Incorporating the nutrition needed for a healthy spine into your diet can be easier and more delicious than you might imagine. Remember, you spine is made up of several tissues, each one needing it’s own source of nutrients. Luckily, some very delicious foods provide nutrients needed by several of the spines components.
Dark chocolate contains magnesium, which is important for both bone formation and nerve health. It is also a great source of manganese which is important for cartilage synthesis. And that isn’t all!
Chocolate contains powerful antioxidants which can help with inflammation. Chocolate is a food that no one really complains about eating. But, not all chocolate is created equal. Most chocolate is packed with sugar and does not contain enough cocoa to contain health benefits. Look for chocolate that has over 60% cocoa content. The higher the cocoa percentage, the higher the nutritional content.
This recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge contains whole, healthy ingredients and does not contain refined white sugar. It is so delicious, it is sure to fool even the pickiest of eaters.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients:
- — ½ cup coconut oil
- — ½ cup quality dark cocoa powder
- — ½ cup of all natural peanut butter
- — ½ cup raw honey
- — ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Prepare a muffin pan with 10 muffin liners. Put all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor. Pulse a few times until everything is smooth and nicely combined. (It will be very liquid-y.) Don’t over-mix.
Pour the liquid fudge into the prepared muffin liners dividing evenly between the ten of them. There will be about a half inch of fudge in each muffin liner. Place the muffin pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the fudge has hardened. You can use the freezer and it only takes about 10 minutes. Remove the muffin liners from the pan and enjoy your delicious, healthy fudge! Store in the refrigerator.
Whey protein is not only an excellent source of protein for our muscles, but it is also a great source of nerve calming L-tryptophan. These whey protein balls are a staple in my home and make an excellent afternoon snack or grab and go breakfast. They are also well loved by my kids who equate them to a cookie-like treat.
Chocolate Almond Protein Bites
Ingredients:
- — chocolate almond protein bites1 1/2 scoops chocolate whey protein powder
- — 2 tsp cocoa powder
- — 1/4 cup oats
- — 1 handful almonds (about 20)
- — 2 packets Stevia/Truvia
- — 2 tsp vanilla
- — 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- — 1 tsp salt
- — Dash of almond milk or coconut milk
Directions:
In a food processor, pulse the protein powder, cocoa powder, oats and almonds. Add in the rest of the ingredients. Pulse/stir until sticky and slightly chunky. (Add in more almond or coconut milk if it won’t stick). Use a spatula to scrape the sides and pulse again.
Roll into balls using a spoon and your hand. Place on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer to small baggies and place in the fridge.
Achieving true spine health requires not only exercise, chiropractic care, and good posture. Proper nutrition is also an essential key to the maintenance and health of the spine. Each structure of the spine is important and ignoring just one structural component of our spine can leave you in a state of pain or discomfort. Giving your entire spine the correct nutrients will be a decision you will never regret.
You don’t have to suffer with decreased mobility or increased pain as you age! Our body has the innate ability to heal and restore itself. Give your spine what it needs and you can feel like you did in your youth.
Source: www.homecuresthatwork.com; June 1, 2013.
