306-715-5396 caitliniles@live.com

Hi friend! I hope you had a marvelous weekend. I managed to soak in some sunshine and do some zen yoga, which always a splendid weekend makes in my books. I also was hit with a MAD craving for chocolate the other night but as I’m trying to be more prudent with money I didn’t want to go out and buy a fancy chocolate bar.

Well what’s a girl to do? Luckily, I’m a weirdo and I always have all the necessary accoutrements needed to make my own chocolate so I went rummaging in the cupboards and created this little chocolatey delight. I tested it out on my brother and it passed his seal of approval, so I know I didn’t just love it out of chocolate desperation.

Anyhoo, like I mentioned I had a mad craving for chocolate and this month I’ve been dedicating to just listening to my body and giving her what she needs. I’ve been dealing with some pretty extreme fatigue lately so often what my body wants is a nap, a walk, a bath, meditation, yin yoga, green juice, and chocolate. Not bad considering a couple of years ago the list would have read more like this: pizza, onion rings, beer, a nap (some things never change), 10 cigarettes, and a Timmy’s hot chocolate.

So I guess even though I’m a little frustrated at my current lack of energy and squishier middle bits, a quick think on how far I’ve come usually is enough to set me to rights and treat myself with a little bit of compassion as I get to the root of what’s going on. And that compassion includes chocolate. Lots and lots of homemade, super-chargedĀ chocolate.

It can be easy to get down on yourself when things don’t seem to be going quite the way you want them to, but when it comes to your body the best medicine is always loving kindness and active listening to what your mind and body actually needs instead of what you think you should be doing/eating/drinking.

Like today for example, I may be writing this post wrapped in my Mexican blanket (purchased during this tipsy airport shopping trip), drinking hot chocolate, and listening to Taylor Swift. And it feels damn good.

So for those days when you just want to curl up with some chocolate and watch trashy TV, at least make sure you’re eating the best possible chocolate you can šŸ˜‰

Vegan Toasted Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 & 1/4 cup cocoa butter
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 3 tbsp. honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup raw cacao
  • 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
  • a few pinches of sea salt

DirectionsĀ 

  1. Create a double boiler over med-high heat.
  2. Cut the cocoa butter into small chunks and add to double boiler, stirring as it melts.
  3. Once melted add coconut oil, vanilla, and sweetener of choice, whisking until combined.
  4. Whisk in raw cacao.
  5. Stir in cocoa nibs.
  6. Pour chocolate onto a parchment paper lined plate or baking sheet.
  7. Sprinkle in pumpkin seeds.
  8. Top with a few sprinkles of sea salt. You may also want to drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the top at this stage.
  9. Place in the freezer until set.
  10. Using a knife, break into rough chunks and enjoy!

Well that’s my soul-nourishing, body-loving recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth in the best possible way. Have a wonderful week! And if you do just one thing for your health this week, really listen to what your body is asking for and just give it to her or him. You might be surprised at the results šŸ™‚

If you find you’re struggling to stick with your commitment to nourishing and loving your body, then make sure you download my FREE Stop Self-Sabotage Workbook by clicking here. Have a beautiful day!

Cait xo

vegan-toasted-pumpkin-seed-chocolate-recipe