Some people drink too much, others smoke a pack a day, while another group might indulge in too many step classes at the local gym or hours playing the Xbox. I’m a choc addict. I’m not ashamed or embarrassed of the fact. I’ll eat it openly in public and privately before I go to bed. Chocolate is with me when I’m hard at work on an article or assignment, or when it’s cold outside and I’ve forgotten to take lunch from home. Chocolate is around me come Christmas and Easter time. Chocolate is my treat. It’s also my weakness.
I’d like to be able to say that I can stop right this moment. But the truth of the matter is that I would stop but only for a certain period of time. During Lent for example, I was able to go chocolate free for 40 days. Afterwards, I pigged out on chocolate horrendously until the end of the year. During Christmas my chocolate consumption reached a high peak.
Since the beginning of the year I’ve managed to go chocolate free for about 8 out of 14 days – which is darn good for me. Chocolate seems to be on my mind come late evening when I’m staring at my computer screen trying to write a scene of my novel, a query letter or blog post. Generally the cravings start in the late afternoon and evening hours and often I can’t resist.
The good news is that chocolate isn’t all bad especially when you reach for the dark variety with at least 70% cocoa. I like that stuff. I can go without milk chocolate or white chocolate and just eat the dark variety. The only catch is that it has to be quality and from time to time I have to indulge in a few pieces of Chateaux Herbe Sahne or Lindt chocolate balls.
I’m not going to stop eating chocolate. That would be disastrous for my mental health J However, I will make a conscious effort to cut back and ensure that I have a few chocolate free days each week.
The other reason why cutting out chocolate completely would be silly is the health benefits. Chocolate can be enjoyed on a regular basis as long as it’s in moderation – that means that no more than about 100 calories a day should come from chocolate which equates to about two squares.
Here’s why it’s okay to enjoy a bit of dark chocolate from time to time:
*chocolate contains magnesium which is required by the body to maintain good heart health and immunity, as well as proper circulation and protein synthesis
*chocolate puts a smile on your face and has been found to lift your mood from the depths of the sea or when you’re simply feeling a little bit blue
*chocolate can be eaten anywhere and at any time which means that you don’t have to resist temptations at inappropriate times
*chocolate has been found to lower blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers
*chocolate contains protein, fat, vitamin E, iron, calcium, antioxidants and fats which are all an essential part of a well-balanced diet
Recent studies have even found that having some chocolate milk after a long run is much better for you than a sports drink. You’ll help your muscles recover quicker and enjoy a tasty post-workout snack at the same time.
Do you have any healthy (or unhealthy) weaknesses? What are they & how do you control them?
