BUMP + BEYOND: LOU’S ADAPTOGENIC HOT CHOCOLATE

This Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate makes the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up with health perks and its energising benefits or a wonderfully nurturing evening wind down or afternoon treat…equally delicious enjoyed over ice as a refreshing and rejuvenating iced milkshake on hot sunny days.

Energising and calming?! Yup, that’s right – that’s the magic of adaptogens. It’s in their name, they ‘adapt’ to give your body what it needs. They work to bring your body back into balance – if you are exhausted they help with energy, if you are anxious they help you feel calm – they help you better cope with everything. Adaptogens help you to feel energised yet calm and grounded and ready to tackle the day. And I am here for that!

Rather than the fake energy surges of caffeine or sugar – adaptogens improve the health of the adrenal system, helping your body better cope with stress by modulating the release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands. If you feel overwhelmed and anxious they can calm you and ground you. If you feel run down and worn out, they can give you energy to get you tackle your day.  When it feels like life is coming at you at 200 miles an hour – they can be the trick up your sleeve to help regulate cortisol (your stress hormone), and help keep you level-headed and calm when under pressure. They also help you rest and sleep better. Two of my favourites for mamas are Ashwagandha and Maca. 

ASHWAGANDHA 

One of my favourite adaptogens for new mum support. It really helps with low energy, burnout and also the brain fog and mid-afternoon carb cravings that come from poor sleep. It is also calming and helps regulate the stress hormone, cortisol. If you are looking for more energy, less overwhelm, and more calm – this is the adaptogen for you!  When taken regularly it can increase energy, vitality and endurance and is great of you are feeling run down, overwhelmed or exhausted. It supports your energy but also helps you sleep better too. A new mum thrown into a whole new reality of sleepless nights, baby cries, and new routines is a great candidate for a dose of ashwagandha. Plus, that feeling of ‘baby brain’ and brain fog can also benefit from the memory and cognitive support ashwagandha delivers. And, it has also been used in Ayurveda to support mums with lactation. And the high dose iron makes it a great addition to those suffering with anaemia too. 

MACA 

With a pleasant malty taste, reminiscent of vanilla or butterscotch, it makes a great addition to smoothies, lattes and hot chocolates. A wonderful energy and endurance booster, according to legend, Incan warriors used to consume maca before entering into battle.  These days, due to the stress and strain of modern day living, many of us feel like we are entering into ‘battle’ on a daily basis, so maca is great for keeping you fighting fit! Additionally, maca is a nice mood enhancer too for when you are feeling a bit bogged down. It’s been consumed medicinally in Peru for thousands of years for its anxiety-reducing and antidepressant effects. Maca also has a positive effect on libido and is a true hormone supporter. It’s quite nutritious too, a decent source of potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Rich in amino acids, the building blocks for hormones, maca can help boost energy, sex drive, and lift your mood. 

Plus, this recipe also uses CACAO,  a pure form of chocolate that comes very close to the raw and natural state in which it is harvested. It is one of the plant foods with the highest content of magnesium, the mineral responsible for helping us sleep well and handle stress better.  Cacao also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), associated with elevated mood.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp maca powder

• 1/2tsp ashwagandha powder

• 2 Tbsp cacao powder

• 1 large pinch ground cinnamon

• 1 pinch sea salt

• 1 tsp maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice, plus more to taste)

• 1 cup dairy-free milk (such as cashew, coconut, or almond milk)

Method

1. Steam or heat dairy-free milk until hot and add to a blender (I use a Nutribullet for this).

2. Add all of the other ingredients.

3. Blend for 30, or until frothy and well blended.

4. Taste and adjust flavour as needed, adding cinnamon for warmth / spice, more sweetener to taste, or more cacao for richer chocolate flavour.

5. Serve as is, or top with cinnamon, and/or cacao powder/cacao nibs/rose petals. Best when fresh. On hot days, chill in the fridge and serve over ice for a refreshing milkshake option.