Dark Chocolate Superfood Mousse {Dairy-Free, Paleo, & Vegan Option}

This is gonna be a short one. Long chunks of time to write my ass off are a rarity these days. Shit, getting **anything** done since the arrival of #2 has become a luxury. Personal hygiene has fallen by the wayside, sleep comes in small waves at random hours, and showering has become optional. I call it survival. Darren has another word for it.

Since I’m in survival mode, there are two things that are musts in this house:

1. Wine

2. Chocolate

Yes, I’m nursing. And enjoying a glass of vino. Before you go crucifying me for getting my baby all drunk, read this. I hardly think that one glass of antioxidant rich red savored over the course of 2 hours {we eat in shifts these days}, constitutes a problem. If the The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs considers alcohol compatible with breastfeeding, that’s good enough for me. Plus one of the single greatest pieces of advice that our pediatrician gave us at our one month appointment was to “keep drinking”.

Done.

My second saving grace is chocolate. This carried over from my pregnancy where I could have practically bathed in the stuff. You read about this obsession here and here.  It could be worse, right?

Since I have a reputation to uphold and a growing babe to nourish, my chocolate addiction is nothing short of ridiculously healthy {and delicious}. This chocolate mousse is a primo example. Check out the list of heavy hitters:

• Avocado – A glorious source of monounsaturated fat, fiber, potassium {more than bananas}, vitamin E, B vitamins, folic acid,  as well as the antioxidant lutein, which is great for eye health.
• Banana – another potassium powerhouse, as well as a great source of fiber and natural energy {Lawwwd knows I could use some of that!}.
• Raw cacao powder – Ridiculously rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, as well as its ability to enhance physical and mental well-being. Yes, chocolate makes me happy. Just be sure to buy “cacao” powder, not to be confused with “cocoa” powder. BIG diff. This is the brand I buy.
• Raw milk or coconut milk – Unlike the dead milk found on store shelves {yes, even the “organic” variety}, which has been ultra-heat pasteurized, zapping all of the beneficial nutrients and enzymes, raw milk is exactly as nature intended it. Believe it or not, raw milk from grass-fed cows was actually used as a medicine in the early part of the 20th century. From the time of Hippocrates until just after World War II, this miracle food nourished and healed millions. Can’t tolerate dairy, don’t have access to raw milk, or are a vegan? Opt for full fat, real coconut milk like this variety, which has no added stuff.
• Chia seeds – Where do I begin? Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, and protein, chia seeds are a force to be reckoned with. Read more about why I {heart} these littles so very much here.
• Raw honey – Like milk, commercial honey is pasteurized, and many times, cut with cheap sweeteners like corn syrup, making it another dead food. Raw {and ideally local} honey, is the polar opposite, and an amazing natural sweetener, loaded with enzymes and nutrients, and believe it or not, better for blood sugar control compared to other sweeteners. It’s also got super antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties, which make it naturally healing during times of illness.

And the bonus? It’s easy peasy. Like 5 minutes easy. Dump it in the food processor and eat it right out of the bowl.

Don’t judge me. It’s one less dish to wash.

I said this was going to be a short one. I lied. I guess the sleep gods were looking out for me this time. Where are they at 3 am?

Fellow mamas, what is your best survival tip for those first few months of baby bliss? Please leave a comment below. I’d LOVE to hear!

Dark Chocolate Superfood Mousse

Yield: 2 cups | Prep Time: 5 min

Ingredients

Use organic ingredients when possible

• 1 tbsp. chia seeds – buy here
• 3 tbsp. filtered water {this is the water filtration system I have}
• 1 banana
• 1 avocado
• ¼ cup raw cacao powder – buy here
• 2 tbsp. raw honey – buy here
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract – buy here
• Pinch Celtic sea salt – buy here
• ½ cup raw milk or coconut milk – buy coconut milk here
• 1 tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut {optional} – buy here
• 1 tbsp. raw cacao nibs {optional} – buy here

Prep

1. Place chia seeds in 3 tbsp. filtered water and allow to sit for 10 minutes to gel.

2. Place all ingredients EXCEPT milk in blender or food processor and puree until smooth. While machine is still going, slowly add milk in a constant steam. Blend for another 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.

3. Refrigerate for one hour before serving and serve topped with shredded coconut and raw cacao nibs.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: ½ cup

• Calories: 170
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg
• Sodium: 21 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
• Dietary Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 13 g
• Dietary Protein: 4 g

Image courtesy of bakinginlisbon