by Divinity | Blog News, Health Benefits |
By Divinity Chan All rights reserved ©2012-2014
“Chocolate – The breakfast of champions” – Unknown
It is well known fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After a sleeping for a number of hours the body will need nourishment to function at an optimal level. It has been strongly recommended by fitness nutritionists to eat breakfast within the first hour of waking up because this is when the metabolism is at the highest.
Organic raw cacao nibs
So why not add chocolate to your breakfast using cacao nibs?
Cacao, known as one of the world’s superfoods is the raw material of chocolate or the bean that has been fermented and roasted before it is processed into chocolate. As one website described them as “nature’s chocolate chips.” http://navitasnaturals.com Nutty flavor with hints of bitter chocolate that tastes like cocoa powder.
What are some benefits of this little bean?
- Contains antioxidants and nutrients that enhance physical and mental well-being that will give you a healthy boost/pick up.
- Rich with magnesium and contains more antioxidant flavoids that red wine, green tea and blueberries.
- Helps release endorphins giving you a natural high or the ‘feeling of being in love’
- Natural snack without sugar, additives, and preservatives.
Not too shabby for this little bean. You can find this gem at health food stores and organic food markets. You and your Chocolate Date sweetie can enjoy both the health benefits and the yummy flavor.
Simply add a couple tablespoons of cacao nibs to granola, cereal or breakfast smoothie for a morning chocolate treat.
Here’s a few recipes to get you started:
Chocolate Supreme Smoothie
From book: The Art of Raw Living Food by Doreen Virtue and Jenny Ross
Raw cacao is high in magnesium and other creativity enhancers. This superfood smoothie is great for unlocking your mind’s potential to create, and it also provides a naturally stimulating energy. The most important thing about this recipe is that it’s balanced by rich green foods.
1 ripe peeled banana or avocado
1 young Thai coconut (water and flesh)
2 tbsp. raw cacao nibs or powder
1 tbsp. maca-root powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract or 1 whole vanilla bean
2 tbsp. hemp seeds
2 tbsp. agave nectar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. SuperGreens or spirulina
1/2 cup ice
Blend all ingredients well in a high powered blender. Pour into a glass lined in chocolate sauce and serve, or sprinkle with fresh cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
.
.
Crazy-Good Chocolate Granola with Cacao Nibs, Almonds, and Cherries
http://wayfaringchocolate.com/2012/03/15/chocolate-granola-with-cacao-nibs-almonds-and-cherries/
3 cups (270g) rolled oats
1 cup (120g) slivered almonds
1/2 cup (60g) sunflower seeds
1/4 cup cacao nibs
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup honey (I used Manuka honey, ’cause I’m fancy like that. Agave or maple work for a vegan version)
1/3 cup canola oil
a few pinches of salt
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup dried cherries
1.Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
2.In a large bowl, mix the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds and cacao nibs together. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, honey, oil, and salt. This will make a very, very thick mixture, so don’t fear it. Embrace it.
3.Mix the wet mix into the dry, stirring vigorously to make sure it’s all mixed through.
4.Pour the granola mixture onto one or two baking trays, then bake for about an hour, stirring every twenty minutes. (I only had one baking tray so baked the mixture for 1 hour and 20 minutes.)
5.Stir in the dried fruit and bake for five minutes more, although this part is probably completely unnecessary. You could certainly just stir in the dried fruit and be done. Your call. Also, don’t stress if the granola still seems a little bit wet straight out of the oven; as soon as it cools down, it because stupendously crispy.
.
.
Tropical Fruit Salad with Cacao Nibs Recipe
http://www.chow.com/recipes/14112-tropical-fruit-salad-with-cacao-nibs
1 cup banana, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices (from about 1 medium banana)
1 cup kiwi, peeled and cut into medium dice (from about 3 medium kiwis)
1 cup mango, peeled and cut into medium dice (from about 1 medium mango)1 1/2 cups solo papaya, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into medium dice (from about 1 medium papaya)
1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skins removed, and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons cacao nibs
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon agave nectar
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and gently mix to combine. Serve immediately.
Action: Try these ideas and let me know what is your favorite one. Or if you have any that you would like to share please post them in the comments below. Love to hear your story.
by Divinity | Blog News, Health Benefits |
- by MonSun Chan | TheChocolateDate.com ©2012
It is so easy these days to get caught up in the busyness of Life that we forget to express our love and appreciation to our loved one. We wear the dark colored lens and forget to take them off to see the beauty and love in front and around of us. You have a precious gift in front of you who added joy and love to your Life.
