In the summer of ’94 I had a very intense, passionate and short-lived relationship with Nutella. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study abroad in the south of France. I carelessly ate pain au chocolate for breakfast and Nutella crepes every day after classes. I was blissfully happy with my new chocolate romance (as well as fresh baguettes and cheese), until my pants no longer zipped. When I rolled off the plane seven weeks later and 12 pounds heavier, the look on my actual boyfriend’s face was enough to make me realize that I had gone too far. I broke up with Nutella that day.
I’m a clean eater, but sometimes, I just need something decadent. I grew up on Dunkin Donuts chocolate chip muffins and New York bagels with cream cheese for breakfast. Until a few years ago, every Sunday I would indulge in a “treat breakfast.” But I found that afterwards, I was always hungry and felt guilty. The resulting pangs of guilt and sugar cravings defeated the whole purpose of the treat. So I came up with a solution.
Now, when I crave a pain au chocolate or a baguette with Nutella, I reach for a similar, but healthier alternative that leaves me satisfied and my blood sugar under control. My favorite go-to breakfast is a toasted sprouted whole-grain English muffin or toast topped with a healthy cacao or dark chocolate spread, plus hemp and chia seeds sprinkled on top for extra protein and fiber. After this “treat” breakfast I feel guilt free and know my jeans will still fit tomorrow!
Seed-Sprinkled Dark Chocolate Toast
Ingredients
2 slices sprouted whole-grain bread (or 1 sprouted whole-grain English muffin)
2 Tbsp. dark chocolate hazelnut spread
2 tsp. hemp hearts
2 tsp. black or white chia seeds
Directions
- Toast the bread or English muffin.
- Spread on dark chocolate nut-and-seed-butter spread.
- Sprinkle on hemp and chia seeds.