Ever wonder why chocolate is synonymous with Valentines Day? Here’s one theory. Cocoa beans contain tryptophan and phenylethylamine – chemicals that can improve our mood and make us feel happy and energized – the same emotions we feel when experiencing love.
Although chocolate is often perceived as indulgent and fattening, research has shown that regular consumption of small amounts of cocoa or dark chocolate do not increase weight and are actually good for us. There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against heart disease.
So go ahead and enjoy chocolate along with its health benefits!
Choose dark chocolate. Go for minimally processed dark chocolate with 70 percent cocoa content or higher. This is one of my favorite brands and not just because it tastes amazing. The company uses strict standards for quality, ethical trade, and environmental sustainability.
Eat it in moderation (one ounce or less per day). When you choose a quality brand with a very rich taste, a little goes a long way. Take small bites, let it melt in your mouth, and truly savor it.
Enjoy it without guilt by creating your own healthy indulgent chocolate desserts.
- Spread a thin layer of almond butter over a 1-ounce square of dark chocolate and top with 1 tsp of all-fruit raspberry preserves.
- Cut a medjool date in half (remove pit); fill each half with natural peanut butter and a few extra dark chocolate chips; top with a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Blend 4 – 6 oz. plain low fat Greek yogurt with 1 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder, 1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey, 1 tsp cacao nibs, and ½ tsp vanilla extract; top with berries and nuts.
- Finely chop 1 ounce of dark chocolate; microwave on 50% power until almost melted, about 1-2 minutes; stir until smooth. Dip mandarin orange segments in the chocolate, place on a parchment-lined plate and chill until set, about 10 minutes.
- Make Cocoa-Chia Pudding with Raspberries. This recipe is sure to satisfy your taste for chocolate without all the added junk of the store-bought kind.
Lorraine Matthews-Antosiewicz, MS, RD
PS –
If you need help making this year the year that you accomplish your health goals, please get in touch. I’d be happy to help you come up with a realistic healthy eating plan that you can stick with.
Message me or call 732-494-1149. Let’s start with a conversation.
Meanwhile, be grateful, patient, and nice, stay hydrated, treat yourself and others with kindness, move more, and eat your veggies!
