Recently I was reflecting on how I used to start my day. This was of course back in the days before I ever knew what quinoa was and when I thought juicing was somehow for weird health nuts. But now after experiencing my body recover from a multitude of diseases, I have converted over to the other side with “them”. You know, those annoying people that don’t eat sugar and pass on the bread? Yup, that’s me and never in a million years did I see that coming! Now let me paint you a picture of what so many Americans live out daily.
Immediately upon waking I would pop two extra strength Pepcid AC’s just so I could keep my breakfast down. I had terrible reflux (specifically LPR-Laryngopharyngeal Reflux). Then I would proceed to spray my nose with Afrin just so I could breathe. I would then take a Tylenol sinus for my very reliable morning sinus headache. And if my allergies were bad enough I’d also down some Benadryl. No wonder I felt like I needed a nap by 9am!
What I fed my body wasn’t much better. My breakfast usually consisted of either a McDonald’s Egg McMuffin or a coffee-cake from the vending machine at work. Before lunch (which was many times McDonalds again) I would start to reflux so I would take another Pepcid along with a few Rolaids or Tums, and then a Nexium before going to bed at night. Even still my reflux was so bad at times my esophagus would get burnt to the point I couldn’t sleep!
What a difference several years (and some knowledge) makes. These days I start my day very different. Now before breakfast I pop a probiotic instead of a Pepcid, and my breakfast is usually either a smoothie or some yogurt with berries and homemade granola. I have also ditched all of the other over the counter medications. If this never ending cycle sounds familiar to you, don’t be discouraged! The body is ready and willing to heal itself and begin to run on all cylinders when you start to feed it what it needs. Speaking of food, let’s move onto some healthy Chocolate pudding!
I can just hear it now. “There is avocado in this recipe, that sounds awful”! But it’s not! You can barely taste it, if at all. I test all recipes through our kids and they all gave it a thumbs up. My husband says it tastes much like a Reeses Peanut Butter cup. Oh, and the best part? There is no cooking, it’s instant! Just blend in food processor and chill before eating. Stay tuned for next week’s pudding recipe as our daughter says it tastes like her favorite NUTELLA (which she is not allowed to eat very often) so she was thrilled.
- 1 avocado (I do not suggest adding more than one as you will then taste the avocado)
- ½ cup cocoa powder (I use equal exchange)
- ½ cup almond butter or cashew butter
- ½ cup xylitol
- ½ cup milk (coconut, almond, or organic dairy milk)
- Place all ingredients in food processor and mix until blended. Place in 4 separate serving glasses and refrigerate at least an hour before eating. Pudding will last up to 48 hours but tastes best fresh. Top with homemade whipped cream. See recipe for whipped cream here
- Makes 4 servings
Shirley Long says
October 10, 2016 at 1:43 pmWe liked this recipe and it’s true, the avocado does not taste at all. Not sure my recipe is exactly like this but surely close. Made it numerous times as we always seem to crave dessert as we try to avoid the heavy duty ones of our past.
Erin Porter says
October 11, 2016 at 10:42 amHi Shirley! I’m so glad you like it! I love the fact when there is actual nutrition in my dessert as well!..! and it’s even better with some homemade whipped cream on it 🙂 Erin