by From cold showers to journaling, stacking of self-care habits into your morning routine is a proven strategy that US wellness experts consistently recommend to maintain a positive attitude that leads through the day. A ritual that most of us agree on? Take a moment to slow down with a warm drink and a quiet time – reset a easier reset that can make a big difference for your mental state. But it could be time to put your usual crossbar aside, because there is a new morning drink that instead drink health experts. At the center of this trend drink is Cacao, exactly the same plant behind its favorite chocolate – only in its pure, unprocessed form it is a completely different experience.
Cocoa elixirs may be on Tikkok and other social media platforms as a modern way to start your morning, but the ritual itself is based in a centuries-old tradition to awaken the heart, to sharpen the mind and to connect deeper with the current moment. ‘The Aztecs and Mayas were the first to understand cocoa as the first to understand the nutritional value. Shamans and priests directed Holy Cocoa Ceremonies, who often drink around a fire to drink the cocoa medicine, to connect with higher areas and heal the body and mind, ”explains Lucia Giannecchini, a Cacao -Zeremony moderator and Yoga instructor (Mugerusheal.com).
And if you are looking for less stress, more energy and even a creative thrust to lead you through the day, the solution could be in a simple but focused cocoa practice.
The charity advantages of cocoa
Cacao has long been well documented for its health benefits – especially with regard to productivity. A study from 2017 in the Frontier magazine in Nutrition Association Kocao -Flavonoids (powerful antioxidants) with improved cognitive performance, especially in tasks that contain attention and memory, while the high -magnetic content contained in Cacao naturally supports the balance between nervous system. However, it is important to consider the difference between purely ceremonial cocoa and the cocoa powder in the supermarket shelves. While both come from the same plant, the latter is often deleted by its nutrients and can contain additives or sugar. “Ceremonial pure cocoa only has ingredients – the cocoa bean, which means that it is processed minimally and has a completely different taste as a normal cocoa powder.
Cocoa beans (pexels)
Another important consideration is to examine where and how your cocoa is related to ceremonial degrees. Ideally, it should not only be produced ethically, but should also be managed regeneratively in cooperation with small or indigenous producers. Therefore, always read packaging officials carefully before buying.
I always have cocoa in the morning, not in the evening
There are certain things to consider if you create a meaningful cocoa ritual. “Firstly, it is best to involve cocoa on the day than before going to bed, as cocoa can act as stimulants and influence sleep, and it is best to have it on empty stomach before breakfast,” keeps Giannecchini. It is also another way to significantly improve the feel-good effects. Go outdoors or sip the warming drink, which is located with a sunlit window so that you can connect to nature to bring yourself into the present moment. “A cocoa ritual can also be a really nice addition to a meditation practice or a pre-/post yoga,” she continues. A round of sun greetings or even a quiet moment.
If you store your cocoa in an airtight glass in a cool, dark closet, the management of its durability and active connections will also help – and if you notice a few white spots on your cocoa block over time, this is completely normal and simply a natural separation of the cocoa ports, no signs of spoilage.
How to create a morning cocoa ritual
Cacao expert Lucia Giannecchini’s guide to create the perfect elixir
1 Prepare your space
Play music, clean yourself with sage and shed light on a candle to create a holy space for your cocoa practice.
2 Measure and chop your cocoa
Chop your cocoa fine when it is in blocks (25 g per person is a light dose).
3 Heat the cocoa solids
Carefully heat the cocoa in a saucepan until it is smooth. Add a cup of cooled infused tea (decaffeinated chai or plant milk are both good options) and stir it carefully. It will thicken and then get smooth again – just stir on.
4 Add additional taste
Sprinkle your spices (e.g. cinnamon, cayenne or cardamon) and sweetener of choice such as agave syrup or honey and then pour them into a cup.
5 practice deep breathing
Keep your cup, breathe in the delicious aroma and slowly drink your cocoa medicine.
Lucia Giannecchini organizes wellness retreats in Tuscany, Italy, which together with other mindfulness practices contain ceremonial cocoa rituals. You can find more information under Viewing www.moverästheal.com
