Dark chocolate has the highest concentration of cocoa powder and white chocolate the lowest. Chocolate also contains a variety of other ingredients like sugars, milk powders, and nuts. Cocoa is naturally bitter. To improve the taste of chocolate, processors add plenty of sugar. Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that your body absorbs quickly.
Other chocolate bars that contain caramel, nougat, and marshmallow may have even more sugar. For example, a Snickers bar has 27 grams of sugar. Chocolate bars containing more than 75 percent cacao tend to have less sugar under 10 grams per bar. Research suggests that sugars and other refined carbohydrates are a key component of processed foods that are considered addictive. According to the American Heart Association , women should limit themselves to 25 grams of sugar per day about six teaspoons and men should stay below 36 grams nine teaspoons.
You may be able to reduce your sugar intake by eating chocolate with a high cacao percentage. When your body is hungry, it craves fast carbohydrates like refined sugars. Unfortunately, most processed chocolate is high on the glycemic index, which means that it gives you a quick, but temporary sugar rush.
You can beat your chocolate craving by filling up on something else. Look for foods that are low in sugar and high in protein or whole grains.
These foods will keep you full longer and prevent a sugar crash. As cacao is processed, its caffeine content decreases. Most processed chocolate candy bars have under 10 mg of caffeine. To put that in perspective: The average cup of coffee has about 85 to mg of caffeine.
Some dark chocolates , however, can contain more caffeine than a can of cola which has around 30 mg. The higher the cacao content, the higher the caffeine content. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, making you feel more awake and alert.
The one-two punch of fat and sugar makes chocolate candy particularly appealing. A sugar high might temporarily boost your mood and can also lead to an energy crash. The American Heart Association recommends women limit their daily sugar intake to 6 teaspoons 24 grams of sugar.
For men, the recommended max is 9 teaspoons 36 grams. If you gotta have some chocolate, opt for a variety with a high cocoa content. Bars that have 70 percent cocoa or more typically have less than 10 grams of sugar. Just double-check the nutrition info on the label. Not a fan of dark chocolate? You can still live your best milk chocolate life in moderation. Start by cutting your portions. This will satisfy your craving without maxing out your sugar intake for the day. Sometimes a couple of bites is all it takes.
Your chocolate craving might not have anything to do with chocolate itself — you might just be hungry. Simple carbs can give you a quick energy boost. The downside is that foods with lots of refined sugar like chocolate rank high on the glycemic index.
That means they spike your insulin levels. A lot of chocolate products contain beaucoup caffeine. Instead, switch to a snack that provides longer-lasting energy, such as apple slices with some peanut butter.
You can also check out my blog on energy-rich foods for more ideas! If you want to satisfy a chocolate craving, try having a few squares of good quality dark chocolate.
Otherwise, there are a number of healthier ways to get your magnesium fill. Snack on a couple of almonds, add some avocado to your lunch or pack some leafy greens into a filling green smoothie. Some research has suggested that craving chocolate when you have PMS could be due to the antioxidant anandamide. Rather than overdoing it on chocolate full of refined sugars, you can try satisfying that craving by eating a few squares of dark chocolate. You can also try making the switch to cacao — it is a healthier alternative and it contains many of the same mood-boosting chemicals too.
Sometimes chocolate cravings can hit you on a tough day. Before you know it, you might have eaten half a block! Emotions can impact the way we eat , so rather than reaching for chocolate, try finding a way to distract yourself. While it is often the last thing you feel like doing when you are stressed, exercise can make a big difference.
Not only is it a distraction, but exercise can also help lift your endorphin levels and improve your mood. Even taking a short walk can help shift your perspective, clear your head and leave you feeling energised again. When you nourish your body with foods that help provide it with energy, you should notice you begin to have less cravings for chocolate.
Ladies, I really hope these suggestions are helpful. Just be mindful of some of the reasons you might be getting cravings, and see if you can identify any patterns. Member Sandy Matassa likes to blend a frozen banana, cocoa, and skim milk for a frothy, chocolatey treat. There are currently 60 snack options on the Cooking Light Diet that hit your chocolate cravings. You can plan for simple suggestions like chocolate milk and chocolate dipped apples or make your own Cheesecake Sandwiches and Crunchy-Chewy Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies to pack as snacks every day.
Sometimes planning something chocolatey ahead of time as a snack can make all the difference. With the Cooking Light Diet, you can plan ahead so when the sugar craving hits, you can always be prepared. By Arielle Weg February 28, Pin FB More. Struggling to cook healthy? We'll help you prep.
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