A heart-warming recipe that will keep your hormones happy, too!
Avoid artificial sweeteners and sugars
Hot chocolate and the holidays are synonymous. However, traditional powdered mixtures can be packed with artificial sweeteners and sugars that aren’t friends to either blood sugar or hormones, potentially wreaking havoc in your body.
At Free Soul, we’re all about balance, and at Christmas indulgence is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. This recipe is a guaranteed winter warmer, plus due to the ingredients, it can leave you with a welcome sense of inner balance.
The Benefits of Hormone-Balancing Foods
Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating our mood, metabolism, and overall health. When these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to a host of health issues, from fatigue to mood swings. Fortunately, certain foods can help support your body's natural rhythm.
Flaxseeds, for example, are rich in lignans, which is thought to support oestrogen metabolism, making it a popular ingredient for those going through menopausal transitions. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain compounds that are linked with regulating oestrogen, making them a great addition to a hormone-conscious diet.
Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, have long been revered in traditional medicine for their ability to promote internal harmony. No surprise, then, that the name itself comes from its association with helping the body adapt to change or stressful periods. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, are widely known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for overall wellbeing, helping the body maintain its natural stability.
Our healthy hot chocolate recipe features many of these benefits and is the perfect for the times you’re in the mood to relax and get cosy!
How to make your hot choc hormone friendly
We use the Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend in Chocolate - not just a protein blend, a nutritionist-approved formulation that nourishes your body and supports your inner equilibrium.
Thanks to a blend of 16 vitamins and minerals, completely free from artificial flavourings and sweeteners, our protein blend is specifically formulated for females with natural ingredients including Maca, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium and more.
We added dark chocolate, which is rich in magnesium and one of the most important nutrients for female health, as our levels fluctuate with the menstrual cycle and are very low just prior to menstruation.
Opt for a natural, less processed sweetener, like maple syrup. Lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar, it means a steadier rise for your blood sugar.
Optional Hormonal Boosts
Adding in a healthy fat like your fave nut butter can make your drink more filling and leave you feeling fuller for longer.
A sprinkling of cinnamon, which is rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants, also packs in extra flavour, free from added sugars!
The Ingredients
400ml plant-based milk (we used oat!)
2 scoops of Free Soul Chocolate Vegan Chocolate Blend
2 cubes of good quality dark chocolate
A drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness
The Method
In a pan mix all of your ingredients and whisk until your chocolate melts and the hot chocolate thickens.
Separately, steam 150ml of plant-based milk.
Pour your hot chocolate mixture into a mug and top with the steamed milk.
Grate or shave some dark chocolate to use as a topping.
Stir, sip, enjoy.
