Chocolate For Weight Loss

Chocolate for weight loss sounds a bit like the Good Fairy and leprechauns hiding under every tree. But, take heart, there is something to this notion.

For many dieters, chocolate is their major weakness and the one thing they feel they would really struggle to give up. However, the good news is that it is perfectly possible to eat chocolate and still lose weight. Recent studies have indicated that those who eat chocolate regularly tend to weigh less than those who don’t eat it at all. It has also been found that eating chocolate can actually be beneficial for your health! Chocolate contains many essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, iron, magnesium and vitamin E. The ingredients in chocolate are also thought to raise the metabolic rate, so eating small amounts could actually help you to burn more calories.

There are a few things to be aware of before you head to the store to stock up. Certain types of chocolate are better for your health than others. Dark chocolate is by far the best, as it contains less sugar and fat and more cocoa. Dark chocolate is also generally more satisfying; just a couple of squares will usually settle a chocolate craving. Milk chocolate tends to contain high amounts of added sugar and fat, which unfortunately are likely to cancel out most of the health benefits eating it might give you. White chocolate is even worse, as it does not contain cocoa, only cocoa butter.

Here are a few tips if you want to eat chocolate and still lose weight.

• Try to choose dark chocolate, as you will actually be gaining some health benefits from eating it. If you must have milk or white chocolate, limit yourself to a few squares at a time. Buy the treat size bars so you are not tempted to eat more than you should.

• Savor the chocolate – eat it slowly, let it melt in your mouth and enjoy the texture and taste. The more slowly you eat it, the more satisfied you will be after a small amount.

• If you are experiencing very strong chocolate cravings, take some time to work out what kind of chocolate you are craving- is it milk chocolate, chocolate cake or a certain type of chocolate bar? Then go and have some. If you don’t work out what is you really want then chances are you will eat all the chocolate you can find in an effort to satisfy the craving. Work out what you want exactly, eat a small amount and the craving should disappear.

The real key to eating chocolate for weight loss is to have chocolate as a treat and eat it in moderation. If you try to deprive yourself of everything you like, chances are you will not be able to stick to your diet. If you know you can still have a little chocolate when you want, you will feel much more motivated.