Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Are you thinking about chocolate? We all love chocolate. But is yours sabotaging or fortifying you? If you want to be fortified from your relationship with chocolate, while at the same time fortify your relationship with your honey, then you’re in for a treat; because as you’ll see: not all chocolate is the same. By using these 3 Chocolate Hacks for your Honey, you can not only save your relationship from taste boredom, but possibly your next thru-hike from crash and fatigue.

The Primary Ingredients:

Clockwise: Raw Cacao Powder, Raw Honey, Raw Cacao Butter, Raw Cacao Nibs

–

2017 – Health Hacks with Aria Zoner

–

February

–

3 Chocolate Hacks for your Honey

Chocolate Hacks #1: The Real Hot Chocolate

Quite frankly, who wants to eat or drink things with stuff in it that they don’t feel comfortable with? Let’s be honest here, does this ingredient list incite visions of deep love and endless bliss?

Nestle Hot Chocolate’s Ingredient List

Of course not, so why serve it to your honey?

Instead, how about giving that special someone – even if it’s just yourself – Vanilla, Raw Honey, and Cacao Butter? Doesn’t that sound so munch more appealing? And no, that’s not a typo! Here’s what to do:

ADD THE FOLLOWING TO HOT WATER:

• 1 Tsp Cacao Powder (But don’t stop there!)
• A pat of Cacao Butter (Or put it on…!)
• 1-2 Tsp Vanilla Powder (No, more. Please!)
• 1 Tsp Raw Honey (YES!)
• Pinch of Sea Salt (Grind it!)
• Dash of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom (MMM!)

(Optional)

• 1 Tsp Coconut Oil (It’s getting loose now!)
• Fresh Ginger Slices (TSSSS!)
• A dash of Cayenne (Look out!)

The Real Hot Chocolate:

Make this recipe on the go by pre-mixing the dry ingredients and using an oil-proof bottle

Enjoyed by the fire, this homemade blend is sure to spice things up.

– Excuse me Nestle Quik, but ah, you’re outta here!

Chocolate Hacks #2: Make your own Reese’s

Growing up, I would occasionally eat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but as it turns out, I wound up having the same issues with them as I did with ole’ floppy ears.

In Reese’s case though, it was the Polyglycerol polyricinoleate and the tert-Butylhydroquinone.

But it’s not just that, products like Nestlés Hot Chocolate and Reese’s candy contain demineralized sugars in them which are also known to rob the body of its own precious minerals when consumed; and that was more de-mineralizing than I could handle!

To make a healthier and more sensual coupling of Chocolate and Peanut Butter, simply grab a container and add the following to it:

Make your own Reese’s:

• 8oz Organic Peanut (or Almond) Butter
• 1-2 Tsp Raw Honey
• 1-2 Tbsp. Raw Cacao Powder
• 1-2 Tsp Vanilla Powder
• Dash of Cinnamon, Clove, Mesquite
• Pinch of ground Sea Salt

AKA – Trail Fudge

This delicious recipe can be put into resupply boxes

Once everything’s gathered, Trail Fudge just needs spooning!

Chocolate Hacks #3: Break out the Walnuts

Clockwise: Raw Cacao Nibs, Raw Walnuts, Organic Figs, Dried Bananas, Coconut Date Rolls

Now comes the easy part. Simply grab a handful of organic dried fruit, preferably ones that taste like chocolate; such as Black Mission or Turkish Figs, then feast on the goodness you’ve prepared. Throw in some Raw Cacao Nibs as well, just to seal the deal. If that’s not enough, break out the Walnuts! – These rich and oily nuts will help you think of something quick!

Soaked or dipped, this Superfood combo is a win-win situation!

3 Chocolate Hacks for your Honey

Happy Valentines Day Honey!

The chocolate I’m with now is the real deal. It actually gives me minerals, and doesn’t leave the place trashed either!

In Summary:

INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH

This Valentine’s Days, or any day of the year for that matter, avoid accidentally overdosing your honey with artificial preservatives, refined sugars, and bunk chocolate. Instead, make the extra effort and create these simple yet powerful recipes. And remember – foods like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Honey are not only tasty and nutritious, but trustworthy.

And that’s something that matters when you’re investing in someone.

3 Chocolate Hacks for your Honey

1. The Real Hot Chocolate
2. Make your own Reese’s
3. Break out the Walnuts

*During 2017, I’m releasing 3 new Health Hacks each month here at The Trek. To catch up on the year so far, check out my author page – Aria Zoner

For additional tips on wellness, nutrition & long-distance hiking, visit me at Whole Food Hiker.