When you think about chocolate, what do you associate it with? There are so many things you can do with chocolate, and its versatility is great for numerous recipes. Break off a piece of a bar for a small sweet treat, drizzle it on top of rice cakes, or throw some pieces into yogurt…there are so many options!
However, chocolate can also be looked at as an indulgence, and people try to stay away from it because of the negative relationship to your body it is said to have. But what if we told you that not everything you’ve heard may be true? We spoke with Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO of NY Nutrition Group and the author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan to bust the negative rumors of chocolate once and for all. Read on, and then check out 8 Chocolate Brands That Use the Lowest Quality Ingredients.
“It may be hard to believe that something that tastes so good is not ‘bad’ for you, but that is absolutely the case when it comes to chocolate,” says Moskovitz.
Moskovitz continues to suggest that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, provides health-supporting nutrients, including stress-fighting antioxidants and the mineral iron.
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Here’s a little glimmer of hope for anyone embarking on their weight loss journey.
According to Moskovitz, you can eat anything and lose weight. It all comes down to how much and how often.
“Enjoying chocolate as a post-dinner dessert or afternoon treat can fit perfectly into a healthy weight loss plan as long as you can still maintain a calorie deficit and it is not replacing other important food groups like fruit, veggies, proteins, and anti-inflammatory fats,” says Moskovitz.
That’s not all, Moskovitz suggests that including foods you love and enjoy is a strategic move to feel satisfied and prevent overeating. So, go ahead and eat a piece of chocolate!
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“Yes, chocolate does contain added sugar that can increase blood sugar, but this creamy candy also has fiber and antioxidants that can protect against diabetes,” says Moskovitz.
If you’re craving some chocolate and are worried about the risk of high blood sugar and diabetes, Moskovitz suggests choosing dark or lower sugar chocolate. Then, balance out the rest of the day with plenty of blood sugar-stabilizing fiber-rich foods, fats, vegetables, and lean protein. This will help to protect your health and “satisfy your soul.”
Have you been blaming your bad skin on chocolate, causing you to stop eating it? Here’s some good news: the correlation between the two is moot.
“There are no studies to date categorically confirming that chocolate causes breakouts,” says Moskovitz. “While a high sugar diet can exacerbate existing acne-prone skin, it is not the root cause of pesky pimples.”
Moskovitz continues to state that breakouts are often caused by a myriad of facts. These include skin type, hormones, age, genetics, environmental factors, and your skin-care routine.
“That said, eating an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich and nutrient-dense diet can absolutely tame skin volatility,” says Moskovitz. “So, if you’re worried about what your face will look like in the morning, bank on a balanced diet—including chocolate.”
Kayla Garritano
Kayla Garritano is a Staff Writer for Eat This, Not That! She graduated from Hofstra University, where she majored in Journalism and double minored in Marketing and Creative Writing. Read more
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