Two to three squares of dark chocolate, with over 70 percent cacao, is a healthy treat, with about 120 to 180 calories and 8 to 13 g of fat, notes the USDA National Nutrient Database. However, if you are unable to stick to this small serving, consider other ways to get your chocolate fix without too many calories and fat.
Chocolate Cottage Cheese
For a cheesecake-like chocolate treat, try blending 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese, 1 tbsp. of dry unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tbsp. of sugar. Mix until smooth for a creamy, healthy alternative to chocolate. This serving of chocolate cottage cheese contains only 145 calories, 15 g of protein, 17 g of carbohydrates and only 2 g of fat. You can also use artificial sweetener or sugar substitute to lower the calorie content to 95 calories and the carbohydrates to 5 g.
Chocolate Oatmeal
Chocolate oatmeal is another simple alternative to chocolate. Prepare your oatmeal with 1/3 cup dry oat flakes, 2 to 4 tbsp. of skim milk, 1 tbsp. of dry unsweetened cocoa and 1 tbsp. of sugar. Mix and heat in the microwave for about 1 minute and it is ready. This fudgy-like oatmeal has 4.2 g of dietary fiber, 186 calories, 3 g of fats, 34 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of protein, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. You can also replace the sugar with an hypocaloric sweetener to reduce the calories to 136 calories and the carbohydrates to 21 g.
Hot Cocoa
Instead of using processed chocolate syrup for hot cocoa, use good quality cocoa powder and sweeten to taste. Start with 1 cup of skim milk and add 1 tbsp. of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tbsp. of sugar. Mix well and heat in the microwave, about 1 minute. This healthy treat contains 150 calories, 1 g of fat, 26 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of protein, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. If you prefer, use artificial sweetener and your hot cocoa will contain only 100 calories and 14 g of fat.
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