My kids got bit by the hot cocoa bug this week.
Somehow, when the weather changes, it takes our diet with it. Does it change yours? My menu shifts completely from summer cookouts to soups and roasts.
It doesn’t matter the season, I know giving my kids a cup with 1,000 grams of refined sugar in it isn’t the best idea. So, I cringe a little when they ask for hot chocolate.
However, if you’re like me, you like giving your kids the fun, cozy treats but you want to give them things that are good for them. But, isn’t healthy food boring?
Personally, I don’t believe in boring health food. I want to teach my kids that we can enjoy our food – while supporting our bodies.
If junk food is the only food that brings them pleasure, what do you think they will reach for when they are out of your house?
“But your kids aren’t picky,” you say.
Lest you think I have unicorn children who request carrot sticks instead of candy bars, I will tell you that my oldest daughter has an insatiable sweet tooth. Ever since she was born, she’s been bent on getting her next sugar fix.
Not wanting to constantly fight her sweet tooth, I’ve set out to find how many ways I can say “yes” to her desire for treats. How can I make treats in a way that supports her body instead of tearing it down? How can I teach her to value the body she has and fuel it instead of fighting it?
What can I do now to teach her how to build her immune system?
This hot chocolate recipe is definitely a win in that regard. Because it supports her body, I feel comfortable with a quick “yes” when she asks for it, rather than having to fight the sugar monster.
Does immune support really matter? Call me lazy, but I really don’t like taking care of a house full of sick kids… so I’m working to build everyone’s immune system wherever I can.
Even though packaged hot chocolate is fast and fun, I know that it does nothing for our overall health. Quite the opposite, it’s actually detracting from my kid’s health.
Are you saying you’ll never get sick?
No, but when/if we do get sick, i want to have all the fighting power possible (immune system support) to kick the cold/flu as quickly as possible.
This has me thinking: Why can’t such a fun drink be better for them? What if we could have fun and support our health?
We set out to solve that question yesterday. Homeschool moms – this is called real-life school. Call it whatever you wish, but the girls had a blast, and I was able to teach them valuable kitchen and nutrition skills… and we even reviewed some spelling words with tactile letter tracing in our chocolate shreds. That’s called a win-win-win.
I’ve never seen MCT powder be put in hot chocolate, but why not?! For those who don’t know, MCT oil/powder is a powerful source of healthy fat and energy. The Garden of Life brand also includes prebiotics and probiotics for gut health.
If you have studied the gut, you know it is the home of hundreds of important body functions including dramatically affecting your immune system.
So here it is! From our kitchen to yours: 3 Reasons Why this Hot Chocolate Could Improve Your Health:
1.We used raw milk! “Did you know that “multiple studies have shown that raw milk consumption is correlated with improved immune system function. Raw milk consumption has been correlated with reduced risk of respiratory infections and fevers, as well as reduced risk of asthma and allergies.” (rawmilkinstitute.org)
2.We included MCT powder with prebiotics and probiotics: MCT oil’s singular medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) act as natural antibiotics – boosting the immune system and fighting off harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. (mctlean.com)
3.Studies also suggest that MCT oil kills the microorganisms that invade the body and contribute to chronic inflammation of the intestines. MCT improves the immune system, which defends your body against numerous illnesses and conditions.
4.We switched out the refined sugar for raw honey. Raw honey contains an array of antioxidants. Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.
If I can have fun teaching my kids kitchen and nutrition skills that produce a fun drink which supports their overall health, energy, and immune function, I think I’m winning!
Meet your farmer – Liz Gerdes. She & her husband run a farm-to-table raw milk dairy and farm Airbnb in Caledonia. If you’re looking for raw milk fresh from the farm, visit gerdesfreshfarm.com or follow her on Facebook @gerdesfreshfarm or Instagram @gerdesliz for more info.
Immune Building Hot Chocolate
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate (bars)
4 C. raw milk
2 T. raw honey
2 T. MCT powder
Finely grate 4 unsweetened chocolate bars, enough to make ¼ cup grated chocolate. Melt chocolate shreds in the microwave for a few seconds.
Heat 4 cups of milk until warm. Whisk in melted chocolate, honey and MCT powder.
Enjoy!
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