Healthy Chocolate?

[NancysSummerSip]

www.webmd.com/diet/news/20040601/dark-chocolate-day-keeps-doctor-away

Go with the bars that have 70% or higher cocoa content, MU. And yes, the packaging must state that. Don't just believe it when it says "dark chocolate." That terminology has no scientific meaning. When it comes to true dark chocolate, numbers mean everything.

[Deleted]

SNAP! This stuff costs $125 a box!!!!

[NancysSummerSip]

Personal favorite that you should find at Trader Joe's: Lindt 70% and Lindt 85%. You might find the 85% a little too bitter, but I love it. You can melt it in the microwave and dip fruit in it.

Don't buy the 99% - that is almost impossibly bitter. And don't buy their line of bars flavored with orange, sea salt, etc. Those are dark chocolate, but not at the 70% level.

[NancysSummerSip]

SNAP! This stuff costs $125 a box!!!!

I've tasted it (it was offered at a greenmarket in the neighborhood by some folks who had bought into the franchise, which I understand is the only way you can sell it). I was not impressed. I thought it was grainy and unpleasant. But hey, I only write chocolate reviews and news. And while I will spend good $$$ on the stuff, that's just too much $$$ for even a choco-whacko like me to spend!

[femmefatale]

Mar 8, 2012 11:42:13 GMT -5 Muscleup said:

Is there such a thing? I know dark chocolate is better for you but are there any others?
Just checking so I can satisfy my chocolate craving. I haven't had any chocolate in almost 2 weeks.

No chocolate in 2 weeks. You have willpower, my man! ;D

Seriously, I have heard that small portions of dark chocolate is good for you.

[NancysSummerSip]

I have heard that small portions of dark chocolate is good for you.

It is. The flavonoids (similar to those found in red wine) are beneficial to the brain and heart:

my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/chocolate.aspx

The key is in quality and quantity. The mass-produced crap is off the table, literally. You cannot shove Hersey bars down your gullet and expect to reap any benefits. That's more sugar than cocoa, and offers almost no benefit. And forget a bar a day. It's more like around two ounces or less.

If you live in a decent-size metropolitan area, there are many different single-origin artisan bars you can try. I've reviewed quite a few, and if you cannot find them locally, they can be ordered online.

achocolatelife.wordpress.com/

[femmefatale]

Mar 8, 2012 12:29:38 GMT -5 Muscleup said:

2 OUNCES?

LOL! IKR? Like, I need a full bag!

[weltschmerz]

Look for chocolate with "Fair trade" on the label. It doesn't use kidnapped children as slave labour.

[NancysSummerSip]

The issue I have with those flavored Lindt bars is that they are dark but not at the 70% level. Is that bad? Nah, they are still better than any other processed bars out there. But I also admit to being something of a ridiculous purist when it comes to chocolate. When I try a new bar, I go with a "naked" bar first; that is, a bar with nothing added. No nuts, fruits, coffee nibs.

And while I am all for fair trade, I'd avoid organic chocolate. I've tried my share of those, and none of them make the taste grade. They all have a metallic, "off" taste. I applaud the companies who are trying to go organic, but so far, it's not working.

In the end, you have to eat what you like. And believe it or not, the higher the quality, the smaller amount you need to be satisfied. That's why it takes so many damned Hershey kisses to feel like you've had enough. There's not much chocolate in them.

[kittensaver]

According to the medical studies I've read it's the cacao that is so healthy and chocked full of antioxidants. So try to get as much cacao (at least 70%) and as little sugar as possible. Have you thought about adding raw cacao powder to your protein shakes? Mmmmmmmmm . . . . .

[Opti]

Nancy, Have you had Alter Eco? I really liked it but it was heavy perhaps because it had no soy lecthin. Also what do you think of Sweet Riot? Some people say the nibs have more health benefits because less processing and added sugar. Actually saw an article saying the flavanoid content varies alot depending on type and perhaps dutch processed cocoa removed more than other methods?

Alter Eco I think was single origin or at the least single country. Tasted flavanoid rich to me.
King's had great single origin closeout chocolates for awhile too. I do buy Lindt occasionally as they go on sale regularly like Ghiradelli.

[femmefatale]

Mar 8, 2012 19:39:17 GMT -5 Muscleup said:

So I stopped at Trader Joes and got some chocolate. I bought two packages. One is 72% cocoa and the other is 85%.

I tried the 72% and it was great. It tasted a bit closer to dark chocolate than I imagined.
what I did notice is after eating it didn't leave a film in my mouth like Herseys' does. This is the way to eat chocolate.

( I did have a little trouble opening the package but finally managed. )

Musta been Muscleproof. ;D

[Sharon]

What happened with the M&M's? Did they start coming out of the package in even numbers?

[Artemis Windsong]

I get my chocolate intake from light chocolate Silk. 90 calories per 8 ounces. I mix it with a small amount of FF Cool Whip and grapenuts when I need a sundae. I have 1/2 cup choco silk after my work outs. (I know, Cool Whip is chemicals but it's a free food for peeps with stomach bypass, and a great, cheap ice cream substitute for us lactose intolerants.)

My new thing is choco silk with protein powder before bedtime. This is in response to a radio ad that was selling this super protein supplement at bedtime to lose weight. I need to reduce the serving size because the protein powder is 1/2 cup = 130 calories and 1/2 cup silk is 45.

This summer I am freezing the choco silk until almost frozen and shaking it up for my choco shake.

[NancysSummerSip]

That's exactly the point of eating the good stuff, MU. And you can find lots of others if you are near a big city with gourmet grocery stores, or you can order online. My favorite place to order online is Worldwide Chocolate. They carry hundreds of brands and although the shipping is expensive, it is worth it, because every shipment is guaranteed.

[Artemis Windsong]

I can smell chocolate and I ate a bag of Hershey's.

[Artemis Windsong]

I didn't look but I am sure it was. Sugar needs to be completely off any of my food or in limited amount because once I start, it's hard to stop. I used a handful of nuts to get the sugar out of my mouth.

I have a new favorite lunch or snack. Oatmeal, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with light chocolate silk. It tastes like one of those oatmeal no bake cookies. No to little sugar and only the p.b. fat.

[Peace Of Mind]

Mar 14, 2012 16:48:48 GMT -5 @missmargarita said:

Arte, I had to cut out refined sugar altogether... because like you, once I started with something sweet.. it was almost impossible to stop. I lost my craving for it about a week or so later and it's now been over a year, and I've pretty much lost my sweet tooth completely. I don't crave it.. I don't even miss it to be honest with you. But I also don't want to just take a bite or taste of something because I don't want to re-trigger my sweet tooth all over again.

What she is really saying is she now just drinks her dinner and has wine for dessert.

[Artemis Windsong]

Reality check. The alcohol turns to sugar in your body.

I pulled out my two workout bags to get to the chocolate stash. The bag was 10 ounces over 2 feasts. Since chocolate is the food of g*ds, then it's an allowable food group for me.