Let me start this post by saying I am no chef, no recipe creator, and honestly I’m not even a great recipe follower … but I am a breakfast eater, I love healthy, full-fat snacks and I am hugely passionate about eating chocolate at all hours of the day.
I also am a coffee first thing in the morning person. Which, as a health coach is really more of a confession than a share because most health professionals (myself included) will tell you that is really not very healthy…
Why?
Coffee on an empty stomach or too early in the morning can dramatically increase the level of cortisol in your body (cortisol is also known as one of the “stress hormones.”)
The advised time to drink coffee is mid-morning, after you’ve had breakfast – and best to have a balanced breakfast that includes protein and healthy fats, which will help metabolize the caffeine, slow the release of cortisol, and sets your metabolism and brain up for balanced rest of the day.
BUT
All of that to say…
I do not listen to my own advice – I look forward to my cup of coffee every morning, and honestly cannot stomach food before I’ve had my coffee. I balance this habit with drinking 2 cups of water first thing when I wake up, so at least I’m hydrated… it works for me 🙂
… anyways
I found this recipe on Sakara Life’s Instagram and had to try it.
I love a sweet treat in the morning that is also good for you.
These bars help metabolize the caffeine, slow the release of hormones like cortisol, and prime your appetite and metabolism for a healthy, balanced day. When your appetite feels satiated – your brain feels clear.
These bars are a mix of nut butter (healthy fat and protein), coconut oil (healthy fat), cacao powder (chocolate flavor and superfood, full of antioxidants) and the Sakara Metabolism Super Powder (their marketing promotes de-bloat and a decrease in sugar cravings – I can’t say I felt a big difference BUT I do stand behind the superpowers of cacao – and you can get 20% off using my code XOSELENA if you want to give it a try!) Throw these bars in the freezer and enjoy in the morning – or any time of day – as a healthy, super satisfying snack that feels like an indulgent treat.
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup Metabolism Super Powder
¾ cup almond butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
½ cup coconut oil, melted
⅓ cup cacao powder
Sea salt for sprinkling
DIRECTIONS:
In a bowl, add almond butter, Metabolism Super Powder, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Stir until it forms a smooth ball. Press into a parchment-lined loaf pan. Place to the side to make chocolate topping.
In another medium bowl, add coconut oil, remaining 1 tbsp maple, and ⅓ cup cacao powder. Whisk until smooth. Pour over the chocolate metabolism bars, and place in freezer for 1 hour, or until chocolate hardens. Sprinkle with sea salt and cut into bars.
My favorite thing about these bars — they’re small enough to nibble on with coffee for an early-morning snack or a healthy afternoon treat.
They’re perfectly packed with healthy fats and protein to help you feel full, as well as antioxidants from the cacao and just a touch of sweetness. It feels like a sweet treat yet won’t give you the empty calories and sugar jitters like a croissant or muffin. These bars feel like an indulgence AND set you up for a healthy, balanced day in your metabolism, hormone levels and brain clarity.
PS I’ve made these so many times and they never come out quite the same… (see beginning of post where I admit, I do not follow recipes well) but I think that’s part of the fun of it. Hope you enjoy!
