Chocolate raspberry truffle tart

Kona, Bailey and Misha "meditate."

I've been trying to incorporate 5-10 minutes of meditation into each day because of the health benefits. Meditation produces a wonderful calming feeling only when the dogs are doing their own "meditation" as pictured above. I meditate because it enhances the immune system, and reduces or helps control my chronic pain.

It works well for me to do meditation on the end of a yoga or stretching session. But just about anytime you have a few quiet moments will work. You don't need any special equipment, and it can be done just about any place when there are no distractions. I just sit or lie down quietly and begin envisioning myself being at my best, either physically or mentally. It's kind of like giving yourself a little pep talk.

Misha takes another relaxation pose.

Unfortunately, not everyone can be like Misha, pictured above, in his relaxation mode. That's where meditation helps. Meditation can wipe away the day's stress and lower your blood pressure.

Nika uses a very weird "pillow."

Meditation also can reduce headaches and migraines. I think I would need some meditation or yoga after sleeping with a 30-pound dumbbell for a pillow, like Nika, pictured above. In fact, I might even have to reach for a Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Smoothie.

Chocolate raspberry truffle smoothie

Yes, I'm still craving everything chocolate and raspberry. Even my husband (AKA Ridalin Boy) has noticed my recent addiction. He came back from a bike ride with a container of fresh raspberries in his backpack. Wasn't that sweet? Those fresh raspberries would be the perfect topping for another Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Smoothie. It makes the perfect Sunday morning breakfast treat.

Ingredients

1/2 small to medium ripe avocado

1 cup frozen raspberries

1 T. rice protein powder

1 T. chia seed

3/4-1 cup hemp or other non-dairy milk

2 T. sunbutter or other seed/nut butter

1 T. shredded coconut

1 T. cacao nibs

6-8 ice cubes

stevia or other sweetener to taste

Directions:

Put all the ingredients in a high-powered blender and process until smooth and thick. Pour in a tall glass or big mug. Top with more raspberries, cacao nibs and shredded coconut.

Chocolate raspberry truffle tart

If you're like me, you can never get enough chocolate and raspberries. And so the chocolate raspberry truffle smoothie morphed into a Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Tart. Yes, I am still trying to lose weight so I keep this in the freezer for an occasional nibble now and then.

Ingredients for filling

1/2 ripe avocado

3/4 cup frozen raspberries

stevia

2 tsp. chia seed

3-4 T. hemp milk

2 T. sunbutter

Ingredients for crust

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1-2 T. cacao nibs

1 T. tahinia

dash of sea salt

Directions

Put all crust ingredients in a food processor and combine. Press crust mixture into two free-form, mini tart pans.

Blend all the filling ingredients in a blender. Divide evenly between the two tart pans. Lucky you. You'll probably have some left over to nibble on.

Freeze the tarts until ready to eat. Allow to soften slightly before topping with more raspberries, cacao nibs and coconut.

I am sharing this post with:

http://www.dietdessertndogs.com/2012/01/26/wellness-weekend-january-26-30-2012/

 and http://allergyfreecookery.blogspot.com/2012/01/allergy-friendly-lunchbox-love-18.html