Happy Friday, everyone! Did all of you have a good week? My week was pretty exciting, because I think I’ve finally found the perfect nutrition program for me! I don’t want to say too much because it’s not been finalized yet, but I found a program that fulfills the requirements to become a Certified Nutritional Specialist, the highest nutrition certification available in my state (other than being an RD). What’s more, is it’s actually the grad school that my grandfather went to! He passed away about six years ago, and I know he would be so proud of me now – finally following my dreams and pursuing the career that I’m passionate about. I’m just so excited to be starting down this path!! While my classes won’t start until the fall (if I’m accepted into the program, that is), I’ve already started taking free seminars online, and buying nutrition textbooks that I’ll need. Huge nerd alert here, but I’ve even actually started taking notes from my textbooks! I just think reading about nutrition is fascinating, and I can’t get enough of it – even the nitty gritty science stuff. The program I’m looking at is also very science-based, so I know I’ll be getting the best knowledge background possible for my nutritional career.
Recently I went to go see an actual CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist, which is what I eventually want to become). Talking with her was so crazy – she had actually also gotten a Bachelor’s in Business Management (the degree I received), and worked in Corporate America for a few years before she realized she had had enough of it! It was like hearing about my journey from the mouth of another person! She finally quit her corporate job, and went to grad school to become a CNS (sound familiar?), and now works in her own practice. Talking with her was great because it really helped me solidify what I want to do. I also did a regular nutrition consultation with her, which was very informative and helpful for me. The CNS said that it sounded like I wasn’t getting enough fat in my diet (my diet is 90% salads), and recommended I supplement my diet with healthy fats like flax oil, nuts, or avocados. It was weird to hear the nutritionist say I needed to eat more fat, because fat has been so demonized in recent years. But fat is actually a critical macronutrient that our body needs, along with carbohydrates and protein. However, it is important that we eat the right fats (like mono- and poly-unsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids), and avoid the wrong fats like trans and saturated fats.
Avocados, one of my favorite fruits, are actually a fantastic source of the good fats – both mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. But they can be used for much more than guacamole! Avocados are actually the secret ingredient in this fudgy, decadent chocolate pudding! I know there are a bunch of versions of this recipe on the internet, but this is my favorite combination of avocado, cacao, and agave that I’ve tweaked throughout the years. The recipe is super simple and takes just minutes to put together! It tastes just like the chocolate puddings of my childhood, but without any nasty additives or artificial sweeteners! It may just be the perfect dessert. ;)
Raw Chocolate Pudding w/ Coconut Cream
Ingredients
Chocolate Pudding
- 2 Avocados
- 1/3 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
- 1/4 Cup Raw Agave or Maple Syrup
- 1/2 Cup Almond Milk
- 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Coconut Cream
- Coconut Cream from 1 Can of Full Fat Coconut Milk refrigerated overnight
Instructions
Chocolate Pudding
- To make the chocolate pudding, put all pudding ingredients into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the freezer while you make the coconut cream.
Coconut Cream
- Open a can of refrigerated coconut cream carefully. Scoop out the creamy milkfat that has risen to the top of the can into a bowl, avoiding the coconut water as much as possible.
- Using an electric mixer (although it can be done with a whisk, just takes much longer), whip coconut cream for a few minutes until it's light and fluffy.
Putting it All Together
- When ready to serve, take the chocolate pudding out of the freezer and scoop into two bowls or cups. Top with coconut cream and any other desired toppings (I used buckwheat groats as sprinkles).
- Enjoy!!
Quote of the Day:
Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.
– Earl Nightingale
P.S.
If you make this recipe and post it on Instagram, be sure to tag me @wellandfull and #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your takes on my recipes :)
17 Comments
dixya | food, pleasure, and health
February 26, 2016 at 1:12 pmcongratulationsssssss for almost being accepted :) :) i have not given avocado pudding a second chance, i seriously need to because the 1st time was just plain horrible :(
yum that coconut cream is calling me.
Sarah
February 26, 2016 at 2:06 pmYou should give avo pudding a second chance girl!! And thanks :)
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
February 26, 2016 at 3:00 pmThis pudding sounds incredible. I can never say no to a bowl like this!
Sarah
February 26, 2016 at 5:16 pmMe neither!! ;)
Susan
February 26, 2016 at 3:17 pmWe love nerds around here! Congratulations on your new chosen path! The chocolate looks wonderful. It’s amazing what you can do with avocado! A little fat is good, not too much, and always plant based. That’s what we do too?
Sarah
February 26, 2016 at 5:16 pmThanks Susan!! And thanks for supporting my nerdiness haha ;)
Amy | Lemon and Coconut
February 26, 2016 at 3:59 pmYeah! That’s such great news! It’s going to be so fantastic! :)
Sarah
February 26, 2016 at 5:17 pmThanks girl!! :D
Leslie @ flora foodie
February 26, 2016 at 5:53 pmCongratulations! It’s such a relief to make difficult decisions, and so exciting that you feel so optimistic about it!!! I would totally be taking notes from textbooks already too, totally get ya…. and of course this pudding looks phenomenal. :)
Sarah
February 27, 2016 at 8:04 amThanks Leslie!!
Aimee / Wallflower Girl's Kitchen
February 28, 2016 at 7:40 amSo happy for you! How exciting, hope it all turns out well :-)
I’m such a fan of avocado chocolate mousse. Why have I never thought of adding coconut cream on top? Perfect!
Sarah
February 28, 2016 at 9:59 amThank you so much Aimee!! :D
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
February 29, 2016 at 4:43 pmI just want to dive into that cup and never come back out! That is a perfect cup o chocolate! And coconut, always gotta have that light whippy topping :) And congrats on finding the a nutrition program that feels right, I hope you get in! Keep us updated!
Sarah
February 29, 2016 at 5:56 pmWill do girl!! :D
Cuidado! Este post pode causar habituação | oito pés
April 15, 2016 at 6:14 am[…] na net e dei de caras com esta receita: mousse de chocolate sem açucar! Original do blog Well and Full, mas também partilhada pelo famoso Casal […]
Eden Passante
May 12, 2016 at 12:09 amChocolate and coconut are SO good together! Yum!!
Sarah
May 12, 2016 at 9:26 amThanks Eden!! :)