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Breakfast, Sides & Snacks, Sweet Treats  /  December 12, 2019

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread

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Let’s start with a funny story: Y’all know Blake does not eat vegetables. Unless it’s sweet potatoes in the form of french fries. And if you didn’t know, now you do. It’s ironic given my profession and passions, I know.

Well, the other day, I was standing in the kitchen munching on this delicious bread because it’s too good to stop. I asked Blake if he wanted to try a bite of this “chocolate loaf,” while being careful to not give away the fact that it has zucchini in it. Reluctantly he agreed to try it. To his surprise and mine, he liked it. And, kept eating it- Score! Then, I let the secret out: he had just eaten a vegetable and didn’t even know it. I’d call that a wife win, for sure!

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread

How do you make Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

The combination of baking soda with the apple cider vinegar is what allows this loaf to rise properly, so don’t skip out on either ingredient.

Similar to other baked goods, you want to start by combining all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Then, combine all the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. When adding the wet ingredients to the dry, gently fold the two together using a spatula. Combine until no clumps are visible, but don’t over-mix. 

Once the delicious batter is poured into the loaf pan, top with extra chocolate chips because we all want to live our best lives.

What is Cassava flour?

The short answer: It’s my new favorite baking flour and the key ingredient for this recipe.

The long answer: Cassava is made from the cassava plant, which is technically a starchy root (think potato). It’s gluten free and grain free, which makes it a great option for Paleo baking. It’s texture is most similar to whole wheat flour and it’s taste is mild. I use Cassava flour as a 1:1 replacement for Paleo baking!

What are the health benefits of cacao?

In my opinion, cacao is an amazing superfood that should be a part of every diet. Case and point: raw cacao has 4 times the amount of antioxidants than dark chocolate and 20 times more than blueberries! The high amounts of antioxidants and free radicals have been associated with lowered LDL cholesterol, improved heart function, reduced cancer risk, and higher serotonin levels. Phytochemicals, like resveratrol, are typically found in red wine and dark chocolate. But, the phytochemical content in cacao once again exceeds these common sources. 

For these reasons, I use cacao in this chocolate recipe. You can peak at substitution options below, but I encourage you to stick with the nutritious cacao powder. 

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Are there any recipe substitutions?

I haven’t tried making this recipe with alternate ingredients. However, you can try the ingredients substitutions below:

  • Cacao powder: cocoa powder (1:1 replacement)
  • Coconut sugar: brown sugar or honey (1:1 replacement)
  • Coconut oil: ghee (1:1 replacement)
  • Apple cider vinegar: lemon juice (1:1 replacement)

I would not recommend replacing the Cassava flour because it’s characteristics are unique, making it the perfect Paleo-approved baking flour. 

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Is Cassava the same thing as Tapioca?

Nope, not really. Tapioca is derived from cassava, but it’s more processed. As a result, tapioca flour has less fiber and is harder to digest. I don’t recommend using the two flours interchangeably.

How to Serve Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Breakfast, snack, dessert- you name it! 

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

This Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. It makes for the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cassava flour
  • 1/2 cup cacao powder
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tbs grass-fed collagen
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup finely shredded zucchini, squeeze out excess water*
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup nut milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: dairy free dark chocolate chips!

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Whisk eggs in a large bowl. Add the vanilla, coconut oil, and milk. Mix well, then add the shredded zucchini.
  3. Add all the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatulta to gently combine. Add dark chocolate chips.
  4. Pour your batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let cool before slicing. Serve!

Notes

*Finely shred the zucchini into a bowl lined with a paper towel. In small batches, squeeze out the excess water into the sink. Repeat until all zucchini is shredded.

Category: Sides & Snacks

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nourishedbykelseynicole

Kelsey, FNTP, CC
Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhe Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhelmed and burdened by running a small business?! 

As a FNTP, who previously ran my own nutritional therapy practice, I know what it’s like to wear many hats. And let’s face it, small business owners can’t do it ALL. 

I‘ve personally experienced the overwhelm that comes with running your own business.

That’s when I decided to change directions and pursue content creation full time. Because I immediately saw the need for content creation in the nutrition sphere. Why?

Because as a nutrition professional, you want to share content that is accurate and original. Who’s better qualified to help you create content than a trained nutrition professional??

See where I’m going here? 🙃

I love combining my two passions: content creation and nutrition. Better yet, I love using these skill sets to better your business!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent
#nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practi As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I have a unique advantage in my work as a Content Creator. 

My #1 goal is to create original, niche-focused, attention-grabbing digital content for my fellow nutrition professionals. 

My skill set includes creating content for the following:
• Social media platforms 
• Blogs
• Email campaigns
• And more!

Do you want more information about how I work 1:1 with nutrition professionals and business wonders? Send me a DM!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner 
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging 
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth 
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent #nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 I’ve Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 

I’ve taken an unintentional (yet, very long) hiatus from this social media account and my blog. But, I’m back for a good while (I think 😅). Here’s what’s been going on lately..

In case you didn’t know, I started my own  business as a Content Creator in 2018, while I was in school at the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a trained FNTP, my niche is specifically holistic health and nutrition. It’s a combination of my two expertise: nutrition + content creation!

