Alright, confession time: I am a chocolate addict. I don’t think a single week has gone by that I haven’t indulged in this sweet treat. But the good news is that dark chocolate actually packs tons of health and mental benefits—meaning it tastes good, and we can feel good about eating it; what’s not to love?
Inevitably, the age-old catchphrase, “everything in moderation,” is how to truly enjoy life in a balanced, sustainable, and healthy way. But luckily, if you love chocolate just as much as I do, this doesn’t have to mean foregoing your favorite food. Plus, there are many ways to enjoy chocolate, like this delightfully tasty dark chocolate quinoa bowl.
In this article, I offer up the recipe for this delicious and sweet breakfast (or snack!). I’ll also dig into how exactly it can contribute to a better and more stable mood, helping you live your very best life. So, let’s get to it.
This is basically my ideal winter breakfast. It can be served warm, taken right off the stovetop, which adds tons of cozy vibes during the colder time of the year. Having coffee alongside this is, arguably, one of the best ways to start your day; you get the caffeine boost and a bit of chocolate first thing (seriously, the best!).
So, how can you prep this bowl? Luckily, you don’t have to make it fresh. You can enjoy it from the fridge (and even reheat it, if you desire; but it is also yummy cold).
The power combos in this bowl include chocolate and quinoa. And yes, they both have a lot to offer when it comes to your mood. So, let’s look closer at these two ingredients below.
Dark chocolate includes flavonoids, caffeine, and theobromine, which are well-known for their mood-enhancing properties. Epicatechin—the main flavonoid in dark chocolate—has actually been shown to improve cognition in various ways.
One recent 2022 study even indicated that this particular flavonoid may help reduce anxiety. However, this study involved mice, indicating a need for human clinical trials.
Other research on dark chocolate and cocoa has further shown:
In turn, dark chocolate and cocoa could keep your brain and nervous system functioning as they should. This means a more stable mood and increased cognitive function, helping you get through each day with enhanced well-being and happiness.
Related Article: 3 Easy and Simple Secrets for Relieving Morning Anxiety and Stress
Quinoa, the base ingredient of this breakfast bowl, is a superfood with significant benefits for mental health. It is high in protein, which may contribute to the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are crucial for mood regulation and can help combat feelings of anxiety and depression.
Additionally, quinoa is an excellent source of various B vitamins. In particular, B6 is essential for brain health and mood regulation and may help lower anxiety.
As a complex carb, quinoa also ensures a steady release of energy throughout the morning, preventing mood swings and energy slumps. In other words, it keeps those blood sugar levels stable.
Topping Options:
If you want even more of a protein boost, don’t hesitate to mix in a bit of chocolate protein powder!
Related Article: Brain Boosting Breakfast: The Mental Health Perks of Eggs Benedict | Mental Health Recipes
We all know that how we start our day sets the tone for the rest of the day—and this delightfully sweet bowl definitely sets you up for success (for your mood and taste buds!). Give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below.
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