My kids LOVE chocolate and I’ll be honest they got it from me. I have a WICKED sweet tooth! The STRONG GIRLS’ LIFESTYLE is not just about reaching your potential. It’s about being able to enjoy life, including being able to enjoy Chocolate on a fat-loss diet.
DARK CHOCOLATE IS GOOD FOR YOU. According to an article written in Web MD, studies show that Dark Chocolate is an antioxidant and when eaten in moderation, helps lower cholesterol. The milk in white or milk chocolate tends to inhibit the absorption of chocolate’s antioxidants which is why Dark Chocolate is a healthier alternative.
MORE BENEFITS OF EATING DARK CHOCOLATE
- Nutritious – it contains Fibre, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Selenium.
- Improves blood flow to major organs including the skin, studies show that this actually helps reduce sun sensitivities.
- Improves blood flow to the brain for increased brain function
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces the chance for heart disease
Now this doesn’t mean that it’s okay to gorge on dark chocolate, since it is a little high in calories it’s always better to turn to fruits and vegetables as your carbohydrate source. However, when the Chocolate craving kicks in, choose Dark Chocolate as the healthier alternative.
You may find the taste a little bitter. It’s like getting used to drinking black coffee and may take some getting used to. But the benefits far outweigh eating milk/white chocolate.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR DARK CHOCOLATE
The higher the concentration of pure cocoa, the better. The better the quality the better the taste. Look for at least 70%-99% cocoa and organic is an even better option. There are lots of good quality brands of dark chocolate bars available, however, I had to hunt down dark chocolate chip options for baking.
Check out CAMINO Organic Dark Chocolate Chips made with 70% Cocoa. They’re also gluten free and allergen free. I found this at Loblaws. You can also check out their website for locations in your area. In Canada Click here for store where you can buy Camino Dark Chocolate Chips:
I also found Equal Exchange Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Chips with 70% Cocoa available (Click here)
TIP: If you can’t find chocolate chips for a recipe, you can also use a peeler to make shavings from dark chocolate bars.
If you liked the STRONG GIRLS’ Recipe for Blueberry Protein Pancakes, try this variation with Dark Chocolate Chips. I personally love them as crepes and add 1/4 cup of water to the batter for a smoother texture and make them in an 8″ non-stick frying pan. My kids LOVE these and have no clue that they’re healthy.
TIP: Make huge batches (with portions big enough to fit in the toaster) and freeze them for the week. Just pop them in the toaster in the morning and you’re good to go!
*Photo Credit: Coach Kim Sadowski Giles
Let me know how you like Strong Girls’ Protein Pancake with Dark Chocolate Chips and comment below if you have any delicious recipes with dark chocolate chips.