I Need Chocolate!

When you are losing weight, it’s often better to give up completely any foods that you feel you are addicted to, because it’s so hard to eat just a little. But there’s one thing that many people find it impossible to give up, and that is … chocolate!

Many people seem to actually need chocolate in their diets. Most women will be aware of the power of chocolate at certain times of the month! This is because the cacao bean, from which chocolate comes, is rich in B vitamins.

Chocolate also contains many minerals, antioxidants and a substance called theobromine which is a stimulant, a little like caffeine. Plus it contains epicatechin, which studies have suggested can protect against stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

So it’s good to hear that there is a way to reintroduce chocolate into our diets without breaking any rules. The way to do this is to use cocoa powder.

Chocolate comes from the cacao bean, which is actually the seed of the cacao tree. The bean contains fat known as cocoa butter. In processing to make chocolate, the fat is separated out and what is left is ground to make cocoa (or cacao) powder. This cocoa powder contains all of the vitamins, minerals and other substances that are found in the original bean.

Of course, to make the chocolate bars that we find in the stores, the cocoa butter is added back to the powder in different quantities along with other fats and plenty of sugar. But we don’t need these!

Cocoa powder can be used in many ways. The simplest is to make a drink by adding boiling water to 1 or 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder. Add half a teaspoon of Splenda or similar sweetener, or more if desired. Enjoy!

You can also add cocoa powder to healthy desserts. However, because of the stimulant, you may prefer to avoid it in the evenings. Some people find it keeps them awake, as caffeine would do.

So why not have chocolate for breakfast? If your diet allows bananas, put a splash of water into the blender followed by 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and 2 bananas. Use more water for a smoothie, less for a thick treat to eat with a spoon.

Or for low carb dieters, whip up your daily allowance of heavy cream and add cocoa powder and Splenda to taste. Cocoa powder does have a few carbs, so remember to count them. Or melt some coconut oil, mix in an equal quantity of cocoa powder and a little Splenda, pour into an ice cube tray and refrigerate. Delicious!