I’ve mentioned that it’s winter in New Zealand. The winter blues that have been forgotten hit unexpectedly in this beautiful place.

I run for at least an hour several days a week. The endorphins keep my brain in working order and mood elevated. Sometimes, however, running alone isn’t enough. 

Yesterday was my first day WWOOFing, and it feels so good having a purpose again. Volunteering is something I’ve missed doing, and contributing my time and energy while being a part of something is helping to keep the blues away.

I’m currently staying in a house with two lovely, gracious hosts who are following a strict gluten-free and no sugar diet. While it’s hard to turn down a vegan pastry or dessert, sugar is probably one of the worst things you can feed yourself if you have depression, even if it only hits seasonally. We already know that studies have found that it has the same addictive properties as cocaine. So, when the withdrawal symptoms creep up… It can leave a gaping feeling inside, further compounding the depressive feelings. But I’m determined to work through it.

Running about 30 miles a week sometimes doesn’t quite cut it. In addition to volunteer work, it turns out that not having access to anything sweet is probably what is saving my drifting mentality right now.

Though, the hosts did say I can help myself to anything I like. While I’m grateful there is no sugar in the house, withdrawal can be a bitch. 

So, I whipped up a recipe for a vegan hot chocolate that doesn’t have any sugar added but still hits the spot. The raw cacao contains the antioxidants your body craves without that stuff negating any of it. The spices provide a natural sweetness that is actually satisfying. Say, what!

Vegan No-Sugar-Added Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 Liter unsweetened soy milk (or whatever dairy-free milk you prefer)
• 4 Tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

Heat up the soy milk in a sauce pan over low heat. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients in until everything is well blended. Try not to overheat the hot chocolate drink, because the heat can kill the antioxidants. But if you prefer hotter drinks and don’t mind that bit, then go for it.

Makes 4 servings.

The spices can be tweaked to whatever you prefer. If you prefer clove and allspice over cardamom, then feel free to switch it up. You can even add vanilla extract to give it a sweeter aroma. 

Enjoy!