HAZELNUT HOT CHOC

The deeply nourishing and bloody delicious hot drink you NEED to make on your period. 

A hazelnut hot choc…

Mostly for the pure enjoyment of a silky, warm cup of drinkable chocolate, but with bonus additional period-specific nourishment..!

• Iron (to help replenish stores)

• Magnesium (to ease cramps, sore / stiffness, headaches)

• Omega 3’s (anti-inflammatory - can help ease menstrual pain)

• Slow release energy (stable mood and energy)

The only criticism from boyfriend (who doesn’t like bits) was that it could /should have been strained. I don't mind, I quite likes the texture, but if you’re after a silky smooth, glossy & velvety finish (and don’t mind the extra faff) I’d recommend straining through a fine-mesh sieve or use a nut-milk bag. 

Other than that, this is too easy and simple to blend all up together, and outrageously delicious!!

Cocoa, as most of us probably know, contains potent & powerful compounds that act on neurotransmitters which increase serotonin production. So not only does this superfood contain iron and magnesium (that can help a host of menstrual symptoms), high-quality, unprocessed and unrefined cocoa will also naturally boost mood, energy and happiness !

(and we wonder why we sometimes crave chocolate…!)

*PSA: chocolate isn’t ‘bad’ for you. And especially in times such as this, cacao/cocoa (which creates the chocolate flavour we crave) is incredibly ‘good for you’ because of its incredible properties and nutritional value!

Hot, or warm drinks and foods are key in the late luteal and menstrual phases to keeping the body warm, while she goes through some pretty sensitive internal processes. Especially during menstruation, which - if you can imagine - cold is stagnating; cold air, cold drinks in the body, cold /raw foods — they require extra energy from the body to heat up to body temperature as well as extra digestion / metabolic action. So whilst the body is already undergoing a pretty energy intensive process of either building the uterine wall, or breaking it down and shedding it, warm foods, drinks, hot water bottles, baths, showers, etc. help maintain flow and keep metabolic processes running smoothly. 

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MENSTRUAL PHASE -SPECIFIC 

MACROS:

Hydration: a big one in the menstrual phase as we lose blood and subsequently rebuild it. To keep everything flowing and happening smoothly, hydration is essential. (Especially in the warm form)

Fats: are the building blocks of hormones, that all dropped and started from baseline at the beginning of the period. So they’ll be rebuilding now and fats are essential for this process. Nuts are a great source of healthy fats as they also contain other compounds and minerals such as protein, fiber, and fatty acids (ie omega 3s), magnesium, Vitamin E, to name a few. 

COOKING STYLE:

WARM! So important to keep everything warm (read above). 

And the blending of the ingredients has blasted the cells open to reveal their minerals and vitamins making it easier for the body to digest and absorb them.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

Cocoa: is packed with magnesium, a mineral that can help ease cramps, reduce tension headaches, and calm the nervous system when your hormones are at their lowest. It also contains iron, which is helpful during menstruation when your levels may be dipping. Just make sure it's high-quality, minimally processed cocoa (not overly sugary hot chocolate mixes).

Dates: are a naturally sweet, energy-boosting fruit that's rich in iron, which supports replenishment during bleeding. They also contain potassium and magnesium, which may help reduce bloating and muscle cramps. Plus, their natural sugars can help stabilise blood sugar when you’re feeling more tired or snacky on your period.

Hazelnuts: are a great source of vitamin E, which may help reduce inflammation and breast tenderness during your period. They’re also rich in healthy fats and magnesium, which can support hormone metabolism and help ease mood swings or fatigue. A handful makes for a nourishing, period-friendly snack.

Walnuts: are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and may help reduce menstrual pain. They're also a plant-based source of protein and iron, both of which are useful when you're bleeding and your energy is lower. Their brain-supporting nutrients also come in handy when you're feeling a bit foggy or low.

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Hazelnut Hot Choc

Ingredients:

(Serves 1)

1 cup almond milk

2-3 dates (or to desired sweetness)

2 tbsp roasted hazelnuts (or raw, if preferred)

2 walnut halves

Pinch sea salt

Optional extras:

(Protein powder (if desired)

Ashwaghanda

Hemp seeds

Cinnamon 

Cayenne pepper

(If feeling extra & fancy: Whipped cream (try the coconut milk aerosol one!), marshmallows 

Method:

Place all the ingredients into a high powered blender (I use a Nutribullet) and blend until silky smooth. 

OPTIONAL: sieve through a fine-mesh sieve or nut-milk bag. (Reserve the pulp for cookies!)

When you pour the liquid out of the bullet cup or blender, add about 1/2 a cup filtered water to swirl any excess goodness remaining on the walls, as well as to thin the liquid out. 

Pour the liquid into a small saucepan on medium heat, and slowly bring up the temperature whilst stirring.

Key to retaining nutrients of the nuts: do not let the liquid boil or bubble - heat can destroy some nutrients, though don’t panic too much about this one as the hazelnuts are already toasted (unless you used raw ones) - it’s just for the walnuts. 

Once you see steam raising from the pan as you’re stirring, give another few moments and catch it just before it begins to boil. 

Pour straight into your favourite mug, top with the additional optional extras, and enjoy!