May 30th, 2010

organic raw chocolate

organic raw chocolate

'NEW ME' -FOOD Part 1. Journey into the NEW ERA of 'raw chocolate'

 'Exercise is a dirty word... Every time I   hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.' :-)

I am a chocolate lover. There is nothing else in the world that tastes as good as chocolate to me. It makes me happier - simple. Definitely a brain food and definitely an addiction.

There is a downside to all of this of course. The reason why many of us - women refuse this appetizing piece of chocolate cake at Cousin Alvin's Wedding. Yep, the extra few pounds here and there. They stay with us to remind about the chocolate affair we have been having. No secret kept.

It got me wondering a little. Is there a solution to all this? What are the choices I have?  Do I always have to make the choice - eat or look good? 
Well, there were 3 Solutions I saw, since I have decided to do something about my weight :
- No more chocolate, sweets. This meant a constant battle of senses, constant guilt.
- To join a gym and keep eating the amounts I have been until now,  
- To minimize quantities and improve the quality of the food I have been eating.

After thinking for a little bit I have decided to choose Solution #3. Not that the gym wouldn't be great (uff, all those HOT HOT men), simply because the gym wasn't me.

I knew that my decision would not make my 6 pounds disappear of course.  It would improve however the way I looked and felt without changing much of my lifestyle. And I do have a busy one believe me...

I begun my research. I wanted to find chocolates that were not as fattening and not loaded with sugar and all that chemical stuff. I found plenty and raw chocolate among them - this was definitely my prime choice.

New Era has begun for me - a new naked chocolate, an entirely new raw experience, true chocolate with all its psychoactive properties, nutrition and brain activators. Why?

Well through my research I found the following:

Health benefits:
Raw cacao is the primary source of the alkaloid Theobromine (Theobroma cacao, the botanical name of the cacao nut tree, literally means 'food of the gods'); it also contains high levels of the flavoniods catechin and epicatechin, which are antioxidants. There is a plethora of information relating to scientific and medical research regarding the health benefits of these substances as well as their therapeutic applications.

Ordinarily these substances, along with other essential vitamins and minerals are broken down by a heating processes. Fortunately eating raw chocolate is the answer - it presumes all ingredients at their best. 
Chocolate originates from the pure energy of the cacao bean, also known as ‘the food of the gods”.  All chocolate is made from cacao, the seed of the fruit of an Amazonian jungle tree!

The heating process however  used in almost every chocolate out there destroys most of the benefits cacao has to offer. This means that even if there is a nutritional value in the chocolate, it is probably minimal. Instead we get lots and lots of carbohydrates combined with fats. Not a good combination to begin with. Then there all the colourings, E's and God know what else.

OK. Knowing this ' my tasting' began.

I have started to taste this 'raw' novelty for the first time in my life beeing a bit sceptical, I must say. I remember I have unwrapped the bar with hesitation craving Mars or Kit Kat. But that was then...

I remember I have managed to get few bites and...And BINGO! Loved from the first taste. 'Yeah, BABY! I could survive eating only this' - I thought.
Raw Chocolate appeared to be less sweet (no processed sugar at all! - sweetened with dry fruits or flower nectar only) and incredibly rich (packed with real cacao solids). Wonderful wonderful experience. I will not name my favorite as I do not want to advertise them to anyone (well, I guess if you click on my page www.sweetorganicgifts.com you will figure it out anyway ;-) But I must say surly raw chocolate has been since then a big part of 'NEW ME'. 

I am very happy I did manage to try this kind of chocolate. I do not eat as much chocolaty things and raw makes me fill fuller quicker. I have limited my sugar intake (sugar is very addictive and unhealthy!) and yes, I have actually lost some weight. Thumbs up for the raw extravaganza.

Thank you for your attention.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of 'NEW ME' FOOD - SUGAR FREE or Not Sugar free that is the question? Until next week then... TA TA

Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Chocolate Powder, Cacao Power, Mayan Superfood, 16-Ounce Pouch (Pack of 2)
Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Chocolate Powder, Cacao Power, Mayan Superfood, 16-Ounce Pouch (Pack of 2)
List Price: $37.24
Sale Price: $25.56
You save: $11.68 (31%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

King of cacao. Raw chocolate - the new red wine. Cacao is increasingly being consumed for its nutritive and health enhancing properties as it has been in many cultures for thousands of years. Cocoa beans (theobroma cacao/raw chocolate) are the source for all chocolate and cocoa products. Our certified organic, raw cacao is the premium criollo variety. Theobroma literally means food of the goods - so called from the goodness of the seeds and Mexican named the pounded seeds chocolate cacao is increasingly being consumed for its nutritive and health-enhancing properties, as it has been in many cultures for thousands of years. Cacao contains many chemicals that enhance physician and mental well-being, including an incredibly rich supply of magnesium. Other essential minerals present in Cacao are calcium, zinc, iron, copper and potassium. Cacao also contains more antioxidant flavonoids than red wine, green tea and blueberries. Navitas Naturals vegan cacao nibs are unprocessed, certified organic, raw, peeled cacao beans. Our premium cacao beans come directly from the farmers who cultivate them. These farmers grow their crops on their own land, using sustainable methods that have been used for generations. These cacao beans are guaranteed to be free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides. USDA organic. Certified organic by Skal International. Imported form Peru. Packed in the USA.

