
Ready for the biggest myth of all?! PMS and cramping are normal, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
WRONG.
While those conditions are incredibly common, they are NOT normal, and 50 years of doctors slapping us on birth control as the answer has created another whole host of issues.
Ready for some good news?!
We have information and tools to help get things back under control.
Your menstrual cycle is like a built-in health report, giving you clues about your body’s overall well-being.
It’s not just about tracking your period—your cycle reflects everything from your hormonal balance to how stress, diet, and lifestyle choices are affecting you. Paying attention to it can help you feel more in tune with your body as you take charge of your health naturally. If you are interested in learning more, I have a class for you and you can choose how you want to participate. In this class, we'll ask questions, listen to our bodies, and discover ways we can lean into to our hormonal balance with practical, daily practices.
Ways to participate: text or email or Live Zoom
If you would like a text version of this class, you will get a slightly shorter version but still amazing information. You need to text the word CYCLE to (417) 553-1500. The class will start arriving in text form and you will get a new text every 5 minutes over the course of an hour and a half.
If you would prefer a slightly more in-depth version, I can send it to you via email where you will get 1 email a day for 6 days.
Click here for the email version.
If you want to join a Live Zoom class where my friend Courtney will be teaching February 27th at 8pmCT, Click Here
XO,
Melinda Haak

Winter's chill brings with it the perfect excuse to indulge in comforting beverages, and what could be more soothing than a cup of gut-healing hot chocolate? Made with nutrient-dense bone broth, this recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the health benefits of bone broth, creating a drink that's both delicious and nutritious. Ready in just under five minutes, it's an ideal treat for the entire family to enjoy during the cold months.
The secret to this hot chocolate's appeal lies in its simple yet effective ingredients: bone broth, milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a hint of cinnamon. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drop of Young Living's Peppermint Vitality essential oil can be added to enhance the flavor. Whether topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, this hot chocolate is a delightful way to incorporate the healing properties of bone broth into your daily routine.

Instructions
- Heat: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the bone broth to a light simmer.
- Mix: Add the milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the saucepan and whisk until creamy.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into two separate mugs. If desired, use a milk frother to make the hot chocolate nice and foamy (this is where I also like to add a drop of peppermint vitality. Serve with optional marshmallows or whipped cream on top. Sip and enjoy!
Notes:
- I recommend using a chicken bone broth for this recipe without a ton of added herbs or seasoning.
- You can add 1 scoop of collagen to the hot chocolate if desired. Just whisk it into the hot chocolate in the saucepan before serving.
- You can swap the maple syrup for honey, however it will be slightly sweeter.
- Add more cocoa powder to taste if you like it extra chocolatey.
- Want to make a single serving? Just cut the recipe in half!
As someone who has been sipping on bone broth for over a decade, I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate it into my routine. Bone broth is rich in collagen, minerals, and protein, so it’s a great way to boost the nutrient density of recipes. I love making my own bone broth and using it in soups, stews, and even in making rice instead of using water.
I first came across the idea of making hot chocolate from bone broth from a brilliant internet friend, Fallon Lee. After seeing the idea, I started experimenting with it for my own family. My kids absolutely love hot chocolate, especially during the cold weather months. And if I could actually disguise bone broth in a chocolatey drink for them? Well, sign me up!
After months of perfecting it, I’m happy to share that my rather picky kids absolutely love my bone broth hot chocolate recipe! It’s creamy and rich, and the combo of vanilla, cinnamon and peppermint adds the perfect amount of warmth. If you’re not a huge fan of bone broth but want to soak up the benefits, this recipes is right up your alley! It makes two servings so you can share a cup with your children, or save some for the next day!
Broth vs Bone Broth
While broth and bone broth are often used interchangeably, there are some distinct differences between the two. Broth is made by simmering meat and vegetables in water. It's typically seasoned with salt and may include herbs and spices for flavor.
Bone broth, on the other hand, is a further evolution of broth and stocks. It’s made by simmering vegetables, meat, and bones, often with connective tissues like ligaments and tendons. The bones are usually simmered for a longer period, sometimes up to 24 hours. As a result, bone broth is rich in minerals, amino acids, and collagen, and has a higher protein content in comparison to broth.
Let me know if you try this and what you think! Enjoy!
Melinda
