What has our chocolate habit come to when 70 % of women would rather eat chocolate than have sex? This stat is based on a survey of women in the UK. Now, I have dated a couple guys from that little Isle of sexy accents and if the choice were between sex with one of them or raw, homemade chocolate goodness, I think I might be part of the 70%. (Joking gentlemen and sorry you had to read that dad). If I had to choose, well, I think I could live without chocolate and that’s all I’m going to say about that.
Women’s love affair with chocolate runs deep deep deep. One woman in a Cadbury study was quoted as saying that “chocolate guaranteed pleasure… [and] never disappoints”. Ouch.
A biochemical reason for our sweet spot for chocolate is the magnesium. Magnesium acts as a smooth muscle relaxant in the body. Just before we get our periods, our cortisol levels go up as we deal with more muscular contraction. This uses up stores of magnesium and so we crave it- most often in the form of chocolate.
As I have mentioned before, not all chocolate is created equal and the best of the best is raw cacao. Here are some of the reasons:
- 300 identifiable chemical compounds makes it one of the most complex and satisfying foods on the planet
- contains anandamide (a euphoric substance), arginine (a natural aphrodisiac), neurotransmitters that stimulate and balance brain activity, tryptophan (an anti-depressant), antioxidants and other beneficial compounds known to have rejuvenating and anti-ageing elements.
- high in the mineral magnesium, essential for helping the heart to pump blood efficiently, building strong bones, and lowering blood pressure. .
- a good source of the beauty mineral sulphur, responsible for healthy skin, nails and hair
- helps repair and resist damage caused by free radicals, and may reduce risk of certain cancers.
- raises the level of serotonin in the brain; thus acts as an anti-depressant and promotes a sense of well-being.
- stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the “runner’s high” a jogger feels after running several miles.
Should you decide to treat yourself and join me on my super fabulous Nourish Your Soul Retreat in February, one of our excursion is to the the amazing Fond Doux Cocoa Plantation, where I took this photo last year.
What do you prefer? Chocolate or sex? And if you can’t decide between the two, well… you could always combine them. Enjoy!
Raw Vegan Chocolate Pudding
1/2 cup almonds (soaked overnight)
1-2 Tbs of chia or sesame seeds
1/3-1/2 cup of honey
1 banana
1/4 cup cocoa (dairy free)
1/4 cup raw cacao
1 cup + 1/3 cup of water
- Soak almonds overnight. You may choose to remove skins but not necessary. Rinse and place in blender
- Add seeds of choice and 1 cup of water and blend until smooth
- Add in banana, honey, cocoa, cacao and additional water as desired and blend until smooth
- Store in airtight container in fridge or freezer. Will keep for 3-4 days.
(Note: Reader Melissa pointed out that honey is not vegan. This can easily be subbed with agave, yacon, rice syrup or even maple syrup if you want to take it in that direction)
yum! I definitly think I will be making this soon!
Your retreat looks amazing. If I had the mulla for it I’d already be there
Chocolate better than sex?! To each their own
That recipe does sound good though, I wonder how it would be with carob, mmm.
Thanks for such a wonderful post. I adore learning the science behind things and you laid it all out so thank you for that.
Chocolate is truly an amazing substance.
I would absolutely LOVE that retreat! Oh Man! The problem is I am starting law school in the fall and I doubt I will have the time or money. I will definitely keep this in mind for the future if you continue to offer these trips.
Have a wonderful day!
Anything chocolate is must-make in my kitchen. This is going on the top of the list!!
Going to check out your retreat info now… this may be what I need to ask for for my birthday
Thanks Meg! Hope you are well!!
Ooo, yum! Chia seeds and cocoa! I was going to eat chia porridge today and now I know just what I’m going to do with it
Thanks! And by the way, I’m new to your blog and love it, keep up the awesome work!
haha love the title!
I was just thinking since I dont have a vitamix I could probably use almond butter instead of almonds right? How much would I use?
sex first – chocolate second!
the recipe sounds obscene…. but I am a bit confused.. what is ‘cacao’ and how is it different that cocoa??
is that what the ‘chcolate turds’ I got in Dominica are?????
The local chocolate shop sells dark-chocolate body paint in heart shaped jars at Valentines….
I just made some chocolate pudding today but I used an avocado. Next time I will try your recipe. It looks delish
Love the recipe! but want to mention that honey is NOT vegan!
We call ourselves bee-gans.
I vote for combining the two! (chocolate and sex, that is)
Mmmm, yummy recipe. Folks who don’t do nuts can substitute an avocado. Works great and makes it really creamy!
I am not vegan myself, or even vegetarian…since I eat fish, but I do know that true vegans do not eat honey. I have a friend who says she doesn’t eat meat. I was surprised to see her order chicken salad one day. She seems to think chicken isn’t meat, that red meat is the only real “meat”. Semantics do matter I have learned.
That said, I adore honey. I don’t eat it often because of the high glycemic load, but if I could I would eat it with a spoon!
Great Post and Recipe!!!!!! that looks so delicious! can’t wait to try it out, though I think i’ll probably sub stevia for the honey, just cause i love stevia!!!
Could you make it with all raw cocoa?
[...] Whenever I cover something in chocolate, I immediately associate it with love. Chocolate will do that. The chemicals in chocolate as we know, make us feel just as we do when we are falling in love. And oh, how being in love is so very satisfying just like chocolate. Chocolate is so delicious in fact, as I once shared before, that more women would rather have chocolate than have sex. [...]
Great idea AshleyH! I would suggest the same amount but use a little less water. Let me know how it works.
Cacao is the bean that is roasted/ground etc to make cocoa. Cacao is the cocoa bean in it’s wholest form. You can get it in the form of beans, chopped into nibs or ground but not roasted. The cocoa you got in dominica has been ground and roasted.
Marissa- You’re totally right (will add in a note on the recipe). Though so many people I know who consider themselves vegan, accept honey.
I’ve never been big on the titles. I am asked all the time if I am a vegetarian. I have no idea. I eat what I eat and don’t eat what I don’t eat and typically have my own reasons for each.
You sure could but would need more sweetener.