At recent No Need to Diet Group courses we have been discussing food cravings — their causes and ways to deal with them. I came up with this simple recipe as a way of introducing the groups to the benefits of sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds and their oil (cold-pressed, organic) are a good source of B vitamins and contain a high concentration of the constituents which assist the body in metabolising fats and removing them from the bloodstream. They also 'warm' the body by pushing blood and energy up and out towards the surface allowing energy to flow more freely throughout the whole system including the internal organs. Health problems related to stagnant energy include yeast related illnesses and obesity.

Sunflower seeds can be carried around and eaten whenever required to ward off hunger pangs (they are also useful to curb cravings for tobacco). About a ½ teaspoon is all that is required at a time. They can also be used in a whole variety of other ways — sprinkled onto soups, added to breakfast cereals and sprouted. For times when only chocolate will do however, at least give it some nutritional value by adding some sunflower seeds.

Sunflower Seed Clusters

100g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids), Fair trade and organic if possible
3 heaped teaspoons organic coconut oil
20 dessert spoons raw, organic sunflower seeds
Desiccated coconut or raw cocoa powder to top

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Add the coconut oil and stir until the oil has fully melted and there are no lumps of chocolate remaining. Remove from heat and add 5 dessert spoons of sunflower seeds. Stir. Add 5 more spoonfuls of seeds. Stir again then add 5 more. The remaining 5 spoonfuls of seeds should be added one at a time, stirring with each addition. Add the seeds until the chocolate mixture looks like it will not hold together if you add any more (you may need less seeds or slightly more depending on the chocolate you use).
Take teaspoons of the mixture and drop them in clusters onto a tray lined with baking parchment. Sprinkle over your desired topping and place in the fridge to harden.