At Goodnight’s Red River, we are rooted in a philosophy that celebrates the benefits of an animal-based diet, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed beef, pasture-raised eggs, and wild-caught fish. But we also recognize that certain plant-based foods, when thoughtfully chosen, can complement and enhance the nutritional benefits of this diet. One such superfood is cacao—a pure, minimally processed ingredient that has stood the test of time as a potent source of health and vitality.
While our focus is on animal-based nutrition, cacao aligns perfectly with our core values: nourishment, simplicity, and natural whole foods. Here’s why this plant-based superfood deserves a place at your table, even in a diet built primarily on animal products.
Nutrient-Dense and Unprocessed, Like the Foods We Prioritize
Our approach to food is centered on consuming nutrient-dense, whole foods—whether it’s the rich omega-3s from wild-caught salmon or the vitamins and minerals in pasture-raised eggs. Cacao fits right in because it, too, is a nutrient powerhouse. Pure cacao is minimally processed and packed with beneficial compounds like magnesium, iron, and potassium—minerals essential for muscle function, cardiovascular health, and overall vitality.
These nutrients are especially valuable in an animal-based diet, as they complement the high-quality proteins and fats found in meat and dairy. For example, magnesium, which is abundant in cacao, works synergistically with calcium found in foods like cottage cheese and yogurt to support bone health and muscle recovery, making it an excellent addition to the lifestyle we promote.
The Antioxidant Power of Cacao: A Perfect Counterbalance to Our Nutrient-Rich Meats
One of the unique benefits of cacao is its high concentration of flavonoids—plant compounds known for their powerful antioxidant properties. While an animal-based diet provides ample nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein to keep the body strong, cacao brings an extra layer of support by combating oxidative stress and inflammation.
At Goodnight’s Red River, we believe in foods that support long-term health, and the antioxidants in cacao can help protect the body from chronic inflammation, which is a key factor in many diseases. By incorporating cacao into an animal-based diet, we can create a balanced approach to health that leverages the best of both worlds: the strength of animal proteins and the protective power of plant antioxidants.
Cacao Supports Brain Health and Emotional Well-being
One of the most remarkable benefits of cacao is its ability to enhance mood and cognitive function. This superfood is rich in compounds that promote the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being.
As advocates of home-cooked, nutrient-dense meals, we understand that health isn’t just about physical nourishment—it’s also about mental and emotional well-being. The serotonin-boosting properties of cacao can help alleviate stress and anxiety, which perfectly complements the calming and mood-stabilizing effects of the healthy fats found in grass-fed meats and pasture-raised eggs.
Cacao is a Healthy Alternative to Processed Sugar
As we promote the consumption of clean, unprocessed foods, we know that one of the biggest challenges for many is reducing sugar intake. While refined sugars are absent from our recommended diet, cacao offers a naturally rich and satisfying alternative for those moments when you crave something sweet, without the downsides of processed sugar.
Pure cacao can be incorporated into protein-packed snacks or paired with our approved nuts like walnuts and macadamias for a sweet treat that aligns with our animal-based lifestyle. It provides a satisfying richness and depth of flavor that keeps sugar cravings in check, while delivering a nutrient boost that supports overall health.
Healthy Fats Meet Cacao’s Natural Goodness
Our focus on animal-based products means we encourage the consumption of healthy fats like those found in grass-fed butter, beef tallow, and pasture-raised meats. Cacao fits beautifully into this high-fat, low-carb approach because it contains healthy fats, particularly oleic acid, the same beneficial fat found in olive oil. These fats contribute to heart health, support healthy cholesterol levels, and provide long-lasting energy.
When combined with the healthy fats already present in an animal-based diet, cacao creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures while offering nutritional benefits that promote sustained energy and satiety. Imagine pairing a dark, rich cacao treat with a serving of pasture-raised whipped cream or using cacao in a high-fat, keto-style smoothie—it’s a delicious way to stay on track with your health goals.
Cacao Fits Our Approach to Simple, Wholesome Ingredients
At Goodnight’s Red River, we stand by the idea that eating healthy should be simple. We choose foods that are whole, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense, without added fillers or artificial ingredients. Cacao, in its pure form, fits this philosophy. It’s an ingredient that needs no additives to deliver flavor and health benefits, aligning perfectly with our belief in keeping food as close to its natural state as possible.
Bringing it All Together
While our diet is deeply rooted in the power of animal-based nutrition, we recognize that a few select plant-based ingredients can enhance the benefits of this approach. Cacao, with its impressive profile of nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats, is one of those ingredients. It complements the rich nutrients we get from animal products and offers additional support for heart health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.
At the end of the day, Goodnight’s Red River is about empowering you to create meals that are not only delicious but deeply nourishing. By embracing whole, nutrient-dense foods like cacao alongside our animal-based staples, we provide the tools to support a healthy lifestyle—one that celebrates the simplicity of real food and the power of flavor.
So, whether you’re adding cacao to your morning yogurt parfait, enjoying a cacao-infused protein snack, or simply savoring the richness of a pure cacao treat, you’re making a choice that aligns with the Goodnight’s Red River mission: to fuel your body and mind with the best nature has to offer.