If you are a chocolate lover but desire to lose weight, there are ways to keep those calories of ruining your diet. Eat the right kind of chocolate, eat correct portion sizes, and of course eat a balanced diet. Try these suggestions on for size to lose weight while not neglecting your sweet tooth.
How to choose the right chocolate:
1) Enjoy some dark chocolate - Dark chocolate is great for your heart and overall health. The antioxidants and plant flavonoids help improve the function of blood vessels and can prevent clogged arteries. If you want something sweet, choose dark chocolate.
2) Have a cup of Cocoa - Cocoa is the ingredient that makes dark chocolate so healthy. Enjoying a cup of unsweetened cocoa in your favorite milk is another great way to get that chocolate taste you crave without much calories or fat.
3) Indulge in some calorie free chocolate-flavored products - Chew on some sugar free hard candies that are chocolate flavored. This small indulgence will help you not feel deprived and prevent you from wrecking your diet.
4) Stay away from milk chocolate and white chocolate - White chocolate has no cocoa solids, and milk chocolate has much lass than the darker version. Dark chocolate has more nutrition. You might be a chocolate lover, but remember the darker chocolate is the best chocolate you can eat.
Portion Control
1) Always plan ahead - Don't enjoy your treats more than once a day. If you desire some brownies after dinner, then pass on ice cream at the office. If you have had a chocolate croissant at breakfast, then eat fruit for dessert.
2) Don't eat in a rush - Enjoy your food by savoring every bite and sitting down. You will notice when you are full a lot easier by eating slower.
3) Share your desserts - Restaurants serve big portions. When you order dessert ask for two spoons to share with whomever you are eating dinner with. Everyone wins with this scenario.
4) Buy individual truffles - A lot of candy shops, bakeries, and grocery stores sell individual pieces of candy. Just one cookie if you are tempted to buy a whole box.
Most Important: Eat a Balanced Diet
1) Count your calories - One three-and-a-half chocolate bar that is an ounce contains 480 calories. You eat a couple of those and the calories will pile up quickly. Dark chocolate is healthy, but it also has quite a bit of calories in it, so eat it sparingly.
2) Eat dark chocolate instead of other sweets - One easy plan is to eat chocolate instead of less nutritious desserts and snacks. A couple Hershey's Kisses is a whole lot less calories than a bag of chips. Eating a little chocolate treat as part of your daily routine, you will be motivated to continue eating complex carbs, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables to keep a balanced diet.
3) Exercise, exercise, exercise - Combine your healthy eating with regular exercise. Regular aerobics is one of the best ways to safely lose weight. Go on a hike or ride your bike. Look for different opportunities to stay active.
As long as you choose dark chocolate, your sweet treats can actually be good for your health. Remember moderation and enjoy some chocolate every day without gaining any extra weight. Chocolate lovers unite to the chocolate aisle and get a healthy sweet treat.
Matthew Beavers has the information you need about diet and weight loss. Head over to http://fitnessandnutritionsolutions.com/loveyourbody and grab your free 7 day eCourse, "Love Your Body Love Your Life."