Your heart is one of the hardest working muscles in your body. Every single minute, this incredible organ pumps about five to six liters of blood throughout your entire body. And that’s just when you’re resting!

Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to take our big hearts for granted and as a result, heart disease has become one of the most widespread and complicated health challenges in the United States and around the world.

In an ongoing effort to raise awareness about heart health and help prevent heart disease, the United States has designated February as American Heart Health Month.

Initially established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, the goal of Heart Health Month has been to encourage people to make lifestyle choices that will ultimately decrease their risk for serious heart issues.

As a health coach, I often tell my clients that some of the best ways to keep their heart healthy is to stay physically active, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and reduce their stress. And I also tell them to eat some chocolate!

That’s right…sometimes the best form of self-care can be as simple as indulging in some chocolate and I’ve got a recipe that you (and your heart) are going to love.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding is a creamy and decadent dessert that is loaded with heart healthy ingredients and it will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.

The flavanols in chocolate are the key to its heart healthy benefits.  Flavanols can make blood vessels more elastic, improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood pressure.

Whenever possible, choose dark chocolate because it contains more flavanols.

Along with chocolate, avocados are also great for your heart. In a study by the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers found that eating two avocados every week is associated with a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease.

What makes avocados so unique is they are full of beneficial nutrients, have a high level of healthy fats and they’re a great source of dietary fiber.

So, if you’re ready to give your heart some much deserved love, run to your kitchen and make a bowl of chocolate avocado pudding today.

This luscious, chocolatey dessert, loaded with heart healthy ingredients, is a treat that you and your heart will love.

Happy Heart Health Month, my friend!

 

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

2 Avocados
2 Tbsp. cacao or carob powder
2 Tbsp. almond butter (optional – see notes)
1-2 Tbsp. maple syrup (see notes)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3-4 Tbsp. plant based milk
pinch sea salt

Optional Toppings:
Fresh berries
Chopped nuts
Shredded coconut

Instructions
1. Cut each avocado in half and scoop the flesh from each half into a food processor.
2.  Add the cacao powder, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, nut milk and salt to the food processor.
3.  Cover and blend until fully combined and smooth, about 30-40 seconds. Scoop the pudding into a bowl and enjoy!

Optional add ins:
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground ancho or cayenne pepper

Notes:
* I like to add almond butter to this recipe for a little extra protein and some added fat. You can use any nut butter or omit entirely.
* If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey, 4 pitted dates or half of a ripe banana.