Tuesday, February 10, 2015

When the struggle gets raw

You guys, I'm a human being, too. 
Believe it or not, my diet consists of more than refrigerator chia-seed oatmeal and kale.
In fact, I had one of those "human" moments today on my way through Wal-Mart to get some allergy pills (see? I have allergies too. Just like everyone else. Totally human).
See, I'd just swam, and I worked out earlier today, too. So naturally I was hungry. However, I told myself before going in, "don't buy anything but the pills. Only the pills." My plan was to eat at home.
Well, it just so happens that the self-checkout lines at this particular Wal-Mart were right next to the produce/bakery section. 

I passed by a case of Starbucks doughnuts and pastries marked "50 cents!".
I walked on ahead to be greeted by clearance cookies.
I caught a whiff of some freshly-baked, white-flour, 0-nutrient mystery baked good.
I couldn't stop myself. My brain said "go to the checkout", but my legs said, "no. Let's keep walking".
I marched myself right on into that produce/bakery section and grabbed...

A case of strawberries to go with...






An avocado.

I promise. I'm a person. A person who loves chocolate, and sweet things, and dessert. I love dessert. Which is why I made this:

Raw Dark Chocolate Pudding for One

1 small, ripe avocado - the softer the better, but not to the point where it's instant guacamole when you cut it open.

3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tbsp agave nectar or honey

2 tsp almond milk

1/2 tsp chia seeds

Fresh fruit to top

Chop the avocado into cubes. Add to a food processor (if it's soft enough, you may just be able to use a hand/stand mixer), and blend until smooth, but still slightly chunky. Add the cocoa powder, milk, and sweetener, and blend until smooth. Add the chia seeds and pulse one or two times, just to incorporate them. Spoon pudding into a bowl and let set in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Top with fresh berries, bananas, or whatever else you would like.

If, like me, you're single this Valentine's Day, this recipe makes the perfect amount for one person. So go ahead. No one to share with, and no reason to feel bad about not sharing it.

Enjoy!