The health advantages of dark chocolate are widely known. It is known to contain more antioxidants than superfoods such as pomegranates, blueberries, and cranberries. To make chocolates, cacao beans are roasted and mixed with some not-so-healthy ingredients when they are turned into chocolate (sugar). So, what's a chocoholic to do when this nutritious food is laced with extra sugar? Here are 5 sure-fire tips to satisfy your chocolate cravings without ruining your diet or time in the gym.
1. Chocolate Dipped Fruits
Chocolate's not-so-healthy side can be mitigated by using it as a sweet jacket for fabulously beneficial superfoods. Dip nutritious options like bananas, strawberries, apples, or even sliced ginger. Refrigerate or freeze the dipped treats for a cool treat on a hot day.
2. Blend Into A Smoothie
You may get your dose (and the health benefits) by mixing in unsweetened cocoa powder instead of adding dark chocolate chips or a few squares of chopped dark chocolate to smoothies. Because the cherries' chocolatey flavour and sweetness hide the sharpness of greens like kale, you can sneak in an extra serving. Look for non-Dutched raw or pure cocoa powder. Dutching, also known as alkalizing, is a chemical technique that reduces acidity while also significantly reducing the antioxidant content of cocoa.
3. Chocolate In Oatmeal
Chopping a square or two of dark chocolate and swirling it into hot oats, or sprinkling chocolate shavings onto cold cereal with sliced strawberries or a chopped tiny banana, adds some healthful luxury to the most important meal of the day. According to research, eating "dessert at breakfast" helped weight-loss seekers avoid rebound weight gain by lowering appetite and controlling cravings.
4. Chocolate Coffee
One of the best ways to enjoy coffee is to add chocolate to it. To make a proper mocha experience, simply whisk in some shredded chocolate or go all out and add coconut milk, stevia, and coconut cream. To make things healthy, use coconut milk or cream for the dairy cream. If you like, you can substitute unsweetened almond milk or rice milk.
5. Buy Dark Chocolate Instead Of Milk Chocolate
Most chocolates in supermarkets are milk chocolate or have a very low percentage of dark chocolate. When this occurs, the chocolate is frequently made with milk, soy, and sugar. This raises the fat, calorie, and sugar content of the chocolate. Instead, search for extra dark chocolate bars with at least 85% cocoa content. This normally implies that the chocolate bar has no milk, soy, or sugar, but double-check to be sure.