Eat: Dark Chocolate!

Dark chocolate is actually really good for you. So eat it, will ya?! :D
Q. Why dark chocolate?
A. Dark chocolate contains more cacao and less sugar than milk chocolate. So more of the good stuff our body needs.


Here are some benefits of dark chocolate:
~It's good for your heart and helps lower your blood pressure.
~Dark chocolate contains 4x more antioxidants than tea.
~The smell of chocolate can make you feel relaxed.
~It can elevate your mood.
~Drinking hot chocolate can curve your appetite.
~Chocolate can raise your serotonin levels and give you an overall sense of well-being.
Which means it can do wonders to your stress levels which are a leading cause in many illnesses including heart disease, a lowered immune system and cancer. I say, instead of taking a chill pill, take a dark chocolate and call me in the afternoon. ;) (sorry, not a morning person:P)

I over simplified the benefits to give you a rough view of what chocolate is actually doing for you. If you'd like to check out more about it and more scientifically 'why', check out the links below.


It is still key to eat it in moderation since chocolate is still high in calories, sugar and fat.
Q. So how much is too much?
A. Easy. Chocolate comes with nutrition labels so you'll see exactly how much sugar, fat and calories you are eating.

I use a rule of not eating a snack that is over 100something calories. If it doesn't start with a "1" or lower, I don't count it as a snack. For example: 100-150 calories, sounds like a reasonable snack to me. If it's 50 calories, that's even better.

If you want to get super technical, the average person needs to take in 2,000 calories a day. I'm a petite(4'11"), female so my daily calorie intake is more like 1,600. If you're an active, big male, you might have to take 2,200. And well, if you're dieting, you'd take in less calories than your daily calorie intake. I'd shave about 200 calories off. (Basically that equates to not eating that french fries with your burger, or switching soda to water.)

Portion control can be real handy to be able to enjoy foods you like without unbuckling the belt.
I try to go for pre-wrapped, bite-sized chocolates.

My favorite is Dove Dark Chocolate. With only 42 calories per chocolate, this special little treat also has a little pick-me-up line written inside the wrapper. My favorite chocolate inscription is: Naughty can be nice. I giggle to myself and savor the smell, taste and feel of the chocolate as it takes me over. It's something that can really make a difference in your day. (well, mine at least.)

Besides, you always savor something more when you have less of it. So unwrap that wonderful goodness. Let it melt on your tongue and cover your body in ultimate ecstasy!


Links:
Is Chocolate healthier than green tea?
Dark Chocolate Is Healthy Chocolate
Health Benefits of Chocolate?
Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled
The Health Benefits of Chocolate: Can Chocolate Benefit Your Health?
Chocolate's Potential Health Benefits
Health Benefits of Chocolate