The Proof is definitely in the Chocolate pudding, if I do say so myself! I made this recipe over the weekend at the request of my siblings. Seems like they  love all things chocolate too – must run in the family. This chocolate pudding is not your average chocolate pudding, though. It is vegan, paleo, gluten-free and made of whole ingredients. Due to the nature of this pudding it will make you glow from the inside out and not make you crash from a sugar high!

In honor of the holiday weekend I thought this would be a great way to satisfy a chocolate craving in a healthy way. Growing up the only chocolate pudding I had was in the form of instant Jello. I can’t say that I had it very often but my version is so much healthier. It is also rich, nutrient dense, light and fluffy!

Superstar Ingredient: Avocado

Avocados are not only rich and creamy they are little packages of super nutrition.  They are full of compounds that nourish the skin and promote better skin quality. Avocodos contain the skin-smoothing vitamins A, C, E and vitamin K, as well as the minerals potassium, copper and iron. Copper and iron are part of antioxidant enzymes that can help mitigate aging. The compounds glutamine and gluthathione are also found in avocados. Glutamine helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and glutathione is an antioxidant that helps to prevent aging. Score!

I bet you didn’t know that avocados contain a high amount of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in the body.  What you might be aware of is that avocados contain fat, but don’t fret — this is GOOD fat. This polyunsaturated fat is much like the fat found in olives. When eating a whole food, such as an avocado, we not only get the fat but the additional enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fiber to help us efficiently digest the fat. This makes avocados a great source of healthy fat. A little straight up oil here and there is ok but getting your fats from a whole food prevents the fat from becoming rancid and gumming up your insides (that’s arterial clogging btw)! Avocados also contain fiber that helps to promote better bowel movements, removal of bad cholesterol and a feeling of satiety.

All in all, using avocados as the base in this beautifying pudding is a wise choice – for your beauty, brains and body. Not only do you get the vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, enzymes and fiber…you will get a glow from the inside out and your taste buds will be happy!

On to the recipe!

The Proof is in the Chocolate Pudding

Makes 4-5 servings, please buy organic ingredients if possible

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sized ripe avocados
• 5-6 medjool dates soaked in ½ cup of almond milk for 10 minutes
• ½ cup of raw cacao powder
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:

1. Chop up avocados and add in all ingredients into a food processor.
2. Process until fluffy and well mixed (but be sure not to overheat).
3. Serve and enjoy!

Check out this link if you are in need of any other nutritionally dense desserts that taste amazing!

This week I challenge you to substitute one of your less healthy desserts which one of my suggestions and let me know in the comments below.

Please SHARE this article with others who are in need of some guilt-less sweetness in their life!

~Michelle

Holistic Nutritionist.