This special hot chocolate concoction is delightfully guilt-free — we use dates instead of sugar for some sweetness, plus we use hemp seeds to provide dairy-free creaminess, healthy fats, and protein.

Now, for the superfood part: I like to add a half-teaspoon of medicinal mushroom powder — such as chaga, reishi, or cordyceps powder. Medicinal mushrooms are potent nutritional supplements that can help boost the immune system, counter stress, support the adrenal system, fight disease, and provide caffeine-free energy.

Sometimes, I also add a half-teaspoon of ashwagandha, an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to help us manage stress and support a healthy thyroid.

If you’re curious about medicinal mushrooms, look for them in the supplement section at Whole Foods, New Seasons (Portland area) or at your local natural foods store. Brands to check out include Om Mushrooms (formerly Mushroom Matrix), as well as Four Sigmatic, which you can find online and at Thrive Market. For ashwagandha and other herbs, look for Sun Potion foods online, and at Thrive Market.

Important: please check with your healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your regimen, especially if you’re currently on prescription medication or are dealing with ongoing medical conditions.

For the full blog post on this recipe, click here.