Yes, hot chocolate can be healthy.
In a world that runs on urgency, pressure, and nonstop notifications, it’s no wonder we feel frazzled and fatigued. From the moment we wake, we’re “on”—juggling, multitasking, and responding. All that go-go-go comes at a cost. Chronic stress spikes insulin and cortisol—two hormones that can increase belly fat, disrupt sleep, throw off blood sugar, and fuel inflammation. Hello, hormone havoc. That’s why I love this warming, nutrient-rich hot chocolate: it’s comforting, de-stressing, and immunity-supporting, all in one cup.
Now to all the medicinal beauty!
Start with nut milk, which provides healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar and nourish skin and hair. Ceylon cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar while adding warming flavor. Turmeric, paired with a dash of black pepper, provides anti-inflammatory compounds to support joints and overall wellness, and the black pepper helps optimize turmeric absorption. Cardamom adds a gentle digestive boost, while cacao delivers antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage, magnesium to relax muscles and calm the nervous system, and compounds that support mood and a sense of well-being—a delicious way to nourish both body and mind.
Adaptogens, like ashwagandha, are natural substances—often herbs or medicinal mushrooms—that help the body adapt to stress, support the nervous system, regulate adrenal function, and improve resilience in the face of daily pressures. My favorite trusted brand of powdered ashwagandha is from Arogya Tea in Westport, Connecticut (also available online). Mushrooms like chaga in powdered form are optional but provide immune-supporting antioxidants—I love organic brands like Moon Juice or Four Sigmatic. A medjool date or raw honey adds natural sweetness without spiking blood sugar like refined sugar can.
Post-dinner or anytime you need a mindful pause, this hot chocolate satisfies sweet cravings while calming your nervous system, supporting immunity, and offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Savor each sip, slow down, and enjoy!
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Makes 2 Servings
- 2 cups of warmed nut milk (or 1 cup of hot water and 1 cup of nut milk)
- 1 teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric and dash of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of cacao
- 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder
- 1 teaspoon of chaga mushroom powder
- 1 medjool date or raw honey to your liking (optional)
- Top with cacao nibs and an extra dash of Ceylon cinnamon (optional)
You can make this on the stove or in your blender (if using the medjool date). Or pour hot water into the blender and mix with the remaining ingredients. Top with cacao nibs and an extra dash of cinnamon.
Christine Beal Dunst is the CEO of Embody Wellness Company and creator of The Embody Wellness Method™ Online Course for Women Over 40: 12-Step Nutrition & Lifestyle Roadmap to Transform Your Body, Hormones, and Metabolism at EmbodyWellnessMethod.com. Follow @EmbodyWellnessCompany for healthy recipes and practical wellness tools. For 1:1 support, go to EmbodyWellnessCompany.com.
