Not eating chocolate because you are on a diet does not make much sense, since ‘real’ chocolate in moderate consumption does not make you fat. You may be surprised by this statement and even ask yourself, how is it possible? The key is knowing how to choose, because let’s not fool ourselves, not everything is worth it, but we are not going to settle for anything either. And, here, we accept the gray ones. And it is that it is so important to eat a complete and balanced diet, as well as that the diet satisfies us, that it is pleasant and, above all, that it keeps us 100% motivated. Let’s seek a balance: Health and well-being.
We already know the benefits associated with moderate chocolate consumption
- Chocolate is a natural antidepressant. Within a well-planned diet, chocolate consumption is related to a greater sense of well-being and motivation to achieve your goal. Cocoa contains tryptophan, an amino acid vital for the production of serotonin, substances that generate a feeling of well-being and happiness. Chocolate is also a mine of valuable nutrients. Cocoa, as its main ingredient, heads the list of foods with the highest antioxidant content, due to its high content of flavonoids (antioxidants and cardioprotectors), which increase defenses and prevent oxidation of the body.
- There are studies that show that moderate consumption of pure chocolate (never excessive) helps us increase HDL cholesterol (‘good’) and lowers blood pressure, taking care of the health of our heart.
- EYE! These benefits cannot be extrapolated to all types of chocolate. Let’s not fool ourselves, what is usually sold as chocolate is really more sugar than cocoa and this option is not worth it!
If you don’t want to give up chocolate, take note and enjoy your FIT life:
- If you like bar chocolate, choose 85% pure cocoa. It will contain sugar, but with such a high percentage of cocoa, the amount is small, always assuming a moderate consumption (1 or 2 ounces). To choose well, look at its labeling, sugar should never be the first on its list of ingredients. Try first with 65-70% cocoa until you accept 85% pure cocoa.
- If you like soluble cocoa, include pure cocoa (with a single CACAO ingredient) on your shopping list. In almost all supermarkets you have it, look at its list of ingredients. Try first mixing with the sugar, and little by little, increase the percentage of pure cocoa until you manage to adapt to the flavor of real cocoa. A pot of pure cocoa at home will give a lot of play to your recipes and desserts.
- Pure vice! I advise you to try the PROTEIN CRUNCH. Balls covered in sugar-free dark chocolate. In your bowl of fresh smoothie cheese and fruit, it will give them an irresistible touch!
Recipes with chocolate
Try these FIT recipes and tell us what you think!
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Chocolate nustard:
Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, 1 frozen banana, 30 grams of walnuts, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and sweetener (the less the better “to taste”).
Recipe: Let the nuts soak in water for 30 seconds. Now, we mix all the ingredients in a food processor (all smoothie) and, finally, let cool and serve.
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Chocolate syrup
Add it to your yogurt or FIT oatmeal pancakes. You only need a saucepan with a little hot water and add cocoa and water until the texture we need. You can add a few drops of sweetener or mix it with a teaspoon of peanut butter.
Remember that it is not an essential food, but we love it! Include it in moderation, within an active life and a well-regulated diet there will be no goal that resists you.