Beat the Winter Blues . . . with Chocolate!

Erin Vanderkooy

If you’ve been feeling a bit blue lately, you’re not alone! During these shorter, darker days it’s normal to feel a little down.

The good news is you don’t have to wait for better weather to boost your spirits. There are ways to influence our hormones and neurochemicals in the brain to help regulate mood and mental state. Chocolate lovers, everybody say “Yay!”

Hot chocolate is a favorite with all ages. While most commercial hot chocolate formulae are high in sugar and low in overall nutrients, quality cocoa powder

is rich in antioxidants. Some even call 100% cocoa powder a superfood.

The following recipe is full of antioxidants, decreases inflammation, helps brain function, improves mood and is cancer-fighting — plus it triggers the release of endorphins and mood-enhancing neurochemicals in the brain. And, bonus! It’s delicious and takes just minutes to make.

Cocoa for One

Ingredients:

2 T organic cocoa powder

1 pinch sea salt

1 cup plant milk or water

1 T honey or maple syrup (optional)

1/4 t pure vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

Place cocoa powder, salt and plant milk/water in a small pot and heat over medium.

Whisk all lumps out, add sweetener and vanilla if desired. Serve hot!