Chocolate Dream

I love chocolate in all its forms. Admittedly  I am a dark chocolate addict. Though I do enjoy it in controlled portions as a treat. I use raw cacao instead of cocoa powder because cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than ANY food including blue berries, red wine and four times the antioxidants of green tea. Cacao increases certain neurotransmitters in the brain that make your outlook more cheerful and feel positive. 

These include:

• Serotonin -  Acts as an anti-depressant, helps reduce PMS symptoms, and promotes a sense of well-being.
• Endorphins -Causes the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the “runner’s high” a jogger feels after running several miles.
• Phenylethylamine -  This is contained in chocolate and made within the brain and released when we are in love. Acts as mild mood elevator and anti-depressant, and helps increase focus and alertness.
• Anandamide - Known as the “bliss chemical” because it is released by the brain when we are feeling great. Cacao contains both N-acylethanolamines, believed to temporarily increase the levels of anandamide in the brain, and enzyme inhibitors that slow its breakdown. Promotes relaxation, and helps us feel good longer.

                          So go ahead honey and try this sweet treat it will make you happy!

Chocolate Dream

1 large avocado pitted and peeled
1/2 cup cacao powder or unsweetened chocolate powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup of blonde palm sugar
3 TBS coconut milk
Strawberries for garnish


Place all ingredients into Blendtec ( besides berries) or food processor and puree until smooth. Be sure to scrape sides of processor down to blend thoroughly. With the 1/3 cup palm sugar the taste will be that of dark chocolate. You may add more if you want it sweeter. Layer mousse with layers of strawberries and top with chocolate chips. I use Enjoy Life Mini Chips they are nut, gluten, soy, and dairy free.

Today's Workout Blip:

Today's workout for my Get in Shape Girl Bikini Plan I will be hitting up the treadmill later today for some quality high intensity interval training. Here is a great little 7 day treadmill workout plan if you are looking to spice up your cardio here.

Let's Connect!

You can now follow me on pinterest  and twitter @LeanGourmet. Also on the sidebar of the blog you can sign up to have the blog emailed to you. I have a facebook page too!

Until next time stay strong and carry on!

Brooklynn