There were times in the past when I craved chocolate, but no matter how much I ate I still did not feel satisfied, the chocolate had not hit the spot and instead I felt queasy and sick...I didn't understand it or why the thing that I wanted was actually making me feel sick.
What I've come to realise is that I did not fully understand my body and what it was ACTUALLY craving.....Cocoa...of which there was actually very little in the shop bought chocolate bars and instead I was being hit with a massive refined sugar rush. Not the best when coming from a family with a history of Type 2 Diabetes!
For over 10 years I've switched to organic dark chocolate, the bitter 90-95% cocoa content where just 1-2 squares would satisfy my chocolate craving. More recently I now just make my own chocolate spread which is, luckily, so incredibly easy to make, as its very moreish and can be added to just about anything......rye cakes, oat cakes, pancakes, toast, fruit.....you get the idea.
Homemade Chocolate spread
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons organic cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 teaspoon date molasses as a natural sweetener (and/or maple syrup)
- 1 drop vanilla essence
Method
Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well
Adjust cocoa powder, tahini and natural sweetener to suit personal taste of chocolate intensity, consistent of spread and sweetness.