishes. Maca can also help reduce the sensitivity of your skin.
Improving Mood & Balancing Hormones: Maca can provide effective relief for those suffering from mood swings, anxiety, depression, and other pre-menstrual symptoms. Hormone-balancing foods like maca can help regulate mood, sexual function, and emotions and prevent diseases.
Packed with Nutrients: Maca is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and antioxidants. It contains glucosinates, which are powerful antioxidants usually found on cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables.
Now that you know the multiple health benefits of maca, you can enjoy it even more! I like to add it to smoothies and treats, but my favourite way to enjoy it is simply in a big mug as I would a hot chocolate-without the huge blood sugar spike and crash!
Here is your recipe for hot maca chocolate.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of maca powder
1 teaspoon of cacao powder
I mug almond milk
1 pinch cinnamon
Toppings:
Cacao Nibs
Cinnamon
What To Do
Heat the almond milk and wait to simmer. Blend it with maca and cacao powder for few seconds. Then, pour the mixture into your mug. Sprinkle some cinnamon and cacao on top. Take a sip and enjoy its aroma and flavor.
With this simple recipe for hot maca chocolate, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy beverage. Start making maca part of your healthy diet and experience a more satisfying lifestyle. The holidays don’t have to be unhealthy! Want more awesome tips like this? Head over to http://www.sweathappywellness.com and grab your free copy of the 48 hour Sugar Detox where I give away some of my BEST healthy recipes.
Becky Sheehey is a Holistic Health Coach, and a Pilates and Movement Expert with a background in Kinesiology. She lives in Lindsay.
