Superfood Chocolate-Acai Parfait
We're all crazy about superfoods these days. You might wonder why they're so highly named and called superfoods? That's because they pack an abundance of nutritional benefits in just small amounts, often as little as 1 tsp.
I love mixing in these so-called superfoods into my meals, mainly because they taste so good! Raw cacao powder is packed with magnesium, an essential to fight off muscle cramps, poor sleep and facial tics (making it great for post-workout!) AND it is basically a happy food. Raw cacao contains anandamide, known as a bliss molecule, which creates that happy euphoria feeling - now you know why no one in the world is never not happy when eating chocolate
and Acai, it's basically the trendiest superfood to date. It's easily blended into smoothies and if you can get the frozen pack, it makes acai bowls even thicker and hefty (the bigger the serving, the better right?). Acai is only found in Brazil and is famous for its antioxidants, specifically called the anthocyains, that helps improve your cholesterol level and heart health (hello, clear arteries!). It's high in Vitamin C and ellagic acid, the two power-couple that guards your immune system from the growth of cancer, and they do it hardcore like the superheroes of Avengers putting all their powers to fight Loki.
if you can get your hands or time to make raw almond milk, this will add even more nutritional punch! Almonds are the most nutritionally dense nut, packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and protein. They're high in Vitamin that protect your cells from damageand also high in biotin to promote blood sugar balance and fight off those flaky skin rashes (yay to supple skin!). Need more of that supple-skin dose of deliciousness? Sub the peanut butter for almond butter! Though to my liking, the chunks and saltiness of crunchy peanut butter just adds so much more flavour to the decadent chocolate layers underneath. YUM!
Superfood Chocolate-Acai Pudding
Serves 1
Acai Creme
1 pack unsweetened acai pack (substitute for 1 banana + 1 tbsp acai powder if not available)
2 bananas
1/4 cup blueberries
1 tbsp raw cacao powder (I use TruRa's, the best! or use Sunwarrior's Classic Chocolate for an extra vegan protein kick)
1 tbsp almond milk (or water for easier blending)
Chocolate Chia Layer
1 1/2 tbsp raw cacao powder (I use TruRa's, the best!)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tbsp chia seed
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla bean extract
Topping
1 tbsp chunky peanut butter
Handful of cacao nibs
Strawberries, blueberries or any other fruit topping you'd like!
Prepare overnight:
1. Mix cacao powder, almond milk, honey and vanilla extract in a mug until all the powder is well mixed in and no chunks are left. Taste and adjust the sweetener to your liking
2. Stir in the chia seed and stir
3. Leave in fridge for 30 minutes, the chia seed will start to swell and form chunks. Stir well, cover tightly and put back in fridge overnight
In the morning after:
1. Transfer the Chocolate Chia Layer into a mason jar or a mug
2. Place all ingredients for the Acai Creme in a blender until smooth, thick and creamy; resembling a soft ice cream or thick custard consistency
3. Scoop the blended acai creme on top of the prepared chocolate chia layer
4.Top with peanut butter, cacao nib and garnish with fresh fruits (berries pairs the best with this!)
