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My family and I rented a home in upstate New York for the foreseeable future and during this transition, my body hasn’t wanted my usual morning go-to’s like matcha or coffee since I haven’t needed that level of go-go-go city energy. But, I do still want something that feels energizing, nourishing, soothing and enriching. My magical morning cacao elixir has been the answer to my call.
I’ve had a bag of cacao in my kitchen forever that my friend gifted to me and I finally decided to give it a go. As soon as I realized that I could make cacao in the same way I prepare my Magical Morning Matcha (with healthy fat and adaptogens), it opened the gateway for me to make it a) satiating b) extra creamy and delicious and c) fun! Playing with powders in the kitchen means Navy gets to play, too.
Right now, I’m loving New Chapter’s Black Seed Booster Powder because it’s full of brain boosting adaptogens like Lion’s Mane which may help improve memory and mood, black seed which is packed with antioxidants and turmeric to help fight immflamation. New Chapter Collagen Move is super high quality collagen protein powder and great for recovery especially if you’ve upped your at-home workout game. It’s also really good for healing the lining of your gut, so if you’re having any digestive stuff, this might be a great addition for you, too.
Making and drinking my morning Cacao Elixir has quickly become my favorite daily ritual. It feels SO nourishing and grounding and like exactly what I need right now. What I’ve found is that it can be both energizing and calming, depending on what I need when I drink it. Sometimes I even have two in a day. Can one have too much cacao? (Asking for a friend).
Cacao I’m using:
I absolutely love Cacao Jun Ajpu, a women-owned, ceremonial grade cacao blend made from 100% Guatemalan ingredients in accordance with the Mayan calendar. Gg, the wonderful owner of Cacao Jun Ajpu (pronounced hoon – ah – poo) is offering a few specials right now and I can’t recommend it enough. Check them out here.
In this post, I share my Magical Morning Cacao Elixir recipe plus some of the benefits of this delicious drink.
Two other cacao brands I love (there are tons!):
Benefits of Cacao
Cacao contains the highest concentration of antioxidants and magnesium of any food in the world. It is rich in chromium, theobromine, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, vitamin C, omega-6 fatty acids, tryptophan, serotonin, and more. Cacao is a highly effective natural energy enhancer and aphrodisiac. Cacao also contains PEA, a chemical that we produce in our bodies when we fall in love and PEAs play a role in increasing focus and alertness.
Another amazing element is the presence of Anandamide which has only been found in one plant – cacao. Anandamide is an endorphin that the human body naturally produces after exercise and it’s known as the bliss chemical because it is released while we are feeling joy.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of cacao, click here.
Classic Cacao Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cacao
8 oz boiling water
Maple syrup, honey or stevia to taste (if not already sweetened)
Magical Morning Cacao Elixir Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cacao
8 oz boiling water
1 scoop New Chapter Collagen Move
1 tablespoon coconut butter or other healthy fat like ghee or coconut oil
½ teaspoon New Chapter Black Seed Booster Powder
Maple syrup, honey or stevia to taste (if not already sweetened)
Directions:
NOTE: For kiddos or for an afternoon version I like to add some dairy or nondairy milk or half and half.
What’s your favorite energy boosting alternative to coffee?
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