Features

  • Pack of 2 (total 32 oz)
  • Made from pure, 100% natural cacao powder
  • Certified organic, vegan; a good source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, and calcium
  • Mix into chocolate ice cream, smoothies, or yogurt; an antioxidant-rich supplement with antiseptic, diuretic and soothing properties
  • Navitas Naturals products come directly from the farmers who cultivate them and are free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides
Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Maca Powder, Incan Superfood, 16-Ounce Pouch
Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Maca Powder, Incan Superfood, 16-Ounce Pouch
List Price: $23.84
Sale Price: $18.02
You save: $5.82 (24%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Maca root has been used in indigenous Andean societies as a source of nourishment and healing for thousands of years. This bag contains 100% pure raw maca powder that is certified organic, kosher, vegan and raw. Studies have identified four alkaloids present in maca known to nourish the endocrine system. Maca root has been used as a stress-fighting adaptogen to increase stamina, boost libido and combat fatigue. Maca is a nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, plant sterols as well as many essential minerals, fatty and amino acids. Our raw maca is low temperature processed and cultivated on the Junin Plateau of Peruvian Andes. Navitas Naturals’ mission is to provide premium organic power foods that increase energy and enhance health. Our products are of the highest quality, sourced directly from farmers, cultivated sustainably and in accordance with fair trade practices. Product of Peru - Packed in USA

Features

  • Certified Organic, Kosher, Vegan and Raw.
  • Made from pure, 100% organic Maca roots.
  • Amino Acids, Essential Mineals. Adaptogen.
  • Mix into smoothies, baked goods, or cereal; may boost the libido, treat menopause symptoms, and promote hormonal balance for men and women
  • Navitas Naturals products come directly from the farmers who cultivate them and are free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides.
Kristen Suzanne's ULTIMATE Raw Vegan Chocolate Recipes: Fast & Easy, Sweet & Savory Raw Chocolate Recipes Using Raw Chocolate Powder, Raw Cacao Nibs, and Raw Cacao Butter
Kristen Suzanne's ULTIMATE Raw Vegan Chocolate Recipes: Fast & Easy, Sweet & Savory Raw Chocolate Recipes Using Raw Chocolate Powder, Raw Cacao Nibs, and Raw Cacao Butter
Sale Price: $9.95
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Mounting evidence has shown that heat destroys many of the nutrients found in raw, living food, rendering it harder to digest and nutritionally diminished. Raw food is catching on! From Hollywood stars with personal chefs, to a host of chic new Manhattan restaurants, the Raw Food movement is sweeping the country as people learn about the dramatic health benefits derived by eating a vegan diet in which food is never heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Eating the world's healthiest food and enjoying lavishly indulgent and decadent food are not mutually exclusive! Why not? Because RAW CHOCOLATE is one of nature's most amazing superfoods! This book is the ultimate introduction to chocolate in its most pure, natural form. Using raw, dark chocolate (also called "raw cacao nibs"), raw chocolate powder, raw cacao butter, and raw cacao liquor, Kristen has released this much-anticipated collection of her favorite chocolate-based recipes -- both sweet and savory -- that is certain to make you look at this amazing ingredient in an entirely new way and open a whole new dimension in your enjoyment of delicious food. 59 Raw Vegan Recipes: - 30 Chocolate Desserts - 11 Chocolate Beverages - 11 Chocolate Snacks, Soup, Salad Dressing, Crackers & Breakfast - A "Raw Basics" appendix (with 7 "must have" basic recipes) for people who are new to Raw food. - Raw Resources Section NOTE: This book is black and white, so does not contain photographs of recipes. It provides links to color photographs at Kristen Suzanne's Web site, KristensRaw.com.

Amazing Grass Amazing Meal, Organic Chocolate Infusion Powder, Gluten Free, 15 Servings, 17.3-Ounce Container
Amazing Grass Amazing Meal, Organic Chocolate Infusion Powder, Gluten Free, 15 Servings, 17.3-Ounce Container
List Price: $57.60
Sale Price: $33.99
You save: $23.61 (41%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Amazing Meal is a powerful blend of plant based proteins, green superfoods, phtyo nutrient rich fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes and probiotics. This organic, raw, vegan, cold processed powerhouse was made the way mother nature intended. Comes in 3 Flavors - Original, Chocolate and Pomegranate Mango

Features

  • Is a powerful blend of plant based proteins, green superfoods, phtyo nutrient rich fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes and probiotics
  • Organic, raw, vegan, cold processed powerhouse
  • Comes in 3 Flavors - Original, Chocolate and Pomegranate Mango
Go Further
Go Further
List Price: $19.95
Sale Price: $17.99
You save: $1.96 (10%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 11 to 14 days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Get on the bio-fueled bus with actor and activist Woody Harrelson and his band of "Merry Hempsters" as they embark on a 1,300-mile road trip from Seattle to Santa Barbara to promote environmental awareness and "Simple Organic Living." Pop and counter-culture documentarian Ron Mann (Grass, Comic Book Confidential, Twist) chronicles every leg of Harrelson’s journey, from college campus appearances and encounters with curious onlookers, to a visit with 1960s icon Ken Kesey. With his fellow travelers, including one confessed junk food addict, Harrelson is determined to change hearts and minds, one hemp burger and sweet avocado chocolate mousse pie at a time. Featuring the music of Natalie Merchant, Bob Weir, Anthony Kiedis and Dave Matthews. "It’s all good, dude."

