Drink Recipes

Holistic health coach, Joann Rosalia, shares her love of dark cocoa, affectionately known as chocolate, and a delicious Chocolate Heaven Shake  vegan recipe. Chocolate is a guilt-free superfood because it contains flavonols, plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties. Research suggests that the flavonols in chocolate  may assist the body in its ability to maintain healthy blood pressure, promote blood flow, and promote heart health. We know this energy rich superfood makes us happy!

For the Love of Chocolate

Did you ever find that when you have a love for a particular thing, it’s difficult to comprehend that someone else can find it unappealing?  I’m not talking “personalities” here, I’m referring to food.  But they say that’s what makes the world go round!  Anyway, today, I would like to introduce you to MY favorite super food of all time…..dark cocoa, otherwise known as chocolate!  Truly, if I’m going to get my antioxidant blast, before I choose green tea, or red wine, I’m going to head straight for my bag of dark cocoa!!!

AHHH….chocolate you say, who doesn’t love the allure of that rich, dark treat. But the truth is, all chocolate is not created equal.  In its natural state, dark cocoa is one of the most chemically complex foods in the world!  As far as antioxidant content, it is rated higher by weight than red wine, green tea and even blueberries.   In fact, dark cocoa is like taking a mineral supplement….truly the way I want to get mine!

And as far as the “bliss” chemicals, like endorphins, which are the “love” chemicals, dark cocoa is loaded with them.  That’s why we use chocolate on Valentine’s Day and for special occasions where we want to show that “special someone” our love and appreciation, and hope they show it back!  The “feel good” endorphins in dark cocoa are like the high you get from a great workout!

So how do you capitalize on this amazing food “gem?”  You can purchase dark cocoa or raw cacoa in powdered form and add it into your morning smoothie.  There are also many great natural foods cookbooks on the market today, and many sites where you can find easy to prepare desserts utilizing this miracle food.  Or you can try some of the fabulous natural foods desserts and shakes that are becoming available in whole foods markets and small health food stores.  Make sure you read the labels to insure that they are at least 70% cocoa, (no milk chocolate), organic, and non-GMO to get the most value from the beans.  Hail Merry snacks and desserts are free of GMO’s and utilize Fair Trade cocoa.  Fair Trade certification ensures that farmers receive a fair price, allows farmers to invest in techniques that bring out the flavors of the region, and STRICTLY prohibits slave and child labor. My personal favorite? Hail Merry’s Chocolate Miracle Tart!  Rich, smooth and totally decadent, with just a hint of salty.  I apologize up front for your new obsession!!!

Here is a delicious smoothie that will sure to become a household favorite:

Chocolate Heaven Shake

12 oz. Almond Milk  (or other non-dairy option)

1 tablespoon unsweetened natural peanut butter (or raw almond butter)

½ frozen banana

1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder or raw cacoa

1 medjool date (or 1 tablespoon favorite sweetener)

And for a real treat, 1 drop of Young Living Peppermint oil (and I do mean ONE DROP)

makes 1 serving

Put all ingredients in your blender or NutriBullet and let it rip.  If you are not using frozen bananas, I suggest you put in some ice cubes to make it COLD.  Also, this is just a guideline, if you love frozen blueberries, strawberries, etc…let your imagination run wild.  And ENJOY!!!

Meet Joann Rosalia Holistic Health Coach, AADP Member and Owner of Healthy Fooditude: 

Native Long Islander and former owner/chef of the Wu Wei Café in Hicksville, NY, Joann is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their own healthcare.  With a background of over 25 years as a vegetarian/vegan, and student of life, she decided to enroll in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in and has graduated with high grades to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach.  Always in pursuit of the most current trends and information in healthcare, Joann has decided to further her knowledge of nutrition through the schools elite Immersion Program this summer.  Embracing the theory of biodiversity, Joann firmly believes there is no one-size-fits-all program and that one man’s panacea may be another man’s poison.  Through cooking classes, pantry makeovers, workshops, lectures and one-on-one coaching, she has spread the message of hope to hundreds of grateful followers.  Her unique programs have helped her clients make significant improvements in their overall wellbeing.

To contact joanne: http://www.HealthyFooditude.com
joannr@healthyfooditude.com
@joann_joannr

Sip your way to a happy gut with a tropical green smoothie. This yummy family favorite delivers lots of healthy omega 3 fats, immune strengthening probiotics*, plenty of anti-inflammatory alkalizing plants, and digestive friendly enzymes and spices- all for less than 300 calories. Added bonus: cheaper on the wallet than if you buy at juice bar and no added sugars. Double bonus: A happy gut is a less bloated gut, so your stomach will look flatter and feel better! Feed Your Body Royally...

1 cup unsweetened kefir (milk or coconut based)

1 small peeled banana

1 cup frozen fruit (pineapple, papaya, strawberries)

1 cup fresh greens, such as spinach

1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

Juice from 1/2 lemon

ice as needed

Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Add ice for desired thickness. Serves 1.

*Probiotics are microscopic organisms (microflora) that help the body build long-lasting immunity to a host of illnesses and diseases, including allergies, irritable bowels, viruses, bacterial infections, and cancer.

Dr. Pillow explores the taste and nutrition of Acai, in this deliciously satisfying Acai Fruit Smoothie made from Sambazon unsweetened Pure Acai Berry puree.

Acai is the new blueberry- a superfood gone mainstream with devotees swearing to its anti-aging and weight loss benefits. Acai is getting a lot of press, and acai berry products, including juices and supplements, are popping up everywhere from Whole Foods Market to traditional grocers.  I had not purchased the juice since many of the products contain more than 20 grams of sugar per serving, but this week, I noticed Sambazon Unsweetened Smoothie Packs of Pure Acai Berry in the frozen fruit section of my local grocery store. Just last week I read an article about Sambazon’s sustainability philosophy in the Costco Connection Magazine. It was enough to make me want to taste for myself. Hence, Nature’s Energizing Acai Fruit Smoothie was born. Do I feel younger and thinner? Stay tuned… but it is a great way to start the day, especially with a handful of Hail Merry Grawnola.

Acai is harvested in the rainforests of Brazil and is packed with antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.  It has a deep purple color and a taste reminiscent  of blueberries and chocolate.  According to Dr. Perricone, the Acai pulp contains:

• A remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine.
• A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols to help promote cardiovascular and digestive health.
• An almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

Note of caution: recently the Federal Trade Commission has suspended fake news web sites for marketing acai berry weight-loss products because there is no definitive scientific evidence to support these claims.

Nature’s Energizing Acai Fruit Smoothie

1 pack Samazon organic Acai Puree, unsweetened

1 banana

1 cup frozen fruit (pineapples, papaya, berries)

1 cup unsweetened organic kefir

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Add ice as desired. Drink immediately and enjoy.

Here is a healthy way to start your day- a refreshing smoothie made from probiotic rich kefir, fresh leafy greens and fiber filled fruit, anti-inflammatory turmeric and digestive friendly ginger. Throw in a handful of Hail Merry Grawnola for the satisfying chewy texture and raw plant oils and off you go into the world, alive, energized and ready to make a difference.

Breakfast of Champions

1 cup unsweetened kefir or coconut water

1 pear, peeled, seeded and cored

1 cup pineapple, peeled and cored

1 cup fresh greens, such as spinach

¼ teaspoon fresh grated ginger

Juice from 1 lime

1/8 teaspoon turmeric (optional)

ice as needed

Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Add ice for desired thickness.