Many people leave relationships and friendships if they are not feeling loved, supported, respected, honored, cherished and/or appreciated. And have you noticed many people can’t get enough of acknowledgement and appreciation? In fact many secretly crave that kind of attention.
So let’s show your sweetie how much they mean to you and how they’ve contributed to your life to make it full and bright instead of empty and alone.
Focus on what you love about your sweetie and all the great things (both big and small) they’ve done for us. When you sincerely express your gratitude and love see how much love is reflected right back at you.
But remember you too benefit as well. How?
- Feels good
- Relationship with your sweetie improves and flows easier
- Build up immune system
- Increase in energy
- Instant fountain of youth taking years off your face
- Increase in vitality
- Deep relaxation and in a state of happiness
So here are 3 things you can do:
1. Find out what and how your sweetie would like to be appreciated. Is it simple as gifts like flowers and chocolates? Is it words of acknowledgment verbally and/or in writing? Is it about the action of being in service like a massage or helping around the house? Or a reward system like peck on the cheek for a job well done? Find out and set yourself to win.
2. Journaling – most popular thing you can do daily where you jot 2-3 things you are grateful for in your relationship. Focus on the positive aspects. By doing this you increase your own happiness without even realizing it. Try it!
Image by iStockphoto
3. Express or demonstrate your appreciation and love to your sweetie at least once a day. And if you are really busy, schedule it on your phone and/or calendar to remind you. Keep this like an important meeting you can’t change. It doesn’t have to be big. Even the little things count.
Both you and your sweetie will benefit. it’s a win-win and all starts with you. Sooner or later your sweetie will follow suite. Life without them wouldn’t be the same.
Action step: what one action step can you take to show your gratitude and appreciation? Please share in the Facebook or replay to this email. I love to read them and support you.
Come over to Facebook or post your comments below. Love to hear feedback from you so I know how to better serve you.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
All rights reserved ©2012 The Chocolate Date. Mon Sun C. created “The Chocolate Date”. It’s all about things to do on a date using chocolate where you can get turned on and excited again and again. Intrigued? Visit http://TheChocolateDate.com to download your complimentary eBook “10 Yummy Date Ideas for Chocolate Lovers” to get started on yummy gooey love.
by Divinity | Blog News, Chocolate Dating, Health Benefits |
- by MonSun Chan | TheChocolateDate.com ©2012
Image by m_bartosch | Freedigitalphotos.net
Hmmmm… chocolate for breakfast and now you can have it for lunch and dinner too! What a great way to entice your sweetie for a meal of decadence with a savory twist. Plus both of you get the health benefits too.
In my last article on “How to Cook Healthy Meals Using Chocolate For Your Next Dinner Date” I talked about how you can cook with chocolate more specifically white chocolate and cocoa butter in Alfredo sauce and even steak. Chocolate is so versatile and can be added to any savory meal without any sweetness one would assume when they think about chocolate. I am always on the look out for ways to add chocolate to your dates and found the information and ideas in this online article would be a great resource to you.
What I like about the article is not only does it outline the health benefits but also provides a few ways you can incorporate chocolate into yours and your sweetie’s life effortlessly and easily. We all lead busy lives so let’s make Life a little simpler. Don’t you agree?
Just a few more ideas to add some newness to your chocolate dates to keep your love interesting and of course fun! Start planning your next lunch or dinner date with your sweetie and get ready to fall in chocolate heaven. Remember, “Women love chocolate and the men who know what to do with it!”
MonSun C. – The Chocolate Date Diva
P.S. Let me know how it goes. Post your comments below or on Facebook. Have fun!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bottomline’s High Energy for Life
Editor Judith Zimmer
Creative Cooking with Cocoa
from link: http://www.bottomlinepublications.com/content/article/diet-a-exercise/creative-cooking-with-cocoa#
Everywhere, it seems, you hear about the remarkable health benefits of cocoa, the unique and irreplaceable ingredient in chocolate. And sure, it makes sense to think of cocoa as an ingredient in desserts and sweet treats. But—guess what? Cocoa also can be used like a “spice” in savory dishes. Imagine this—adding cocoa to breakfast foods…salads…even pastas. To find out how to get creative with cocoa, our editors called Chef Ken Gladysz, executive chef at the Hotel Hershey, Hershey, Pennsylvania, a company that has really developed the art of cooking with cocoa. Chef Gladysz uses cocoa in everything from barbecue sauce to ravioli—find out how you can, too…
COCOA 101
Derived from the dried seed of the cacao tree, pure cocoa powder delivers a powerful dose of natural flavanols that have been found to prevent clogged arteries…improve circulation…and reduce blood pressure.
