Nourishing Hot Chocolate Recipes for Cancer Support

The Comfort of Hot Chocolate

As the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of hot cocoa. During cancer treatment and recovery, simple pleasures like this can bring real comfort and enjoyment.

Hot Chocolate Doesn't Have to Be Off Limits

I often speak with people who are trying their best to eat well during cancer treatment and beyond. In doing so, many start to wonder whether foods and drinks they enjoy, such as hot chocolate, are something they should cut back on or avoid altogether because they are seen as a treat or an indulgence.

Food is about so much more than just providing nutrition. It can bring connection, fulfilment, familiarity and enjoyment too.

Rather than thinking about foods as being strictly 'good' or 'bad', I encourage a more balanced approach. We don't need to avoid every food or drink that feels like a treat in order to eat well.

We can absolutely enjoy our favourite foods and, at the same time, think about ways to make them a little more nourishing. One of the ways I approach nutrition is by looking for opportunities to add nourishment where we can.

Hot chocolate is a great example of this approach.

There are lots of ways to make hot chocolate, depending on your tastes and nutritional needs. One option is to start with cocoa powder and adjust the sweetness yourself.

There Is More to Cocoa Than You Might Think

Cocoa contains naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols, including a group known as flavanols. It also provides small amounts of minerals such as magnesium.

Some studies suggest cocoa flavanols may support cardiovascular health. Scientists continue to explore cocoa's potential role in health, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Another area of interest is the research exploring the relationship between cocoa and the gut microbiome, and whether and how some of its naturally occurring compounds may interact with our gut bacteria.

Nourishing Hot Chocolate Recipes

Here are a few ideas to try:

1. Using 100% Cocoa Powder

100% cocoa powder is a simple and versatile way to make hot chocolate. You can tailor the flavour and sweetness to suit your own tastes and preferences.

To make hot chocolate:

• Mix 1-2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with a small amount of cold milk to form a paste.

• Gradually add hot milk while stirring.

• Sweeten to taste with a touch of honey, maple or date syrup if desired.

2. Cacao Powder

Cacao powder is another option that can be used in exactly the same way as cocoa powder. Some people prefer its slightly richer flavour.

To prepare:

• Mix 1-2 teaspoons of cacao powder with a small amount of cold milk to form a paste.

• Gradually add hot milk while stirring.

• Sweeten to taste with honey, maple or date syrup.

3. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains some of the same naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa powder.

To make hot chocolate:

• Choose a dark chocolate that you enjoy.

• Finely chop 3-4 squares of the chocolate.

• Heat milk in a saucepan until just simmering.

• Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and combined.

• Sweeten to taste if desired.

4. Blend nuts, dates, cocoa or cacao powder, and a bit of water to make a paste for hot chocolate

The nuts add creaminess, the dates provide natural sweetness, and together with the cocoa they create a delicious alternative to traditional hot chocolate.

Here's how to do it:

• Combine 1tbsp of raw cashews or almonds, ½ tbsp pitted dates, and ¾ tbsp cocoa or cacao powder in a blender. Add a small amount of water to help the blending process. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste consistency.

To make the hot chocolate:

• Spoon some of this paste into a mug.

• Add your preferred warm milk and stir until well combined.

Personalising Your Hot Chocolate

• Milk of choice: Whether it's dairy, soy, almond, or coconut, choose what works best for you.

• Cinnamon, vanilla essence or extract can add a subtle sweetness.

• Add spices like ginger, chilli, cardamom, nutmeg for extra warmth and flavour.

• Protein boost: If you're looking to increase your protein intake, you could stir in some protein powder.

Conclusion

Nourishing yourself well doesn't mean giving up the foods and drinks you enjoy. It's about finding a balanced approach that works for you.

Foods can be both enjoyable and nourishing. We don't always have to choose one or the other.

The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalised nutrition, dietetic, or medical advice.