Happy New Year!!

     Whether you’ve been keeping an ongoing notes document of goals for 2018 on your phone since Thanksgiving, or just started brainstorming resolutions today, here’s an idea that can really make a positive impact on your year. Consider giving refined sugar the boot! Processed white sugar is kind of like that friend who starts all the drama… you love that friend but maybe it’s time to find friendship with less hoopla and more genuine companionship. Refined sugar is so sweet to your face, but behind your back (or more technically… in your digestive system), it’s reaking havoc and causing all kinds of trouble and stress you don’t need! While sugar isn’t trying to hit on your crush or tell anyone your secrets, it is causing intense inflammation that leads to acne, wrinkles, weakened immune system and many more undesirable issues.

But just like watching an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians doesn’t always satisfy your urge to gossip or be nosy, when it comes to sugar cravings… green beans just aren’t gonna cut it. (especially after holiday indulgences leave us undoubtedly wanting more) So the question is… How can the goal of cutting refined sugar not only last beyond the first chocolate chip cookie someone puts on your desk, but maybe even become a lifestyle? The answer is NOT deprivation  (thank goodness). Nutritionists have proved time and again that denying cravings causes withdrawal which usually end in binge eating the exact food you are trying to avoid… no thank you.

In my opinion, (which I have formed through trial and error) finding delicious substitutions for deceptively devious sugars makes the process a piece of cake. The refined sugar-free recipe below is simple to make and can last for 2 months in the fridge. My dad satisfies his sweet tooth with a piece before bed every night!

Ta-dah!! Healthy peppermint bark, starring my favorite ingredient of 2017… COCONUT BUTTER! (aka pure and simple pureed coconut meat). This recipe will have you feeling good and glowing in no time! Coconut supports healthy skin, hair and nails while the pomegranates on top contain ellagic acid, which prevents inflammation and fights the formation of wrinkles. A few drops of peppermint essential oil ease digestion, and cocoa powder combined with pure maple syrup sweeten and add minerals like zinc (for hormonal balance, YES PLEASE!) without the villainous side effects of white sugar. In a nutshell, let’s live without the drama, the breakouts, and the sluggish afternoons of years past… It’s 2018 baby!! See what cutting out harmful relationships and white sugar can do for you!

PEPPERMINT BARK

Bottom Layer:

• 8 oz softened Artisana Coconut Butter
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 4 Tbs pure cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup
• 1 drop Doterra peppermint essential oil

Stir together until consistently mixed and pour thick liquid into a lined baking dish to create a thin layer. Stick in the fridge and start mixing layer two.

Top Layer:

• 8oz softened Artisana coconut butter
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tbs 100% pure maple syrup
• 1 drop Doterra peppermint oil

Stir together everything except pomegranate seeds. Pour over refrigerated chocolate layer and wait approximately one minute or until top layer has slightly hardened. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top and lightly press into the white layer. Return to fridge overnight. Before serving, break into pieces and keep refrigerated.

Enjoy!