Easter weekend is upon us, and the air is filled with the smell of fresh hot cross buns and chocolate. While chocolate has long been associated with Easter, indulging in traditional sugar-laden treats might leave you feeling a bit full. Chocolate should not be viewed as 'bad' or something to feel guilty over though, and there are ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. Here are a few points to consider:
1. Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. Dark chocolate contains less sugar than its milk chocolate counterpart and boasts a higher concentration of antioxidants, which can benefit heart health and reduce inflammation - among other awesome benefits, according to studies! Look for brands that use minimal added sugars and choose varieties with at least 70% cocoa content for maximum health benefits.
2. Sugar-Free Selections: Explore sugar-free or low-sugar chocolate options. There is a wide array of sugar-free chocolates available in local supermarkets and health food stores, which offer the sweetness you crave without the excessive sugar consumption.
3. Mindfulness: Everything in moderation - including moderation! It is absolutely okay if you have a few extra chocolates to celebrate. Just be sure you mindfully consume with enjoyment - savour each bite, allowing yourself to fully appreciate the rich flavours and textures. That way, you're less likely to overdo it!
4. Homemade Happiness: Get creative in the kitchen and whip up your own healthier chocolate treats! By making your own, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize recipes to suit your dietary preferences and health needs. Experiment with ingredients like raw cacao powder, coconut oil, and natural sugars (maple syrup, rice malt syrup, honey) to create your own chocolate (we love this recipe!), or follow our recipe below using your favourite chocolate block -
Ingredients:
1 block Gevity Rx Sweet Guts Salted Caramel Chocolate (or chocolate block of choice)
Chopped nuts (we love almond, peanut, or brazil nut - or get gummy and chop up some Fundays Sweets!)
Silicone mold (preferably Easter themed, but any will do!)
Method:
1. Break up the chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwave safe bowl
2. Microwave the chocolate at 15 - 20 second intervals, stirring in between. Once the chocolate has mostly melted, stir well until smooth.
3. Carefully spoon the chocolate into the molds until they’re about ⅔ full - be prepared to get messy!
4. Press in your chopped nuts, and if there is any leftover chocolate, cover the top of the nuts to fill the rest of the molds.
5. Place in the fridge to set for a few hours.
6. Once set, pop the chocolates out and enjoy!
We here at Nourish'd wish you all a very happy Easter season, and hope you allow yourself to enjoy a few extra chocolatey treats - guilt free 💚
