Way
back in High School, I served as one of the journalists for our school paper.
Although we might have been a misfit group of students, joining together to
make a paper that honestly not many people read, we still tried to find a
variety of topics and subjects to write about. One particular article I wrote
was how everyday was a holiday. Yes really, every single day
of the year. April 3rd is National Tweed Day, October 17th is National Pasta
Day (something I can strongly get behind), and August 29th is National More
Herbs-Less-Salt Day. See there really is a holiday for every day of the year.
(Check the all out at the link I included at the bottom of this post)
All
of these wacky and crazy holiday leads us to the fact that today, July 7th, is
in fact National CHOCOLATE Day. How could you not celebrate that? Now I know it
probably seems odd that a fitness blogger would be promoting a day that
celebrates this sugary treat, but that is why I wanted to write about it.
Always trying to break the stereotypes and what not (ha!).
You have to understand that chocolate is my very very favorite thing. I
have always loved it and even when I am in my peak of eating clean and
conditioning like crazy, it still acts as a temptation. This is why I decided
to do my research for you and talk about how chocolate can actually have some
health benefits...if it is eaten in moderation and you are particular in what
you buy.
First
of all, chocolate comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes. You have milk, dark,
white, peanut-butter filled, nut-covered, and all of those rolled together.
When it comes to making your chocolate selection it is always important that
you are aware of what you are buying. Trying to lean towards darker chocolates
is always a healthier option, rather than something lighter. 55%-80% is your
typical "better" range and when it comes to the percentage it
tends to be the higher the better. If it does not have the percentage on the
front, there is a good chance that the health benefits are out the window due
to the sugar and other things that have been added. Trust me, I understand that
the higher the percentage the more bitter the chocolate becomes. But a
pro tip I have learned is that if you start with something such as 60% and have
that for a while, soon you will be able to go up in percentage and it
will not seem quite as unsweetened.
Second,
avoid the typical name brands that seem to find themselves right by the cash
register to tempt your little sweets demon. Instead, lean towards brands that
might not be as well known. If you are at your local Health Food store (such as
Sprouts, Whole Foods, EarthFare etc.) the selection of healthier chocolates may
be greater. Trusted brands such as Endangered Species (Find it Here), Pascha (Find it Here), or Chocolove (Find it Here) are some of my go to brands. If you
are not at a store that has as many unique or organic options other healthier
brands include Ghirardelli, Godiva, or Lindt. Some brands to
avoid would be Dark Dove Chocolate, Hershey's Special Dark, Milky Way Dark or
even Dark Chocolate MnM's. Although all of these are tasty and claim to be
better than a regular milk or white chocolate, they still have tons of added
sugars.
Now
that you know the types and brands, the last point I want too make is the
actual health benefits that chocolate has. Many studies have shown that
chocolate can increase your health when eaten in moderation (lets say a couple
of blocks). Observational studies show a drastic
reduction in heart disease risk among those who consume the most chocolate.
Also it can be noted that chocolate contains numerous vitamins and minerals
such as fiber, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It also increases brain function
and can act as a stimulant for overall cognitive ability. (All of
these facts and finds can be referenced through this article.) The main point is, when consumed in
moderation, chocolate can provide powerful health benefits!
All of these facts being said I am not advising you to run to your local store
and purchase large sums of your favorite candy bar. You still have to make good
decisions if you want to continue living that healthy lifestyle. That will
never change. But I am also here to tell you...if you want that little sweet
treat, let yourself indulge! Just think smart while you do it. Alright friends,
I hope I have encouraged you to go out and celebrate this wonderful, wonderful
holiday that is National Chocolate Day!
-ICF
Link to find out what Holiday it is Everyday:
