6 Ways to enjoy healthier chocolate treats and still meet your weight-loss goals
- 2 Minutes Read
Who doesn't want to include more chocolate treats in their diet, and if it is healthier-big win, right? Yes, chocolate has antioxidants and nutrients like magnesium, but most importantly, it's delicious! There are many ways you can incorporate healthier chocolate treats without excess calories and sugar.
Try one of these 6 dietitian-recommended ways to enjoy healthier chocolate treats
Yes, chocolate can be good for you if you focus on better varieties: dark chocolate, cacao nibs, or cocoa powder instead of sugary milk chocolate, chocolate baked goods, and mocha drinks. We have you covered with ideas and recipes to get the most out of this delicious treat.
1. Bake with cocoa powder
Add cocoa powder to your favorite pancake, waffle, or muffin recipe. You typically can add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder as a substitute for the same amount of flour.
Unless a recipe specifically calls for Dutch-processed cocoa powder, stick with natural cocoa powder (bonus: higher antioxidant content). Dutch cocoa powder is milder, but it's alkaline nature could affect the results of your baking.
Recipe to try: Vegan Chocolate Muffins MyNetDiary Premium Recipe
2. Incorporate cacao nibs
Cacao nibs are as close as you can get to the chocolate source-they are simply roasted, dried, and crushed cacao beans. Cacao nibs are bitter, but they pack a robust chocolate flavor without added sugar. Try adding antioxidant-packed nibs to trail mix, oatmeal, or granola. They make a healthier substitute for chocolate chips in baking treats.
Recipe to try: Cocoa-Nut Energy Bites from Bon Appetit
3. Make a chocolate dip
Nothing turns fruit into decadence more than chocolate for dipping. Share our healthier chocolate fondue with someone special, or try a chocolate yogurt dip for an everyday snack. Both pair well with sliced bananas, strawberries, or cherries.
Recipes to try:
Dark Chocolate Fondue MyNetDiary Premium Recipe
Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip with Cinnamon and Spice from Stonyfield Farms
4. Mix up a mocha
Love the flavor of mocha but not all the calories and sugar? After all, a 270 calorie tall Starbucks Mocha takes a big chunk out of your calorie budget. Treat yourself to some healthier chocolate and coffee alternatives to the highly caloric and expensive coffee shop versions.
- Try adding a bit of dark or cocoa powder to your own morning joe. To help dissolve cocoa powder into coffee, first, make a paste with the cocoa powder and a small amount of coffee in your mug. Pour in the rest of the coffee, stir and enjoy.
- Pour hot coffee over a square of at least 60% dark chocolate in the bottom of your coffee mug, stir, and enjoy! A square of Lindt 70% dark chocolate adds a mere 30 calories.
- You can also add one to two tablespoons of cocoa to your coffee grounds and brew as usual. The result is a deep, richly flavored coffee with healthier antioxidant benefits of chocolate and minimal calories.
Recipe to try: Peppermint Mocha MyNetDiary Premium Recipe
5. Pair with fruit
The sweetness of chocolate provides a perfect balance to the tartness of many fruits. Serve a few dark chocolate chips or a dark chocolate square with dried cherries, dates, or figs for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Stuff a fresh raspberry or pitted cherry with a chocolate chip for the perfect flavor and texture combination.
Create a "chocolate board"-a sweet alternative to a cheese board, if you're feeling fancy! Arrange several varieties of dark chocolate, fresh and dried fruits, and nuts on a serving platter for a treat your guests won't forget!
6. Enjoy mindfully
No matter what form of chocolate you choose to enjoy as healthier treats, employ mindful eating strategies. Enjoy the taste, texture, and aroma with no guilt, leading to greater satisfaction. This approach may indeed be the healthiest way to enjoy chocolate!
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Foods & Recipes->Chocolate
Jan 26, 2022
