Trying to lose weight while enjoying chocolate seems to be a conflict of interest, but in fact, chocolate contains nutrients that are good for your body. Depending on the kind of chocolate you consume, you may not be eating as much fat or as many calories as you think. In addition, putting a touch of chocolate on or in some of the foods you eat when dieting may encourage you to stick to it without feeling deprived. You may be surprised to know that chocolate may even help you lose those last few stubborn pounds.
Step 1
Eat breakfast and include healthy kinds of chocolate. Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to whole grain pancake or muffin mix for a fiber-rich, complex-carbohydrate start. Chocolate contains flavonoids, naturally occurring plant ingredients which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can help your body resist damage from dangerous chemicals such as cigarette smoke. In addition, eating breakfast, according to the Mayo Clinic, is one of the best ways to lose weight and avoid eating foods you'd rather avoid. Eating breakfast will give your body a head start on the day and provide the energy it needs to be energetic and productive in the first few hours of the morning.
Step 2
Have a nutrient-rich lunch, followed by a low-fat chocolate dessert. Make your diet an opportunity to try new foods or old foods made healthier. Low-fat chocolate ice cream, pudding or chocolate chip cookies can be found in nearly every grocery store and make great choices for a chocolate-rich dessert. Portion your dessert and bring only a single serving with you for your meal, so you are less tempted to overindulge. If you have access to a blender, add some cocoa powder to either vanilla low-fat yogurt or frozen yogurt, with a dash of low-fat milk, and blend till smooth. The additional fluids in this healthy chocolate shake will also keep you fuller longer.
Step 3
Fill your house and office with healthy chocolate snacks in portioned containers. If you are particularly inclined to eat a bit too much, only bring one or two snacks to work each day. Snacking between meals helps curb your appetite, and the fat that is found naturally in chocolate also controls hunger and slows digestion. By snacking between meals, you will be less likely to eat too much at dinner or before bedtime and you will lose weight faster.
Step 4
Have a healthy, low-fat chocolate dessert as an after-dinner reward for a successful day of eating good foods. If you are struggling with relatives who don't need or don't want to eat "diet food," entice them with a homemade low-fat chocolate dessert. Don't tell them about the healthy part though and wait for their reaction when they realize just how delicious and nutritious chocolate can be.
Step 5
Add chocolate-flavored creamer or cocoa powder to your coffee, with some artificial sweetener. You'll be able to enjoy your favorite beverage and feel like you are indulging at the same time. Of course, the coffee will also help fill your stomach and make you feel less hungry.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're concerned about cholesterol, you'll be happy to know that the Cleveland Clinic revealed that chocolate has a neutral effect on cholesterol levels when consumed in moderate amounts.
- Check with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet.
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