Sugar-Coated Sundays: Chocolate Pudding (Gluten and Dairy-Free)

Hi everyone!  Don't be concerned.  Everything is fine.  Some of you may be thinking,"Julie, your Sunday post is supposed to get me all cracked out on sugar, what's going on here?"  Well, I'm glad you asked.  

Today the amazing, lovely, wonderful, and kind Cindy from A Living Balance is stopping by to share her recipe for Raw Chocolate Pudding.  This chocolately goodness is Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free.  Surprise!  We are lucky enough at my house to not have any dietary restrictions, but I know that is not the case for everyone.  So for you, me, and everyone who just wants to be a little more healthy and good to their bodies {I'm working on that} it's time to get your RAW on!

Cindy is a certified nutritionist and yoga instructor from California.  And she's my aunt.  And she's great.  And I may be a little biased.  :)

{photo source}

Raw Chocolate Pudding (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

Ingredients:
2 cups coconut meat (2 coconuts)
3/4 cup coconut water, at room temperature
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup blueberries
1 avocado
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:
In a high speed blender (or VitaMix), puree all the ingredients until completely smooth, stopping to scrape the side as necessary.  Transfer to bowls and chill for a firer pudding or eat it straightaway.


Health Benefits:
Blueberries add antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory.
Avocados are a great source of heart healthy fats and folic acid.  
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte replenisher.

I feel healthier already!

You can follow Cindy on Twitter, Facebook, and on her blog: A Living Balance.

OR

You can find her here every Saturday.  Yay!
Cindy will be sharing nutritional tidbits and healthy recipes.

Now I feel WAY less guilty about next Sunday's post.