In Natural Born Killers, Woody Harrelson played a mass murderer on a road trip killing spree. In Go Further, Harrelson has returned to the road, this time as himself, and this time he’s out to save the earth. The film documents a trip down the Pacific coast Harrelson and assorted friends took in the summer of 2001 in a bio-diesel and hemp oil-fueled bus. Along the way they tackled various stretches by bike, did a lot of yoga, spoke in front of college crowds about environmental awareness, ate avocado-based delicacies prepared by the on-board raw foods chef, and encountered rock stars like Bob Weir, Natalie Merchant, and Anthony Kiedis. Your run of the mill road trip, in other words. Harrelson’s buddy, the junk food addict Steve Clark emerges as the star, if stardom means the ability to expound on the evils of non-organic milk at length. Herein lies the conundrum. For all its earnestness, or maybe because of it, Go Further drags. It’s a movie with its heart in the right place, but that seems unwilling to preach to anyone outside the choir. The best bits are those in which Harrelson and the crew encounter folks who don't share their point of view--inhalant-addicted teens in Oregon, small town folks who sneeringly refer to Harrelson as "Woody Allen." Opportunities for confrontation are eschewed lest anyone's vibe gets harshed. One almost wishes Michael Moore had been hitchhiking along US Route 1 that summer. --Ryan Boudinot

Bali Truly Raw Cacao (Chocolate) Powder, Organic, 16oz - Big Tree Farms (Bali)
Bali Truly Raw Cacao (Chocolate) Powder, Organic, 16oz - Big Tree Farms (Bali)
Sale Price: $19.95
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Raw Chocolate Powder offers truly raw cacao powder (25% fat). All products are certified organic and kosher. Because we control 100% of the post harvest handling to the packing of the final product, you can be assured that this product is everything we say it is.

Features

  • Made from pure, 100 percent natural cacao powder
  • Certified organic, vegan; a good source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, and calcium
  • Mix into chocolate ice cream, smoothies, or yogurt; an antioxidant-rich supplement with antiseptic
  • Comes directly from the farmers who cultivate them and are free of heavy me
  • 16-ounce bags of organic raw chocolate powder
Women's Sheer Jersey Raw Edge Tank Tee, Chocolate, Large
Women's Sheer Jersey Raw Edge Tank Tee, Chocolate, Large
List Price: $16.99
Sale Price: $8.49
You save: $8.50 (50%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 6-10 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Women's Raw Edge Tank Tee Features: Made with our super soft 3.5 oz. 40/1 combed ring spun cotton sheer jersey. Details include raw edge with decorative stitch on neck and armholes and double needle hem. Garment is side seamed for contoured body fit. S

Features

  • Made with our super soft 6 oz.
  • Pre Shrunk 40/1 combed ring spun cotton sheer jersey.
  • Details include raw edge with decorative stitch on neck and armholes and double needle hem.
  • Garment is side seamed for contoured body fit.
  • Super low prices on thousands of items everyday. Check our Andrew Christian on Amazon store for more great items.
Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Cacao Powder 16 oz
Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Cacao Powder 16 oz
Sale Price: $18.56
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Navitas Naturals Cacao Powder brings the chocolate factory to your kitchen, as it instantly transforms smoothies, desserts, pies, and countless other recipes into the healthiest chocolate indulgence around. Put a spoonful into your next treat and understand why this super food has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Plus, with no added sugar, Navitas Naturals Cacao Powder is an exceptionally healthy way to stock up on antioxidants and important minerals like magnesium and iron. Check out the cacao recipe section for great ideas, and make your life as chocolatey as you please! Source and Processing Navitas Naturals cacao beans are hand-selected for quality, partially fermented to alleviate bitterness, and processed at low temperatures for maximum nutrient retention. Once extracted from the pod-like fruit, purified water is used to cleanse the beans. The whole beans are peeled and cold-pressed to from a paste, the bean's oil is extracted, and our nutrient-dense cacao powder is formed.

Features

  • Navitas Naturals - Certified Organic Kosher Raw Vegan Healthy Cacao Chocolate Powder holds 16 ounce
  • A treasure of vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, zinc, chromium and magnesium
  • Organic and Kosher certified
  • Premium Criollo variety
  • Its rich in Antioxidant
Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Blogplay

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Comments are closed.