Dark chocolate may have some health benefits, but one thing it does not do is burn fat or reduce abdominal fat deposits. The best way to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit with a combination of being more physically active and consuming fewer calories.
Belly Fat Myths
Some people believe certain foods such as grapefruit burn fat. But no particular food can burn fat. Foods that temporarily increase your metabolism, such as those that contain caffeine, do not cause weight loss, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. In addition, there is no way to only lose weight from one part of your body, even if you only exercise that area. Doing crunches or sit-ups, for example, builds abdominal muscle, but they don't reduce abdominal fat.
Losing Weight
If you want to lose weight, don't be misled by fad diets or bogus nutrition myths. Instead, eat healthier foods and choose smaller portions to consume fewer calories. In addition, get more physical activity to boost the number of calories you burn. Aim to lose about a pound a week. Losing weight too fast is medically dangerous, so be patient and focus on building good habits.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate might have some health benefits, such as lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. But studies have not conclusively determined whether dark chocolate is good for you, according to the National Institutes of Health. In addition, chocolate has lots of calories, so eating chocolate may cause weight gain. If you decide to incorporate dark chocolate into your diet, eat the darkest chocolate you can and stay away from milk or white chocolate.
Evaluating Weight Loss Claims
If you're not sure whether a weight loss claim is accurate, do your research before you change your behavior. If products or diets claim to cause weight loss without dieting or exercising, promise rapid weight loss or claim you can eat whatever you want, the claims are probably inaccurate. Contact the FTC, ask your doctor or talk to a registered dietitian if you need help separating weight loss facts and fiction.
References
- Weight-Control Information Network; Weight Loss and Nutrition Myths; March 2009
- Federal Trade Commission; Weighing the Evidence in Diet Ads; November 2004
- National Institutes of Health; Claims About Cocoa; August 2011
- NDSU Extension -- Burke County; How Many Sit-ups Does It Take to Reduce Belly Fat? Zero ...; Peggy Anderson; March 2011
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