Don’t wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty. ~Lora Brody
In order to break through the barriers of all of our burdensome food rules, we really have to start fresh—with a beginner’s mind as the Zen Buddhists might say. And what better place to begin than with chocolate? Poor chocolate. This delectably sensuous treat has become the victim of so much controversy. First it’s touted as the best super food on the planet: antioxidant-rich, serotonin boosting, better-than-sex chocolate. “Yes, I’ll have some of that!”
But then, “Oh no, don’t believe a word of this: chocolate has caffeine. There are insect parts hiding in each and every bar.”
What’s a body to do with all this conflicting information? Me? I’m a rebel at heart. I’ve studied with enough experts to know that a group of scientists can make a case for or against anything. I’m choosing to stay with those promoting the health benefits of chocolate.
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? But how many of us really honor our bodies with adequate fuel to start the day with vitality? Guess what? A breakfast bar is not a “meal.” If you find yourself ravenous when you get home from work or falling asleep at your desk around 3:00 p.m., you may want to re-think your meal plan.
Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz, a clinical professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, found that sedentary, obese women on a “big breakfast diet” lost almost five times as much weight as did women following a traditional, restrictive low-carbohydrate diet.
This was a very interesting and informative study, but my ears really perked up when I saw a piece of chocolate on the breakfast menu. Here’s the science behind that little gem. If you have a small piece of chocolate in the morning when your serotonin levels (feel-good hormones) are high, the brain won’t feel the same serotonin boost. It’s a win-win situation! You’ve allowed yourself the dignity of a treat. It’s part of a meal, rather than a binge-eating episode. (Have you ever eaten an entire box of Girl Scout Cookies in the midst of an afternoon slump?) And, you’re working with your body, not against it.
Now doesn’t that sound like fun?
Fantastic Sue Ann! That’s good to know. And I like the tip to eat just a small piece of chocolate with breakfast (I could be inclined to overdo it!). And having been a lawyer in a former life, it’s true that a case can be made for or against anything. Look hard enough and you can find or commission a study to validate just about any position.
Oh so true, Laurie. All the more reason to cultivate and honor body wisdom. . .
Thank you, have just finished my twix and morning coffee. Feel Great !!!