The Chocolate Diet, developed in 2001 by Sally Ann Voak and presented in her book by the same name, has the ring of a fad diet, but is actually a balanced, reasonable weight loss program that works as long as you follow the plan, according to "Diets Exposed: Analysis of Popular Fad Diets." After the first week, chocolate is permitted at least twice per week. Indulging in dark chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth and provide multiple health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, lowing cholesterol and decreasing your risk of heart disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any weight loss program, including the Chocolate Diet.
Guidelines
Quizzes in "The Chocolate Diet" book determine which level of chocoholic you are. Your diet guidelines are determined by your chocoholic level. Daily exercise is part of the diet and varies based upon your chocoholic level. The six chocoholic levels, in order from most addicted to least, are: secret bingers, romantics, comfort eaters, weekend indulgers, sugar addicts and premenstrual cravers.
Chocolate Allowance
During the first week of the Chocolate Diet, the withdrawal week, you must abstain from eating chocolate, regardless of your chocoholic level. Chocolate is added to all chocoholics' menus during the second week in the form of a chocolate allowance, which equals the number of calories allowed in the form of chocolate. Chocolate allowances vary from 50 calories to 200 calories, which can be used daily, to chocolate allowances of 300 calories, which can only be used two or three times per week.
Weight Loss
According to "The Chocolate Diet," you can expect to lose approximately 2 lb. per week, provided you stick to the diet. This rate of weight loss is regarded by the "Handbook of Obesity Treatment" as safe and reasonable. Weight loss occurs on the Chocolate Diet due to calorie restriction. Women on the Chocolate Diet are allotted 1,200 calories per day; men are allotted 1,500 calories per day.
Considerations
Although chocolate is included frequently on the Chocolate Diet menus, the portions are small and reasonable: two Hershey's Kisses if your chocolate allowance is only 50 calories per day, or two fun-size Milky Way bars, weighing .63 oz. each, if you have a daily 150-calorie chocolate allowance. Instead of fearing chocolate, this diet teaches you to incorporate it into your diet in moderation. Developing the ability to enjoy all foods in moderation is key to successful weight maintenance and good health.
References
- "Diets Exposed: Analysis of Popular Fad Diets"; Kristina Benson; 2007
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
- "The Chocolate Diet"; Sally Ann Voak; 2001
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw, et al.; 2007
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