Spiced Hot Chocolate by Amanda Miarecki

Spiced Hot Chocolate

What’s more comforting during chilly winter months than a big, warm cup of spiced hot chocolate? There are many health benefits of cacao, aside from simply tasting delicious!

Raw cacao contains over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, making it one complex and nutritious food:

Anandamide: a neurotransmitter known as “the bliss chemical”
Arginine: nature’s aphrodisiac
Magnesium: for healthy heart function
Serotonin: anti-stress neurotransmitter
Tryptophan: anti-depressant amino acid
Phenylethylamine: controls the ability to focus attention and stay alert
Polyphenols: antioxidants

Chili Powder is a blend of spices including chili peppers, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and garlic powder. The health benefits of chili powder are derived mostly from the capsaicin in the red pepper:

Pain Reduction
Fights Inflammation
Antioxidant
Boosts the Immune System
Increased Metabolism

Recipe for Spiced Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, coconut milk, or favorite non-dairy milk option (I prefer coconut)
3 tbsp raw cocoa powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 cinnamon stick

Directions:
Combine milk, cocoa, nutmeg, and chili powder in a blender
Blend until combined
Heat on stove (or heat in a mug in the microwave if you can’t wait)
Serve with a cinnamon stick.
Enjoy!

Amanda is a Boulder-based Health Coach, fitness enthusiast, avid trail-runner, and aspiring physician with a passion for integrative health. Her goal is to motivate women to live inspiring and healthy lives and create a revolution in how people think about their health. Her passion is encouraging others to take care of their bodies with exercise, healthy behaviors, and nutritious foods. Get inspired to live fit and connect with Amanda on her blog. Visit her on Facebook and Twitter.