This is the back-to-school week and it is no coincidence that it also a chocolate-week in our kitchen. (take a look at other chocolate foods we ate: brownies, porridge)
Going back to school- as exciting it is the first week, its bit of shock to the system. Waking up to the sound of the alarm clock after almost 80 days of sleeping in, following a schedule ,remaining focused for long stretches , new teachers, new peers can all cause anxiousness and often moodiness .
Adding real whole food mood boosters like cacao and banana ensures a happy start to a new school year!
Chocolate Milkshake
2 cups dairy or non-dairy milk (I used almond milk)
1 whole banana (preferably over ripe)
1-2 tablespoons of Raw Cacao powder (2 table spoons makes it really dark chocolate-ey)
1 table spoon Maple Syrup
1 -2 pitted dates (optional)
2 tablespoons Hemp seeds
Blend all the ingredients together. Use frozen banana if you prefer slush like consistency. (How to freeze bananas)
Makes 2 , 8 ounce servings.
Bananas contain the important amino acid tryptophan and also vitamins A, B6 and C, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, iron and carbohydrate .Tryptophan has the ability to raise the feel-good brain chemical serotonin.
Raw cacao is delicious source of magnesium iron and fiber. Cacao has notable quantities of “mood” enhancing phytochemicals
Hemp is an easily digestible, high-quality plant protein. It contains 8 essential amino acids and good for you essential fatty acids.
Other foods that boost the moods: Saffron, Brazil nuts, Avocados ,Fatty Fish like Sardine, Salmon.