As a FNTP with a strong passion for real food + balanced nutrition, I’ve always kept this account as an educational resource for you. And as a fun creative outlet for me, as well!

But, I’m here to say, it’s time for a new direction. As my content creation business continues to grow and as I become more invested as a Content Creator, it only feels right to bring a little bit of my profession to this space! 

So while I still plan to share nutritional tidbits and encouragement, I also want to use this platform as a resource for my content creation business.

Sound good?

If you’re a fellow FNTP or nutrition professional, feel free to reach out for content creation support! 

And, if you’re here for nutritional education, thank you for being here and participating in this awesome community!! 💛

#nutritonaltherapypractitioner #fntp #ntp #functionalnutritionaltherapypractitioner #contentcreator #contentcreation #contentmarketing #contentmarketer #nutritioncontent #nutritionresources
STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 🛑

*said with grace and love*

Seriously, I spent years sipping on black coffee before eating breakfast. But, not anymore. 

Here’s what happens when you skip breakfast and drink black coffee every morning:
👉🏼 The caffeine (AKA stimulant) spikes your blood sugar levels.
👉🏼 Your body moves into fight-or-flight mode, increasing stress hormones.
👉🏼 A couple hours later, the cravings and yawns kick in, so you binge on sugar and *more* coffee.

And in case you’re thinking, “I seem to feel just fine after drinking black coffee and skipping breakfast,” there’s a good chance your body is living on stress hormones and relies on the caffeine to keep your body functioning. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news 😬

Soooo, what should you do instead for a healthy metabolism & happy hormones?

Eat a balanced breakfast with protein, carbs, and fat, FIRST. Ideally, within an hour of waking up. Then, enjoy a cup of fresh coffee (preferably with high quality cream or milk) ☕️ 

TBH, there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee with frothy, raw milk 🤩 what’s your coffee order?

And, yes, my shirt says “you’re the pumpkin to my spice” because ‘tis the season 🎃 *from @hannahmcmorrison 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #blackcoffee #coffeeorder #balancedbreakfast #healthybreakfast
When you’re trying to master the reel game, but When you’re trying to master the reel game, but have a constant shadow 🐾

Good thing he’s the cutest!

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#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #rhodesianridgeback #rhodie
I eat carbs at every meal! 🍎🥖🥔🫓🥛🍫

Here’s why…

Our bodies NEED carbohydrates for: 
• Physical energy
• Brain power
• Muscle repair and growth
• A healthy gut microbiome
• Metabolic efficiency 
• Healthy digestion 
• AND SO MUCH MORE

This is especially true when you’re exercising and strength training regularly!! 💪🏼

Some of my favorite carb sources are:
• Fresh sourdough bread 
• Sweet potatoes and red potatoes 
• Squash and carrots
• Seasonal fruit 
• Honey and maple syrup 
• Raw milk
• Cassava tortillas and pasta 
• Homemade baked goods with cassava flour
• Dark chocolate 

What are your favorite carbs?! 😋

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #carbs #glutenfreecarbs #healthycarbs #carbsbenefits
As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods a As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods as possible (and always GF), I’ve learned a thing or two about “healthy baking.” Here are the swaps I always make in my baked goods for healthy hormones, metabolism, and tastebuds! 👇🏼

• Grass fed (raw, if possible) butter instead of oil 
• @bobsredmill 1-to-1 GF flour instead of all purpose flour
• Raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of white sugar 
• Substitute a little bit of the flour with protein powder or collagen (usually about 10% of the total flour)
• Grass fed (raw, if possible) milk > nut milk
• Cassava, oat, or GF blend flour > almond flour

Save this post to refer back to this season! And, happy baking 🧁🍪

PS Get this oldie, but a goodie, Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe on the blog! 👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreebaking #healthybaking
Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃 Alwa Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃

Always a Fall staple in my home! I usually double this recipe to share with others or put the freezer for later 😋

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose GF flour
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (I use @naked.protein)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1+ tbs pumpkin spice 
1 1/4 cup pumpkin
1 pastured egg
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey 
1/4 butter, melted and cooled
1/4-1/2 cup milk of choice (I use raw whole milk)
1/2+ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450F and grease muffin tin with coconut oil or butter.
2. Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix. Add wet ingredients and mix.
3. Fold in chocolate chips. 
4. Pour into muffin tin. Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy!!

*Recipe adapted from @fitmittenkitchen 

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#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #pumpkinmuffins #proteinpumpkinmuffins #glutenfreepumpkinmuffins
5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE st 5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE stress in the body…

1. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
2. Working out fasted 
3. Limiting consumption of fruit and natural sugars
4. Opting for “low fat” foods
5. Drinking a gallon of water daily.

All of these habits add excessive stress to the body and can eventually lead to symptoms of burn out and physiological imbalances, like:
PMS
Weight gain
Acne
Insomnia
Chronic fatigue
AND SO MUCH MORE

Sometimes, our bodies need us to intentionally do LESS, not more. If you’re in a constant (physical or mental) state of stress, this means YOU!

Did you know these “healthy” habits could be detrimental to your health? 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #stress #healthyhabits #healthylifestyle
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