You’ll want to look for unsweetened, organic cocoa powder or raw cocoa (also known as cacao) at health-food stores or online. Good brands to try: Sunfood (www.Sunfood.com) and Navitas Naturals (www.NavitasNaturals.com). Unsweetened cocoa powder is the most healthful type of cocoa—it contains 100% cocoa. It can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to three years. Avoid Dutch-process cocoa, which has fewer flavanols.
GET COCOA INTO YOUR DIET
Consider adding a spoonful of cocoa powder to your morning oatmeal or granola…or sprinkle it over whole-grain waffles or pancakes. For a healthy snack, dust over yogurt, shakes, smoothies or fruit. If you need to sweeten it, add a little raw honey. Cocoa powder can add zest to pastas…can be used as a flavoring for meat or poultry…and sprinkled into soups. Cocoa powder is delicious when used in combination with other spices (such as chili powder, cardamom, paprika or cumin). It adds a slight chocolate undertone that enhances other flavors.
Cocoa nibs, partially ground cocoa beans also available at health-food stores and online, can be sprinkled into salads and vegetable dishes or added to trail mix.
Cocoa in salad dressing? With salmon? Why not—these inspired recipes from Chef Gladysz show you how you can do it…
Cocoa Curry Salad Dressing
1 Tablespoon garlic, roasted and finely chopped
¾ teaspoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1¾ teaspoons pre-made yellow curry paste
5 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup rice vinegar
½ cup olive oil
1 cup canola oil
¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons chives, fresh chopped
2 teaspoons parsley, fresh chopped
Place garlic, brown sugar and mustard in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix curry paste, cocoa, orange juice and vinegar to make a paste. Add paste to the first bowl, and mix well. Combine oils, and slowly whisk into the paste mixture. Add pepper, salt and fresh herbs. Mix well. Taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Refrigerate. To serve, drizzle over salad greens. Refrigerate unused portion.
Cocoa and Toasted-Almond–Crusted Salmon
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup almonds, toasted and chopped
2¼ teaspoons olive oil
8 six-ounce portions center-cut salmon fillets
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Combine cocoa powder, almonds and olive oil, and mix well. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat cooking oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Place four fillets in the pan, flesh-side down. Sauté salmon for 1½ minutes, or until the flesh side is golden brown. Place fillets on greased sheet pan, seared-side up. Repeat for other fillets.
Place sheet pan in preheated 375°F oven for four minutes. Remove from oven. Spread 1½ tablespoons of crust mixture over each portion. Return to 375°F oven for one to two minutes or until desired doneness.
Source: Chef Ken Gladysz is executive chef at Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Listing Details
Publication: Bottom Line Natural Healing
Original publication date: April 1, 2011
by Divinity | Blog News, Health Benefits |
- by MonSun Chan | TheChocolateDate.com ©2012
image: Shari's Berries - www.berries.com
Did you know that one of the world’s most romantic treat is actually good for you? Great mood booster and a great source of nutrients for the brain. Yes, I am talking about chocolate and strawberries! Hmmmmm.
How?
Scientists say dark chocolate, berries and green tea are great natural mood boosters. No wonder everyone goes into a craze over chocolate covered strawberries. Not only do they taste great, you feel great. Plus, it is one of common most romantic treats to have on a date.
The perfect pairing!
Chocolate contains flavonoids with antioxidant properties that stimulates endorphins, which gives a feeling of pleasure and enhance physical and mental well-being. What are they? Phenylethylamine (PEA), Tryptophan and Anandamide (The Bliss Chemical) contribute to the feelings of being in love. PEA is an adrenal related chemical is also created in the brain and released when we are in love. This helps in the enhancing the feelings of love while increasing in focus and alertness. Anandamide is a neurotransmistter produced naturally in the brain. It is known as the Bliss chemical because it is released while we are feeling great. Tryptophan is an amino acid and enhances relaxation and promotes better sleep.
According to Dr. Daniel Amen MD – http://www.amenclinics.com (who specializes in brain based disorders and conditions) the antioxidants in berries also improve your concentration and memory too. Great way to combine romance, pleasure and health with this combination. Of course, if strawberries is not your favorite berry check out blueberries, raspberries and acai.
If you sweetie needs a pick me up, this would be a great time to bring on the decadence. Remember moderation of course!
8 ways to make it a chocolate and strawberry date:
Image: luigi diamanti | Free Digital Photos
1. Make it a Chocolate Date! Take your sweetie to your nearest local chocolatier for some chocolate dipped strawberries. Walk or ride the bicycle instead of taking the car. Exercises like walking increases the levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the feel good chemicals.
