Happy Fall!
This week I have been busy creating a brand new audio yoga class inspired by the fall which will be released on Friday.
At the same time, I have been doing a mini-cleanse with The Expansion Experiment participants. For the next few days we are all committed to getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night and cutting out processed foods along with my favourites such as tea, chocolate, and just about everything delicious that the Italian neighbourhood I live in has to offer. The first few days of any cleanse, even this gentle one reminds me of how unconscious I can be around food and sleep.
Maybe you are like me and sometimes you reach for a snack instead of taking the time to prepare a wholesome meal (even though you know it won't sustain you). Or perhaps you check your email minutes before bed knowing full well this goes against all the rules of sleep hygiene.
It has been refreshing for my system to take a break from my unconscious patterns but I know that the hard part begins when the formal restrictions are lifted and I need to find healthy moderation to live within. Diet can be a very tricky thing to master because we can't simply shun the act of eating altogether, nor will cleansing once in awhile compensate for consistently poor nutritional habits. Part of having a more harmonious relationship to food means you consider the quality of what is being added to your system and try to eat as much nutritent rich whole foods as possible.
Today however, I want to share one of the treat's I know I will indulge in as the days get colder; hot cocoa. I don't mean the nasty powder mixed kind, nor will I ever drink the mystery syrup variety that most cafe's serve (and you shouldn't either).
Here is an easy to make version if you want a sweet, occassional indulgence named after my favourite furry friend (fur not included in drink)
Hot Cocoa (the Drink)
- Take 2 heaping tbsp of high quality, fair trade organic cocoa powder, and mix with bit of boiling water (enough to cover and dissolve the powder).
- Add a few tbsp of maple syrup.
- Warm 1 cup of whole, organic milk (vegans may enjoy coconut or almond milk instead) in a pan set to low (if the milk starts to steam it is already too hot) stir often.
- Add milk to cocoa and maple mix, top with cinnamon, ginger and a dash of cayenne.
Drink while petting Hot Coco (the Cat) pictured above!
If you are interested in the other goodies I mentioned, you can pre-order and get a discount on the Autumn Yin Yang audio until Friday and sign up for the next Ultimate 30 Day Challenge: Meditation.
