Guest post by Krista A. Parr, R.H.N.
While it isn’t necessary to cut out coffee completely while trying to conceive, it is generally recommended that women limit themselves to a cup a day. Many women choose to ‘quit’ coffee while preparing for pregnancy for a variety of reasons, including the stress that coffee can place on the liver, adrenal glands, blood pressure, and nutrient absorption. For those who are weaning off coffee, this rich, satisfying, chocolatey hot drink provides a bit of a kick without nearly as much caffeine. As an added bonus, high quality raw cacao is considered a ‘superfood’ because of its extremely high antioxidant content. This means it’s very good at protecting cells and tissues from free radical damage. Just remember that raw cacao powder is not the same as cocoa powder, which is highly processed and devoid of any nutrients. The cinnamon in this recipe helps to regulate blood sugar levels, so even if you don’t intend to give up your morning cuppa joe, try adding a dash of good quality cinnamon to your regular coffee.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon raw cacao powder
1 pinch to ½ teaspoon non-irradiated cinnamon
1 teaspoon raw honey
Splash of unsweetened almond milk or other favourite milk (optional)
Stir together with freshly boiled water in a mug and enjoy!
Krista A. Parr is a Vancouver Registered Holistic Nutritionist and founder of Root to Fruit Nutrition, specializing in fertility and women’s health. www.RootToFruitNutrition.ca
