It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are full of magic and excitement, and quite possibly…a whole ton of cravings for fatty foods that you just know you shouldn’t give into.

I hear you, I know what it’s like. All the good intentions, the routine, the exercise, the salads, leafy greens, and fruit…all go flying out of the window around this time of year a little too easily.

Add to that the effects of stress, maybe due to obligations, financial strain, or perhaps you’re simply trying to arrange a great time for everyone, hosting, cooking, buying gifts etc..it’s not surprising that you might give into the odd craving for something on your forbidden list.

Does this sound like you? Let me know and reply to me. Let’s stick together!

But have no fear, I’ve got good news. Studies show that one delicious food can actually help you to bounce back from the effects of stress that might have your reaching for sugary and fatty foods. You can use chocolate to get around cravings, deal with them as they arise or just avoid them all together!

Wait, what? Chocolate, really?

Yup! If you’re regularly reaching for fatty comfort foods during stressful times, drinking chocolate in the form of cacao can help you bounce back from the detrimental effects much faster.

So.. obviously we are not talking about grabbing a Mars bar or two, but rather chocolate in the form of raw, milk and sugar free cacao powder, preferably organic too so that you are not ingesting any yukky pesticides.

This is the origin of chocolate in its true form. The cacao bean is scientifically known as “Theobroma cacao.” Guess what the literal translation of that is? Food of the Gods. That’s because ancient people in Central and South America seriously revered this food, and with good reason.

Raw organic cacao is a superfood, with many medicinal uses and incredible health-boosting properties. Cacao can help treat hypertension, type II diabetes, and increase blood flow to the brain.

It contains phytonutrients, chemicals and neurotransmitter precursors that boost our mood and ease the feelings of stress and cravings.

One of the most well-known is a molecule known as Andandamide, also known as ‘the bliss molecule’ which binds to the same receptors in the brain as THC, the active constituent in marijuana. This molecule alone promotes happiness, feelings of euphoria and overall improves mental-wellness.

Cacao also contains PEA (phenylethylamine) - a compound that elevates your mood, brings feelings of excitement, and can help calm anxiety.

Another amazing component of cacao is a flavanol named, epicatechin. This relaxes blood vessels, and improves their function, helping to lower elevated blood pressure which is a common reaction to stress.

Here are some more of the amazing health benefits Cacao provides:

• Builds strong bones
• Detoxifies the liver
• Protects the balance of brain chemistry
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Facilitates anti-aging
• Helps to reduce pms
• Dilates blood vessels and reduces blood clotting.

The bottom line is that drinking cacao can help you to feel full, satisfied, happy, AND reduce your cravings with zero guilt or remorse.

I’ve found it to be the perfect caffeine replacement in the morning, or as an afternoon pick-me up just around that time when you might be thinking about a slice of cake or a cookie!

Making a warm cacao with hot water, nut or oat milk, and just adding a little organic raw honey or agave syrup can beat all those cravings to the curb.

For something festive and fun you may want to try a dash of cinnamon, cayenne pepper or cardamom to your drink.