Depending on whom you ask, chocolate can be sinful or heavenly. Either way, many people find it irresistible and feel they can't live without it regularly. When you're dieting, chocolate is often one of the first things to go -- but it does not have to. Cravings will come and go, yet there are healthy ways to incorporate chocolate into your diet and still lose weight.
Dark Chocolate
Trade milk chocolate for dark chocolate. Chocolate is made from cocoa powder, which contains flavonols, and they have antioxidant properties. The Mayo Clinic affirms that dark chocolate contains more flavonols than milk chocolate. Nutritionally, dark chocolate is better balanced than milk chocolate. For example, nine Hershey's milk chocolate kisses contain 200 calories, 23 g of sugar and 2 percent of the daily recommended value of iron. Nine Hershey's dark chocolate kisses contain 180 calories, 21 g of sugar and 10 percent of the daily recommended value of iron.
Chocolate Milk
Appease your cravings with chocolate milk made with skim milk, which contains fewer calories and less fat than a chocolate bar or chocolate candy. In addition, skim milk provides a significant source of protein and vitamin D. Making chocolate milk at home with fat-free chocolate syrup and skim milk vs. buying packaged chocolate milk can save you some calories as well.
Chocolate With Your Workout
Curb your craving during your workouts by having a chocolate-flavored sports drink, such as Muscle Milk. The recommended serving size for the chocolate-flavored light Muscle Milk is 8.5 oz. This amount contains 160 calories, 5 g of fat and 20 g of protein. Of greatest note is the fact that this same serving contains 20 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamins A and C, 35 percent of the daily recommended allowance of calcium, and 25 percent of the daily recommended allowance of iron and biotin.
Chocolate in Moderation
Abstain from eating chocolate too often, but don't deprive yourself. Depriving yourself of a food you crave can ultimately lead to overeating. Enjoy a small bit of chocolate from time to time or on special occasions.
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