Last night was a great night for television with the family. I don’t often say that but between watching the Olympic Men’s and Women’s Slopestyle, Men’s Downhill Skiing and the Beatles Tribute with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, it made for exciting TV. As guest artists performed their music, I was reminded of another one of their songs in a quote from Charles M. Schultz, “All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

It’s that time of year again. Iron Horse training has begun and after long workouts, I am starving! I try to replenish with protein, complex carbs and healthy fats, but my husband says that I always need a “little something” after dinner that includes chocolate.

“Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands – and then eat just one of the pieces.” - Judith Viorst

My homemade chocolate is only good if you like it dark, I mean really dark. I guess you could add more sweetener to make it more like candy but it’s delicious and only takes a few bites to do the trick. A little goes a long way. If you like Hershey’s chocolate, you will be disappointed. I have a friend who lovingly told me not to tell her if my homemade version compares to something (like a Snickers) since she is always disappointed. She does, in fact, love anything SWEET and thinks my taste buds are defective.

Raw, unsweetened cocoa powder is high in antioxidant flavonols and helps maintain a healthy heart!* Extra virgin coconut oil has no trans-fats and is high in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA’s). These fats are converted into energy, not stored as fat, and can promote a healthy metabolism.* Both benefits are a good thing for anyone, even those not in training!

Heart Healthy Chocolate

• ½ C Organic, Raw, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• ½ C Organic, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• ½ C Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans) Optional
• 6 drops of Stevia (or sweeten to taste)

Use a double boiler or microwave to slowly melt the coconut oil. Mix in equal parts of cocoa powder with a whisk. Sweeten to taste with Stevia or other natural sweetener. Pour chocolate on a plate or over nuts and put in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes.

Break up and store in an airtight container in freezer or refrigerator.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tags

Featured Healthy Aging Healthy Aging & Antioxidants Natural Foods

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