Hi Veggiedelight,

Cacao contains both caffeine & theobromine. 

Although the quantities of these substances range from 1-2 percent of the whole bean, the effects can be felt. <sup>1

1</sup> Reference: Naked Chocolate by David Wolfe and Shazzie

Personally, I have been including cacao in my diet for almost two and a half years with no ill effects.  I am always mindful of the quantities that I use, and also the times of day that I indulge. 

I have researched a lot on cacao, purely because I love chocolate so much, and I want it to always be a part of my life.  It is certainly not for everybody, but I have developed a very close relationship with cacao and would not think it strange for me to enjoy it (in some way) daily.

I suppose for me, it is the other 98% of what is contained within cacao that I resonate with - it is one of the most chemically complex foods on the planet.  That is why no one has ever managed to create a synthetic version - the basis of every single chocolate bar is cacao.

Because I want the benefits and deliciousness of chocolate, without the nasty additives - I eat, drink and spoon raw cacao from a trusted source.

It is a well known fact around these parts that I simply  cacao!

 

I see a future for Bill as an International Man of Mystery......always popping up in the background of your videos doing assorted tasks around the home.

He'd be like the Heather Locklear of You Tube.  She was in almost every series of Melrose Place, but still billed (no pun intended) as a Special Guest Star.

Yes, I can see it all clearly....I'm going to have my people contact Bill's people.  I will be his agent.  He's going to be a star!

 

Oops, I just lost my post into the void....

I loved that video, and think you SHOULD let Brock near cameras.  His giggling is gorgeous.

And no credit for Raw Bill, who was loitering with intent in the background? 

Just lovely!!!

Michaela - Thank you.  That is such a kind thing to say.  I enjoy your posts immensely too.  I live vicariously through the writings of fit athletes such as yourself.  Alas, the only exercise that I find enjoyable is yoga, and presently my practice is a little more "miss" than "hit".  But I feel very fit when reading about your running from the comfort of my sofa! 

Sanga - thank you again and enjoy your travels!

V- I am looking forward to the recipes, thank you.  I suspect one of them will be the top secret recipe that was mentioned in the book, and not included.  How rude!  Such a tease.    Enjoy gay Paris.  I love the fact that you can just pop across to France for a few days.  One of the many joys of living in the UK.  Oui?

Neet - I know!!!  I suppose that is why I laughed - the absurdity of exactly why I was being reprimanded.  But, not altogether unexpected from a woman who is of a very volatile disposition - one never quite knows what weather pattern is going on in her head.  One of the crankiest people I have ever encountered.  I'm a rebel at the best of times, so I wasn't budging an inch.    I think I had U2's song Pride looping in my head.... In the name of love....they took your life....but they could not take your pride.

Jen - yes, the corporate world certainly can be frostier than the polar ice caps!  But, it is also filled with the most supremely glorious people who are not so freaky.  Uptight is spot on.  Very highly strung and an obsessive control freak.  It's a recipe for being on a highway to serious health problems down the track, in my humble opinion.

I continue with dropping my "darlings" with gay abandon. 

She can kiss my jaxie! 

Absolutely! 

As was seeing the especially-bred fast growth chickens that have such distressing leg injuries because their legs simply cannot bear the weight.

For some reason the most distressing thing for me was watching tiny tiny chicks on conveyor belts, and the rough and tumble journey that their little bodies endured.  They looked so alarmed, as any baby would.

Jamie is leading things in the right direction, and I applaud him for all that he is doing. 

It seems to be a common theme at the moment for chefs to connect with the food that they are eating and serving.  Gordon Ramsay too is raising pigs and whilst he is worried about his small children becoming attached, his consulting "pig professional" thinks that Gordon is the one becoming attached to the animals that one day are going to be on a plate with apple sauce.

Sanghama - THANK YOU!  That would be wonderful. 

I love "this stuff" too.  I'm still willing to give up a limb though. 

Just a quick story on the darn Capricorn lunar business, and work challenges.....

Yesterday I was severely reprimanded for calling somebody "darling" on the phone.  Anybody that knows me in real life knows that I call almost everybody darling.  Shopkeepers, bus drivers, friends, strangers.  I have been doing it for many years. 

But, I learned yesterday that it's just not on, as words such as "unprofessional" and "inappropriate" were hurled at me. 

I laughed.

Then I learned that greater than the crime of calling somebody "darling" (at least in one particular freaky corner of the corporate world) is laughing whilst being reprimanded.

Neck veins were popping.  I kid you not.  And there was even more serious displeasure.

I laughed harder.

Thankfully within days I shall be moving on from this assignment.

I have spent the last day and a half feeling like a puppy that accidentally shat on the good rug.

Nope, I am not in awe of the pain.   

((((((jen))))))

But..... your open and honest sharing of your ups & downs that you post here - that I believe inspire, support and assist others - I will always be in awe of.

So, there! 

Snap!  I loved Born Free too. 

Did you ever see Daktari, Les?

Clarence the cross-eyed Lion was my big crush as a child. Other than Lancelot Link (secret chimp) - Clarence was my greatest animal love as a little miss.  I just loved that lion. 

Jen - two words. Rock star.  You are a rock star.  As always, I am in awe.

Sanghama - I would be happy to hear what you learned specifically about Cancerians if you are happy to share - via pm might be less boring for all the other stable star signs here. 

Remedies to my affliction would be even better! 

I dare you not to cry....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U


 

Yes, the flip side of the coin is the "enlightening" moments - one tends to forget about those if the particular time (right now) is full of angst and challenge.  A lovely reminder, thank you.

I need a personal astrologer in my pocket so that they can poke me in the belly and say "Danger Will Robinson, Danger.  Full moon in Capricorn on the horizon!" 

Some days I would give my right arm not to be a Cancerian.

I just received the following as part of an email from a friend of mine who is an awesome healer:

Planetary energy shifts are really impacting on people at present and stirring things up for them. Full moon in Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) relates to our work (lack of it, lessons still to learn, need to stop overworking) and work relationships. Other things come up too but this is the predominant theme.

Damn those planetary energy shifts!

I have been having challenges recently in relation to work specifically, so I thought I would post this in case anybody else was also feeling "tender" at the moment.

Sometimes as we dangle our legs over this spinning blue planet in the middle of space, I think that we can feel as if we are the only ones going through tricky times. 

It can often help to know that you are not alone. 

Or, it can help to at least be able to point the finger at those damn planetary energy shifts! 

You put me onto Tecumseh!....but no, I didn't know that was your favourite.

I love this one the most I think ....

Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.

 ~ Tecumseh

I get very vivid imagery in my head on that one - so I think that's why I like it.

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.

~ Tecumseh