Do you think chocolate should have its very own food group?
It seems as if it should. Chocolate is powerfully comforting, creamy, and delicious. Many people eat chocolate at least several times a week. (Can you see my hand raised?)
Which begs the question…
Is Chocolate Good for You?
The answer is both yes and no.
Chocolate has been used for centuries to treat bronchitis, sexual malaise, fatigue, hangovers, anemia, depression, memory loss, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, and more. It also helps release that feel-good neurotransmitter. serotonin, in the brain.
But eat the wrong kind and you’ll get loads of sugar, calories, and junky ingredients.
How to Eat Chocolate Responsibly
Chocolate begins life as raw cacao (pronounced kah-kow) beans. Loaded with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and plant phenols, cacao is a powerful superfood. The more processed cacao becomes, however – think commercially produced candy bars – the fewer healthy components remain.
So how can you get the most out of your chocolate fix?
- Don’t be afraid of the dark.
- The darker the chocolate, the more beneficial cacao it contains.
- Know your percentages.
- The number on dark chocolate packaging refers to the percentage of cacao bean in chocolate. For maximum health benefit, look for dark chocolate that has 75% to 85% cacao.
- Go raw – or as unprocessed as possible.
Looking for more fun ways to enjoy chocolate? Try this dark chocolate treat. Invite some friends over and make a batch! Chef Karolina’s Raw Chocolate Truffles have a preparation time of just 20 minutes and make about 25 truffles. If you try this, let me know what you think?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cacao powder
- 1 cup cashews or macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- Water (to mix)
- Roll-in ingredients: shredded coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate nibs, raw sugar, cacao powder, ginger, or something else you love
Directions:
- Mix cashews in a food processor until it forms a powder, adding enough water to create a thick paste.
- Add maple syrup to cashews and pulse to process.
- Add cacao powder. Pulse to process.
- Refrigerate for four hours or overnight for best results.
- Form teaspoon-sized balls of dough. Coat balls in your chosen roll-in ingredients!
Get Even Healthier!
Are you curious about how to choose chocolate and other delicious healthy foods to keep you healthy and your taste buds happy? Let’s schedule a complimentary consultation (fill out form below) or pass this offer on to someone you care about!
That’s it for today. Have a sparkling day!
Cheers,
Patti
P.S. If you have any interest in my fitness and nutrition group starting SOON, click here .
If you or anyone you know would like a few tips to help curb stress eating, this lunch and learn might help.
About Me – As a health coach, fitness coach and massage therapist, I am dedicated to helping you reclaim your life, so you can enjoy all the adventures life has to offer. Together we’ll find lifestyle solutions that support you to be your happiest, healthiest, and most joyful self.