Chocolate Lovers Rejoice!

So it's been 2 weeks or more since I have indulged in chocolate. We've always been told it's a dieter's pitfall, so stay far far away if you want to drop some pounds. In my journey to get healthier I've banned this delicious even decadent treat for the good of the cause. I miss it so that it almost feels like an addiction . . . Wondering when my willpower will fail me and when I will give in to the Chocolate Gods just like that . . . Sound the trumpets . . . I see an article about chocolate and how there is mounting evidence that it is not so bad for us after all, in fact, it actually has some health benefits! Read excerpts from the article written by Rebecca Pratt and you be the judge. . .

But, whether you’re the giver or receiver, just how sinful is chocolate? The Aztecs and their neighbors, the Mayans, believed chocolate transmitted knowledge and power to those who consumed it. While there’s no evidence to support that idea, there is mounting evidence showing some health benefits to eating it in moderation. Studies have found that dark chocolate helps prevent heart disease and cancer, and has also been shown to improve mood by boosting the brain chemical serotonin. Some even consider chocolate an effective, claiming that a chunk of chocolate before meals diminishes your appetite.

Chocolate contains a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals that the body needs, including potassium, sodium, iron, fluorine and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. In fact, researchers at Harvard University believe chocolate may help people live longer! A study tracking older men found that those who ate chocolate lived almost a year longer than those who didn't.

Researchers believe this has something to do with the fact that chocolate contains flavonoids (compounds that may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer while slowing the aging process) and stearic acid, a heart-friendly fatty acid that doesn’t promote cholesterol increases.

So, this good news has inspired me . . .

photo © 2008 Lindsey T | more info (via: Wylio)

Chocolate . . . Chocolate . . . Chocolate . . .

You've been though of as the bad boy for such a long long time

That when we reached for you most often, we felt like it was a crime

We always seem to want you when problems big or teeny

Make us think the only answer is to shake up a martini!

Chocolate . . . Chocolate . . . Chocolate . . .

What is it that makes us want you sometimes morning, noon and night

And just the anticipation of having you brings us smiles of delight

The moment that luscious square passes slowly over our lips

We know that whatever the issue, we'll be able to come to grips

Chocolate . . . Chocolate . . . Chocolate . . .

I'm so happy that I can share, the good news that is out

That we can indulge in moderation and never ever again freak out!

One research went so far to say chocolate increases our sense of well being

With vitamins and minerals, heck it's almost a form of healing!

So to all the chocolate lovers out there and you know who you are

No more gazing at this delicacy and wishing from afar

Go ahead indulge, but remember dark is better and moderation key

Cause after all it certainly isn't as healthy as cup of green tea

Pairing it with fruits, like bananas, apples and berries

May even cure your desire for that scoop of Ben and Jerry's

And now you have it, chocolate isn't the bad boy that we've been told

Allow yourself this simple pleasure, just don't let it be uncontrolled!