2. Buy them already made online and have them delivered to your sweetie’s front door steps.
Resource (optional) – Shari’s berries has an awesome selection of chocolate covered berries and gifts. This is the largest selection I’ve seen online.
3. Fondue Date Night – with dark chocolate sauce and berries. Play a fondue game while you are at. For example: Truth and Dare: if someone drops their berry into the chocolate by mistake, they have to say a Truth to a question or do a Dare at the other person’s request.
4. Morning boost with chocolate berry smoothies – here’s a recipe made with strawberries from www.allrecipes.com. It is a recipe that you can easily change the berry of our choice and some cacao nibs or cacao powder. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/all-around-good-smoothie/detail.aspx
5. Afternoon snack
a. create a snack mix filled with dried berries, dark chocolate and some nuts like walnuts (great brain food)
b. dark chocolate covered berries that you can buy or make your own
c. drizzle dark chocolate sauce over a bowl of berries of your choice
d. low calorie snack – used cacao powder and dust over a bowl of berries of your choice
If Life is getting you down or you and your sweetie just need a “pick me up”, set the date for a night of chocolate and strawberries. And why not add some bubbly champagne, sparkling wine or flavored sparkling water to celebrate the moments of love and gratitude for each other. Cheers!
Come over to Facebook or post your comments below. Love to hear feedback from you so I know how to better serve you.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
All rights reserved ©2012 The Chocolate Date. Mon Sun C. created “The Chocolate Date”. It’s all about things to do on a date using chocolate where you can get turned on and excited again and again. Intrigued? Visit http://TheChocolateDate.com to download your complimentary eBook “10 Yummy Date Ideas for Chocolate Lovers” to get started on yummy gooey love.
by Divinity | Health Benefits |
By Lu Heaney
“There are times when chocolate really can fix all your problems” Dark chocolate is a perfect food; it is as wholesome as it is delicious. Dark, rich and creamy it is one of our most accepted guilty-pleasures, so you may be surprised to learn that raw cocoa contains more antioxidant flavonoids than red wine, green tea and blueberries. In just one ounce of dark chocolate, you get the same beneficial plant chemicals as in a cup of brewed black tea. Not only can chocolate revitalize the appearance and texture of our skin, it can help protect it from sun damage, lower blood pressure, and increase circulation. It’s chocolate-loving-care for the whole body!
“Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world’s perfect food” Dark chocolate contains a whole host of antioxidants, nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea. Antioxidants help to prevent cellular damage and disease by neutralizing free radicals, the destructive oddly-numbered molecules that act as scavengers of the human body. The antioxidants in cocoa are easily absorbed and are more stable and long-lasting than those found in other foods like Acai berries, blueberries, dark green vegetables, and legumes. Cocoa is also a source for essential trace elements, minerals, and vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, and several nutrients. For that reason, dark chocolate is able to impart calming properties to the skin, diminish the physical signs of aging, absorb UV light, reduce inflammation, allergens, viruses and carcinogens, and balance certain hormones in the body.
“And above all…think chocolate!” Eating dark chocolate provides many noteworthy health benefits. Raw and unprocessed organic cocoa and dark chocolate made from raw and unprocessed organic cocoa are accepted as “healthy chocolate”. Not only does dark chocolate have antioxidants that can help reduce blood pressure, it also contains healthy fats like oleic acid; a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil and thought to raise the level of the “good cholesterol” known as HDL. Other beneficial compounds found in cocoa are similar to those found in red wine and can slow cardiovascular disease by preventing plaque formation in our arteries, which can lead to blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Cocoa also improves skin’s texture, thickness, hydration, and blood flow.
“I am not overweight. I am chocolate-enriched” You may also be shocked to learn that dark chocolate can help you lose weight. Dark chocolate is actually a low-glycemic food and because it has appetite-suppressant properties, cocoa is often added to weight loss products to help control hunger. What about the sugar content? Well, the amount of flavanols in extra dark chocolate is so high that it offsets the amount of sugar added. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, will have the opposite effect seeing as the milk in milk chocolate impedes the absorption of antioxidants. The profuse amounts of sugar in milk chocolate reduce the benefits of cocoa by promoting inflammation, which in turn leads to a breakdown of tissue resulting in micro-scarring which eventually becomes macro-scarring, which to often results in facial lines and wrinkles.
“Do not disturb: chocolate fantasy in progress” Indulge your craving for chocolate with delightful chocolate essences, all the while melting away dead skin cells leaving our skin glowing and nourished. Dark chocolate masks are pure and rich in natural ingredients like theobroma oil, commonly known as cocoa butter, and antioxidants. Chocolate facial masks not only leave our skin feeling nourished, firm, smooth, and deeply moisturized, but entice the senses as well.
