When I was on this major weight loss plan, I completely refused to look at the one thing in life that made me forget all my woes.
Dark chocolate, in particular might help balance the hormones that facilitate weight control.
Mood for Chocolate, Chocolate for Mood Eating small amounts of chocolate every day does help you relax.
Eating small amounts of chocolate every day does help you relax, according to a study published in the Journal of Proteome Research. Here’s the science - stress triggers weight gain because it causes your cortisol levels to spike, increasing appetite and encouraging you to eat based on emotions rather than physical need - both of which result in overeating.
If you can manage your stress levels, you can better control what you put in your mouth.
Eating dark chocolate increases serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, which helps alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety and boost your mood. Experts believe flavonoids in chocolates reduce insulin resistance.
How Can Chocolate Help You Lose Weight?
With most weight-loss plans you end up cutting back a lot on sweets and sugary foods, but a small amount of dark chocolate each day can help prevent you from reaching for something higher in sugar and lower in nutritional value. As with any good thing, there is a fine print with consuming chocolates.
Keep the following pointer in mind while indulging:
- Dark IS handsome!
Chocolates boosting weight-loss only works if you reach for dark chocolate. Chocolates boosting weight-loss only works if you reach for dark chocolate (i.e., types that are made up of at least 70 percent cacao).
- Check the Cocoa Bean
Pick your bars with care. The singular ingredient that has all the health benefits of chocolate is the cocoa bean.
Choose chocolate that is 70% cocoa or higher, and aim for one that has no milk solids, extra syrups (glucose syrup, sugar) or other un-pronounceable ingredients. Dark chocolate, specifically if it's bittersweet -- if it's that that 60 percent or higher threshold -- is really rich in fibre, and it's filling.
- Moderation
Be stubborn about portion control. You can take advantage of the benefits of chocolate to lose weight. But it won’t happen if you stuff a kilo of Dairy Milk into your face! Too much of anything can lead to weight gain, so be stubborn about portion control! “Buy individually-wrapped dark chocolate pieces, and choose to have one or two as a dessert.” “The trick with chocolate is not to overdo it.I am fine with indulging in may be a couple of small tasting squares of 70 percent cacao or greater every day,” recommends self-confessed .“A little sweet treat on occasion can help keep those cravings in check and allow you to follow your weight-loss or weight-maintenance regimen.” Remembering to always enjoy chocolate in moderation, and choosing the right kind of chocolate, can help you lose weight and yet enjoy one of the best things in life. Not to mention that chocolate is something that never fails to uplift your mood, a diet that allows you to eat chocolate is like having the cake and eating it too!