There are some days when you want a chocolate fudge brownie and there are those days when you absolutely NEED one! This can be especially true when you’re dealing with the depression side effect of adrenal fatigue.Don’t fall prey to sweets that rob you of energy and your vitality, instead try these antioxidant Chocolate Chip Fudge Brownies. Here’s a sinful healthy recipe ready in just 40 minutes that can give you a substantial boost to turn your mood around quickly.
It’s not uncommon for a person who is struggling with the mental and physical fatigue of adrenal insufficiency to also suffer with acute depression as well. This is often due to a drop in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or a chemical your nerves produce. It has a number of functions in the body, including helping to move food through your intestines, constricting blood vessels, and influencing your mood.
When the adrenal fatigue depression hit me, I didn’t know what to do. It hit me so hard I didn’t even recognize my life. Fortunately, I discovered that I could heal my body with the help of food; specifically swapping out health beneficial ingredients, like dark chocolate, in my favorite recipes to bring me back from the near dead.
According to a study published in “Nutrition Journal” in 2010, dark chocolate consumption may decrease the effects of fatigue, perhaps due to either the flavonoid content or the increase in serotonin levels. According to a study published in “Journal of Chromatography A” in April 2012, chocolate containing 85 percent cocoa has the most serotonin, with 2.9 micrograms per gram, and chocolate containing 70 to 85 percent cocoa has the most of the serotonin precursor L-tryptophan, with 13.3 micrograms per gram. What’s means is if you are looking for a serotonin boost make sure you use at least 70-85% dark chocolate. Sure you can get a mood boost from sugar but it will be short and followed by a substantial energy and mood drop.
From the raw chocolate rich in antioxidants, to the healthy fat in the avocado, to the protein and fiber in the black beans, these delicious mouthfuls are jam-packed with so many healthy ingredients that you may not want to tell anyone until after they’re already swooning with joy.
Chocolate Chip Fudge Brownies (Gluten-free & Sugar-free)
Prep time: 5 mins • Cook time: 35 mins • Total time: 40 mins
Serves: 16
Ingredients
1 (15.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 egg plus 2 egg whites
1/3 of a large ripe avocado
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive (or coconut oil)
1/3 cup, plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cacao powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup erythritol (or your sweetener of choice)
3 tablespoons sugar-free chocolate or unsweetened carob chips
1/4 chopped walnuts or almonds for topping (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Oil or butter a 8×8 inch baking pan.
Place all ingredients besides chocolate chips into blender or food processor. Process or puree until ingredients form a smooth batter. Pour into prepared pan, sprinkle with chocolate chips, nuts, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out somewhat clean and top of the brownies begin to crack.
Cool pan completely on wire rack then cut into 16 squares.
Feel free to make these your own by adding different nuts, seeds, mint, peanut butter, or other swirl ins.
Enjoy. Oh, and be sure to let me know what people say when you tell them how healthy these are. Make sure they’re on seconds before you spill the beans.
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