Ah, February 15. Even if you’re bloated and sluggish from all the chocolate you ate the night before, that may not stop you from heading to Walmart for 50% off Valentines Day candy. Nobody will judge you of course, but your body might not appreciate all the extra sugars and artificial ingredients. Cocoa powder, however, has certain benefits. It is high in iron, fiber, magnesium and antioxidants, and has been proven to work as an antidepressant. So to beat the cravings and keep the pre-summer diet going, here are five healthy, chocolaty recipes for those post-Valentines Day blues.
Chocolate Chia Smoothie
Here is a super healthy, vegan, and gluten-free smoothie recipe to help you debloat and still get your chocolate fix. Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 and antioxidants that are great for your skin and your immune system (Perfect if you had a few too many glasses of wine the night before!). This is a great replacement for store-bought chocolate bars that will give you more energy and help you prepare for the day.
Pomegranate Chocolate Bark
This fresh, fruity recipe is delicious and ridiculously easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and it’s sure to beat your chocolate cravings. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that help you burn fat and boost energy. It also prevents heart disease and boosts immunity. Pomegranate seeds are great for your heart and lower blood pressure. Even after all those benefits, it still tastes great!
Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Dip
This recipe spices it up a little bit with cinnamon and cayenne, which both have specific health benefits. The primary ingredient is Greek yogurt, which is high in protein and probiotics. These are a great, healthy alternative from the regular chocolate covered strawberries found absolutely everywhere on Valentines Day!
Guilt Free Chocolate Truffles
With only four ingredients, this recipe is cheap but tastes expensive! It’s made with dark chocolate and Greek yogurt, and also includes almond butter, which is a great source of protein and healthy fats. They’re quick and easy to make, and because they’re so healthy, you can snack on them all day without feeling bad about it!
Chocolate Frosty
The last recipe, found here is a dupe for the popular chocolate frosty you can buy at Wendy’s. It already sounds too good to be true, but get this- it’s good for you. Made with almond milk, banana, cocoa powder and chia seeds, this recipe is refreshing and can’t get much healthier. Perfect if you’re craving something cool and sweet, this shake will give you a boost of energy and get rid of that sweet tooth.
All of these recipes are quick and easy to make and contain ingredients that are relatively easy to find. They all have great health benefits, and would be perfect for getting yourself back on track after Valentines Day.