Spring makes us want to shake things off and get our bodies and minds back in shape.
That can mean making a few dietary adjustments and limiting the foods we seek the most comfort in like chocolate and sweet treats.
But there is good news! Limiting the bad stuff does not mean you have to go without. In fact, it gives you the opportunity to learn new ways to eat what you love and eat to nourish as these should always go hand in hand.
This snack bark is the perfect
spring-cleanse treat that’s nutritious with no added guilt attached. It’s made from all natural, unprocessed ingredients that are packed full of nutrients including omega-3 fats and antioxidants to nourish you properly. All the while, you get your sweet hit in the healthiest and satisfying way there is.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are your brain food, your heart nourishers and may help to give your skin a certain glow everyone strives for. They are also important to have in your diet to help reduce inflammation.
Choose nuts and seeds like walnuts, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds to put in your bark to make sure you are getting a good balance of omega-3 fatty acids.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for your health and they become even more important when you are cleansing as they act as a waste removal system so nothing gets left behind.
Nutrients such as zinc, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E as well as flavonoids all help support the detoxification process and help protect you from free radicals that play a role in the ageing process, poor immune response and can just leave you feeling flat.
Start the day right with a raspberry, passionfruit & chia seed pudding
This bark is packed full of antioxidants found in cacao, dried berries, nuts and seeds to support you not only during a spring cleanse but also during everyday life.
On top of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, this bark has a hit of cinnamon to help you curb your sugar cravings as well as protein and fibre to sustain you until its meal time again.
Make a batch and keep it in the fridge or freezer and enjoy your spring time diet without feeling like you have to go without.
Nut, Seed & Berry Cacao Bark
{Vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, raw}
{Nut-free option}(see Roberta’s tips)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup cacao or high quality cocoa
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp nut butter of your choice
- 1 tspn vanilla extract
- 1 tspn cinnamon
- a pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup nuts and seeds, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp coconut shreds or flakes
- 2 tbsp dried berries (such as goji berries, dried blueberries or dried sour cherries), roughly chopped
How to make
- Line a small baking tray with baking paper and place it in the freezer to cool before you use it
- Place the nuts, seeds, coconut and dried berries in a bowl and mix them together so everything is evenly distributed. Set this aside while you make your chocolate
- In a saucepan over a low heat, melt the coconut oil until completely liquid then remove from the stove. Place the cacao, honey or maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla, cinnamon and salt into the pan and whisk everything together until everything is well combined
- Remove your cold tray from the oven and pour half of the nut and seed mix onto the tray. Then slowly pour the chocolate mix over the top, starting from the middle and letting it spread out to the edges. Once you have poured out all the chocolate mix, pour over the remainder of the nut and seed mix making sure everything is pressed down well
- Place your bark in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes or until the bark is set hard. Re-move from the freezer and snap into pieces to be enjoyed as a quick snack throughout the day
Roberta’s tips
- Leave your bark in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to eat it as it melts quickly
- For a sugar-free version, omit the dried berries
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and add more coconut and seeds to make sure there is a good amount of protein, fibre and fats to keep the snack sustaining
- Store your bark for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container
Roberta of Naturo Medico is a Naturopathic Practitioner who specialises in preventative care and women’s health. From her Melbourne-based clinic, Roberta sees women of all ages wanting to meet their own health goals and assists them on their path with personalised treatments specific to their needs.
Alongside practice, Roberta shares healthful and nutrient-rich recipes with her readers who inspire her to continue educating on what health and wellbeing means and how it can be achieved.
Follow
@naturomedico on Instagram for more healthy eating inspiration!