“Chocolate isn’t a food, it’s a medicine – an anti-depressant” Not only are you improving the appearance of our skin, but by using true cocoa with added essential oils you receive aromatic and therapeutic rewards. The use of cocoa in facial treatments may trigger the brain’s pleasure centers. Chocolate contains caffeine and two other substances, tyramine and tryptophan, that are converted into the feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin, which play a large role in the pleasure and reward mechanisms of our brain. Cocoa is also shown to stimulate endorphin production, which imparts a sense of pleasure. What better way to indulge our chocolate craving without adding calories and still feel sinfully fulfilled.
“I never met a chocolate I didn’t like” Cocoa is currently being studied to see if it helps prevent premature aging of the skin due to its high antioxidant content which helps improve circulation, as well as effectively absorb some harmful UV rays. When healthy dark chocolate is blended with ingredients like quinine, kojic acid and licorice extract, is shown to be useful when addressing pigmentation.
“A day without chocolate is a day without sunshine” Chocolate is a multifaceted food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. There are four “dosage” recommendations of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate:
- 6.3 g (30 calories) per day, about the size of a Hershey’s Kiss morsel
- 6.7 grams of chocolate per day, the equivalent of a small square of chocolate two or three times a week
- no more than 25 gram, or 2.5 squares of dark chocolate, a day
- up to 1 serving (20 g) of dark chocolate every 3 days
All natural (non-dutched) cocoa products vary in dosage depending on the amount of natural cocoa in the product. If you like a hot chocolate with milk or cream, substitute rice milk or soy milk to ensure you are receiving the full benefit of the healthy antioxidants in each sip. Cocoa and chocolate should not be considered a substitute for medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Lu Heaney, NY Aesthetician & Beauty Specialist
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lu_Heaney
http://EzineArticles.com/?So-Much-Chocolate,-So-Little-Time—Natural-Health-Benefits-of-Dark-Chocolate&id=5191814
by Divinity | Blog News, Fun Facts, Health Benefits |
written by Mon Sun Chan, The Chocolate Date Diva
After many scientific findings, chocolate is now known to be a one of the world’s health food and mood enhancer bringing out the feelings of “being in love”. And it is the most chosen flavor in many products. Not only does it feed the soul and satisfy the taste buds, but it nourishes the body thanks to the abundance of nutrients and flavonoids. Who would have known this dark decadence would have so many health benefits when we have been told it to avoid it like many other junk foods.
The Chocolate Date © Mchudo | Dreamstime.com
Exciting and yummy news! Now lets delve deeper to see what all the hoopla is about the benefits of this healthy treat.
As you may have already discovered, chocolate is put into three main categories: white, milk and dark. According to many findings and articles, dark chocolate is the best out of three. Why? White and milk chocolate is processed with higher contents of dairy products, sugar and other preservatives. Dark chocolate, also known as bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate is processed in a way where its’ natural benefits are still intact.
You may be wondering what are the benefits?
1. It is like a natural anti-depressant without the doctor’s prescription! Contains serotonin and adophamine that feeds your brain putting you in a lighter, happier state.
2. Natural antioxidants helps fight free radicals know to cause heart aliments and improves the flexibility of the blood vessels aiding in blood circulation and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
3. Beneficial for the joints and helps reduces pain and stiffness
4. Dark chocolate contain higher cacao content and large amount of flavonoids called Epicatechins and Catechins which help protect your body’s immune system. Flavonoids are also found in green tea, red wine and blueberries.
5. Also contains natural minerals like iron and magnesium. Did you know magnesium helps the body cope with stress and aids with sleep?
6. Chocolate contain cocoa butter which is the healthy fat that does not affect the production of insulin in the body. Cocoa butter, the most expensive part of the bean has wonderful healing properties. Commonly used ingredient in many skin care products that helps with skin dryness.
7. Diabetics and those who are lactose intolerance can enjoy this decadent treat due to the low sugar content and absence of dairy components. Unfortunately, not all dark chocolate are alike so be sure to read the ingredient list.
Chocolate is chalk full of health benefits so you can see why it is great to incorporate a piece in your daily diet. As with all foods, “moderation is the key”.
Action step: All you need to enjoy the health benefits and satisfy the sweet tooth is just two squares 14-20grams per day. A little bit goes a long way not that you any excuses to eat dark chocolate.
If you have any comments let us know. Post them below or on our The Chocolate Facebook page! We love to hear from you.
To your health!
