This Hot Cocoa Is Actually Good For You

If you're looking for something sweet to warm you up by the fire, then swap your hot cocoa for this healthy holiday alternative instead. After sharing her chia seed pudding recipe with us earlier this week, nutritionist and wellness coach Jennie Miremadi, MS, CNS is letting us in on another palate-pleasing concoction that's good for your spirit and body.

"Most powdered hot cocoa is loaded with corn syrup and sugar, which will cause blood sugar to spike," Miremadi tells us. "It's also highly processed, contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and is lacking in nutritional benefits."

Miremadi's homemade version is sugar-free and made with raw cacao, "a nutrient-dense food that's packed with magnesium and antioxidants, and is a great source of protein and fiber," she says.

Check out the full recipe below, then scroll down for another mocha-like drink that you can make at home.

Spicy Cinnamon Hot Cocoa

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 cup of organic, full fat, coconut milk (canned, BPA-free, gum-free) 1 cup of purified, hot water 4 tbsp. raw cacao powder 2 tbsp. raw cacao nibs 1 tbsp. Ceylon cinnamon 1/8 tsp. cayenne 1/8 tsp. chili powder 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 1/8 tsp. Himalayan pink salt Vanilla stevia drops to taste Cinnamon Marshmallows for top of spicy hot cocoa (optional)

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients other than Cinnamon Marshmallows in Vitamix or other high-speed blender until ingredients are thoroughly combined and hot cocoa is steaming when blender lid is removed, about 3 minutes.

2. Adjust stevia to taste. 3. If your blender doesn’t heat hot cocoa sufficiently, transfer to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.

4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, turn off heat, and pour hot cocoa into two mugs.

5. Top hot cocoa with Cinnamon Marshmallows, if desired.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Want more? Watch our Mixed Makeup Wellness video below for Paleo Chef Mary Shenouda's recipe for Unicorn Fuel!