How to make chocolate a not so guilty pleasure

Chocolate…
Chocolate comes from plants, so it must be healthy, right? Wrong… it depends on what else is in the chocolate, and how close it is to the natural product. Choose the least processed chocolate, with the least milk solids, emulsifiers and added sugar. Chocolate is high in fat and sugar, so eat it in moderation, especially when you are training.

The good things about chocolate are that it stimulates the release of endorphins, the hormones that generate feelings of well being and pleasure.  Chocolate also contains flavanoids (as do tea, wine and certain vegetables and fruits) that provide anti oxidant protection, and lower rates of heart disease and stroke.  Chocolate may also help improve blood flow by relaxing the blood vessel wall.

Choose chocolate with the highest cocoa content, as cocoa is very high in flavanoids and in its powdered state is virtually calorie free. Add cocoa powder to smoothies or yogurt.  If you do have chocolate, have at least 70% dark chocolate as it contains twice as much antioxidants as milk chocolate – to help negate all those oxidants we create when we run.

Chocolate does have some benefits if eaten in moderation

Dark Chocolate has been shown to help to prevent heart disease and cancer

Dark Chocolate improves mood by boosting the brains serotonin levels

Chocolate is made up of about 300 chemicals, some which may have mood altering effects. (Phenyethylamine is said to simulate the feeling of falling in love).

Chocolate contains a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals. (A B1 C D E)

Chocolate contains flavonoids which may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer while slowing the aging process.

Chocolate gets a bad rap about being bad for us but if you are an addict, moderation is best and at least has some positive benefits for you.

If you must eat Chocolate, here are some tips for controlling your cravings and indulgences:

1.Dark is best. Research has shown that the benefits of Chocolate comes from the dark type more than the milk type

2. Eat your chocolate with a nutrient rich food. Strawberries dipped in chocolate

3.Buy smaller sizes, this will stop you over indulging

4. Order fruit for dessert with a small chocolate treat on the side so it is not your main treat

5.Savor, sit down and take your time and enjoy. This may stop you reaching for more because you remember eating it compared to popping one in your mouth while on the phone

6. Give in to your cravings. If you eat something instead and then still have your cravings and reach for chocolate later, then you are eating more calories than if you had just given in to your craving and ate a small amount of chocolate.