Chocolate for the Soul

Yesterday, my friends and I talked about the books "Chicken Soup for the [fill in age-group here or circumstance here] Soul". Well, one of my friends got Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul for her birthday and said it was mostly depressing stories about cancer patients. Needless to say, this chicken soup did not heal her soul.

Do any of you remember these books? What did you think of them?

Lucky for me (and you!), I found an even better medicine (spoonful of sugar optional). This weekend, I watched one of my favorite shows on Food Network called Good Eats. Most of Alton Brown's recipes do not suit my tastes, but his information and the way he presents it is just down right inspiring. I was lucky enough to catch 3 (yes, 3!) episodes on one of my favorite thing. Yep, you guessed it, chocolate! He first discussed the medicinal qualities of my beloved chocolate and explained that it was actually once sold as a cure-all! Sadly, his recipes that followed were not vegan, but I just knew I had to join in on the fun.

Are you wondering why I mentioned Chicken Soup for the Soul yet? Well here's the reason: I went back in time this weekend and had some chocolate for my soul after some dissappointing news. I won't get into it, but let's just say promisses were broken, my summer plans were crushed, and the steamer which I have been lusting over is unavailable, just to name a few (I will take this opprotunity to ask if any of you know where to buy the discontinued Dr. Weil Steamer 9817, though, since I still have hope).

Although I was quite disappointed at first and gave up hope, I usually feel things passionately for a short amount of time then move on. True to my character, I quickly got over it by easing my pain with a good dose of chocolate, courtesy of Alton Brown's inspiration.

I've said I'm not one for sweets many times before (and if I haven't, let it be said once and for all that I am), I do enjoy dark chocolate cocoa powder in certain forms. I believe that the antioxidants are good for me anyway, so bring it on! I'll take unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder over a chocolate bar or piece of cake any day.

I started my remedy with the most important meal of the day. A girl's got to start somewhere, right, so why not breakfast?

Brownie Batter Oatmeal with Blueberries and Strawberries

A happy tummy and heart is just what the doctor ordered.

Protein for a little growing vegan is a must. Chocolate is a bonus. I call this baby protein hot chocolate and with all that protein and added nutritients thanks to this Peaceful Planet Brown Rice Protein Powder, it might as well have healing qualities.

2 tbs of my favorite golden flax seed and a beautiful fuji rounded out a perfect snack.

And, yes, chocolate pudding was also on the menu (courtesy of CCV, seen here and here). I had some extra unsweetened chocolate almond milk in the fridge so I though, why not? Blueberries and strawberries that I mixed in took this over the edge. Sometimes you just want something cool and soothing. It was one of those days.

I also made my family raw chocolate cookies (usually heart shaped but the dough was giving me a hard time) while we watched Food Inc. (my third time but their first). I only made enough for them since I kind of already reached my chocolate quota.

I used this basic recipe, subbing the new goodies seen here.

Wait, what was that? Quota Shmota! I admit I finally tried PB&CO peanut butter this weekend. With my raw almond butter habit getting a little expensive (let me tell you, I go through that stuff like it's going out of style; I still love you Maranatha!) and accordingly me feeling a little bit guilty, I looked to other horizons. Just a little supplementation, of course. When I went to the store, they only carried Dark Chocolate Dreams that day. No complaints, my friends, no complaints.

These two were made for each other. I was entranced in strawberry dreams.

Whether it was the chocolate or not, I really do feel a lot better. I'm hoping that everything turns out alright and know that these things happened to me for a reason. If nothing else, at least I know someone else will be happy and that makes me happy, too.

And don't worry, I had some veggies with all of that chocolate. Actually, lots of veggies with that. I'm pretty sure veggies are just as good of a medicine as chocolate, though I'm inclined to think they're better (gasp, I know).

What do you do when you're feeling down? Is there any particular food that makes you feel better? I'm definitely a chocolate girl, but are there any vanilla lovers out there?

Have a lovely (and possibly chocolately) day!

xox,

Mandiee

P.S. Here are some awesome giveaways going on right now:

Nut butters here

Le Creuset cookware here