Many of us live busy lives with little to no time for our own self care. Practices such as facials, baths, meditation, etc. become luxuries that fall to the waist side and happen a few times a month. We spend our days pulling energy from a place that hasn’t been rejuvenated for days at a time
A friend recently asked me, “what steps would you recommend to begin a healthier lifestyle?”
While a year ago my answer would have been about eating well, today I suggest a perspective change. Yes, a diet of nourishing foods is absolutely necessary but so is filling up our figurative “cup” each day. We must shift our perspectives to see the importance of self care as a tool to realign our energy before stepping out into the world each day.
How can we show up for work or for others if we haven’t first shown up for ourselves?
It is more important than ever to commit to ourselves even if just for 5 minutes. There are many ways to recharge our soul. Some of my favorite being: journaling, meditating, stretching, walking, sipping on a tonic, singing, savoring something delicious, sitting in sunlight, or simply pausing in silence. Self care is the most potent medicine that we can give ourselves.
One practice that has become a staple in my morning ritual is to prepare a warm tonic latte. A tonic is a beverage made with the intention to uplift and improve one’s sense of well-being. Tonics can be as simple or as complex as you’d like them to be. I believe there to be 4 components of a well-rounded tonic that act as a solid roadmap to anyone just getting started: a base liquid, good fat, flavor, and plant or herbal allies Commonly, coffee, tea, matcha, or plant based milks are used as the liquid base, so feel free to get creative and choose a combination of ingredients that feel right for you.
One of my favorite tonic is a cacao tonic made from raw cacao paste, warm water, coconut milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of stevia. I also add a variety of herbs depending on where my body is needing support that day. Herbal allies such as lion’s mane mushroom extract, maca powder, astragalus, reishi mushroom extract, or rose water essence are some of my daily favorites. Cacao is a fruit which grows on the Theobroma cacao tree and is rich in magnesium, zinc, iron, antioxidants, polyphenols, theobromine and anandamide, the body’s own “bliss” molecule. Its sanskrit name translates to “food of the gods” and was enjoyed by many ancient cultures. The synergy between theobromine, anandamide and a touch of caffeine inspires a mild stimulating sensation. Cacao is loved for its deep flavor and its invigorating, “heart opening” effects on the spirit. Cacao is a beautiful addition if you or someone you know is looking for a non-caffeinated substitution to coffee.
For the days when you don’t have an abundance of time for your morning ritual, try a cacao tonic fudge that can be prepared ahead of time. It may be scooped into a mug with hot water to serve as as instant tonic or sliced and enjoyed as a decadent chocolate fudge for when you’re craving a sweet treat.
Vegan, Keto Cacao Fudge Recipe
I N G R E D I E N T S:
¾ cup Cacao paste, dark chocolate bar, or chocolate chips chopped
1 cup Coconut milk (full-fat)
2 T Lakanto granulated monk fruit sweetener (or any other sweetener)
Dash of sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon Lion’s mane extract powder (or any herb, adaptogen, or medicinal mushroom you love!)
M E T H O D:
In a double boiler over the stove or in a microwave safe bowl, combine the coconut milk and sweetener and heat until warm, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add in the chopped chocolate pieces and stir until melted completely. If using the microwave method, heat for thirty seconds, stir, and repeat until well combined.
Stir in remaining ingredients and carefully pour contents into a baking dish.
Place dish in the refrigerator to set for 5 hours or in the freezer for 2 hours.
Cut and enjoy as fudge squares or drop in a tablespoon sized amount into a blender with a cup of hot water and blend until well combined. You may also use a handheld, travel blender to combine the fudge and hot water (extra plant milk if you’d like) in your mug.
If preparing as a tonic: Pour into your favorite mug, take a deep inhale, exhale, and sip your creation with intention.
Xoxo, Guest Blogger Chelsea of House of Nourishment
Also if you are looking to learn more about vegan meals and ordering some of the absolute best cocoa tonic on the market, you have to checkout Chelsea's brand Kismet Cacao.
Article Written by Chelsea Connor