Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I have some delicious, low calorie treats to tempt you! Over the Christmas holiday I noticed a new treat on the market called a chocolate bomb that you add to your hot cocoa raising the bar on it’s chocolatey goodness. However, mindful of my immune system and it’s sensitivity to sugar, I avoided the temptation. Instead, I thought what if I created a chocolate bath bomb? I can immerse myself in the rich aroma of warm chocolate, nourishing my senses and enjoy the skin benefits of cacao without the calories or extra sugar? And, it’s a yummy treat for my “me time” routine.
First, there is a difference between chocolate, cocoa and cacao. All three words are used interchangeably when referring to the plant. The tree, Theobroma cacao produces flowers that are known as “pods” which produce cocoa/cacao; however, the difference is in the the production process. The seeds/pods are dried in the sun to create a natural fermentation which transforms the natural bitterness into the flavor we know and love. Raw cacao is made by cold processing unroasted beans allowing the living enzymes to remain alive. The cacao bean has over 300 compounds including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients. It’s high in magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, beta-carotene and omega 6 fatty acids and when applied topically can protect, feed and produce a healthy glow for your skin. Cacao is calming, restorative and will leave your skin with a radiant glow. And, these same topical benefits can be maximized by ingesting cacao too because we know that healthy skin is derived not only from what we apply topically but, from the healthy foods we eat.
So, I hear you saying, isn’t a bath bomb a mess to clean up? And I would answer, some are. My youngest daughter loved a popular store at the mall that carried bath bombs in every sparkly color imaginable and some would take days to clean the color and sparkles from the entire bathroom. My self care routine doesn’t have time or energy to clean a messy tub after my “me time”. My bath bombs are made with naturally clean ingredients that won’t leave your tub an arduous mess. A simple warm water swish followed by a quick spray cleanser and a damp sponge around the inside wall with a final rinse leaves the tub ready for your next “me time” appointment. So, draw a warm bath, light that candle, drop in a chocolaty bomb and indulge yourself in some much needed luxury...you’re worth it! Happy Valentine’s Day!