Dark Chocolate Maca Bark
This recipe was created with women's hormones in mind. I suggest making this and keeping it in your freezer for anytime you need a little pick me up or want a lil' something sweet! Here is a list of ingredients and the important nutritional components in them that are great for you!

2 Cups Dark Chocolate (70–85% cocoa)
Iron
· Allows red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body
· Women need Iron because we lose it from monthly cycle
· Most common deficiency in women (tired, weak, fatigue, foggy brain)
· Heme – animal products
· Non-heme – leafy greens, beans, nuts + seeds, fortified foods. Add Vitamin C w/ Green to increase absorption
Magnesium
· Needed for more than 300 biochemical processes in the body
· Energy, protein formation, bone health, nervous system regulation
· Helps to reduce cramps, improve mood, reduce irritability
· Pumpkin seeds, spinach, black beans, quinoa
Copper
· Essential mineral – role in making red blood cells with Iron
· Cardiovascular health, immune function, collagen production
· Deficiency is rare – found in whole grains, cocoa, leaf greens, nuts beans
Zinc
· Important element – in all body tissue, acts like antioxidant
· Plays a large role in hormonal balance – hormone production (Increases testosterone, needed for production of estrogen and progesterone)
· Normally found in foods high in protein (animal products, grains + beans)
Antioxidants
· Great for heart health and protects against free radical damage (oxidative stress)

¼ cup Walnuts
·Great source of fat (essential for hormone production)
·High in Omega 3's, reduces inflammation
·Supports brain health
2 tbsp Maca Root
·Plant native to Peru – root of cruciferous veg is dried and powdered
·Great source of vitamin C, copper, iron, potassium
·Increases libido in women and men
·Relieves symptoms of menopause (hot flashes + restless sleep)
·Known to improve mood and reduce anxiety (adaptogen)
·Maca is a great hormone support (fertility and PMS symptoms)
Pinch of sea salt
·Cells cannot function without salt
·Iodine – essential for thyroid health
·Adrenals – when we are stressed and cortisol/aldosterone (hormone) is low there is a lower retention of salt in the body leading to salt cravings
Mix these 4 ingredients together and freeze for 30 minutes.
Then cut it up and that's in! Now you have a little piece of feel good desert! :)
