Giving thanks... As a kid, nothing made me feel more grateful than receiving chocolate treats. As I’ve grown older and my priorities have shifted, chocolate has now slipped to around third place on my list, LOL. Perhaps I should reconsider cocoa — a natural powerhouse of antioxidants that offers a range of health benefits. The flavonoids protect cells from damage. Studies have shown cocoa improves heart health by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and let’s not forget its ability to enhance brain function by boosting cognitive abilities and mood.
For those of us who are aging, cocoa's antioxidant properties benefit the skin, shielding it from UV damage and improving its texture. A gentle reminder to reap these advantages: opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) and enjoy it in moderation… not the whole bar in one sitting — and YES, I’ve been there!
This month, I look forward to gathering for “Friendsgiving” locally, then packing up the car, kids, and dog and traveling out to America’s heartland to spend time in Meema’s kitchen for our annual Thanksgiving of all Thanksgivings! I invite you to surround yourself with the comfort of friends, family, and nourishing foods that heal you from the inside out. Embrace the colors of fall with their vibrant hues of red, orange, brown, and deep green. Immerse yourself in the scent of crisp air, pine, and the raw leaves gathering in damp, cool piles in the yard. These are signs of one season ending and another emerging. Give thanks and look inside for the next steps toward winter, meditation, and inner growth. I have big plans for 2025, but you’ll have to stay tuned! I’m collaborating with some of the best people in healing, nutrition, and travel, and I don’t want you to miss a thing!
For my family, this year we are accommodating a few different meal requests — Keto, diabetic, and traditional dishes. Feel free to try a new recipe or remake an old favorite. I’ve tried a few here; share with me at @ownhealthy — I love to hear about your cooking adventures.
Stress-Free Hot Cocoa Recipe
It’s the perfect time of year to add this health-boosting, delightful hot chocolate to your routine. As the weather cools down, this delicious, warm beverage will wrap a soothing, cortisol-lowering hug around you.
With only three ingredients, plus water, it might be shocking to learn of the high levels of antioxidants, fiber, and overall health benefits in these whole foods.
1) Dates offer a plant-based, low-glycemic sweetness, which is the perfect complement to cacao’s potential benefits of lowered blood pressure.
2) Cashews have been shown to lower blood pressure and raise “good” cholesterol levels.
3) By using raw cashews in this recipe, you are essentially making a single serving of cashew milk to order. No need to strain; it’s perfectly blended.
Even better than all of the health benefits is the fact that this is a dreamy, dark chocolate, comforting drink. So go make a mug, sit back, and revel in it.
Ingredients:
- 3 Medjool dates
- 1 1/2 tbsp cacao powder
- 5 whole raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cups hot water or plant-based milk (oat is my favorite!)
Directions:
- Add all four ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend thoroughly for up to 60 seconds.
- Pour into your favorite mug. Enjoy your rich, comforting, creamy, and dairy-free hot chocolate!
If you’re feeling the holiday stress or need a bit of support navigating this season, I’d love to connect and chat about how I can best support you.
Shoot me an email at hello@maziehollenbaugh.com or book a FREE call using the link below. Let’s make this holiday season a little bit sweeter together!
