Tag Archives: chocolate

Nutritionists “Heart” Dark Chocolate

Joy Bauer is a registered dietitian and the nutrition expert for the Today Show. She’s also the best-selling author behind several health books including Your Inner Skinny. You can visit her at JoyBauer.com, or follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

Few nutrition research findings have brought me more pleasure than the discovery that chocolate can actually be good for you! We now have a large body of research showing that dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, reduce clotting, and benefit overall heart health. But before you dive head-first into the nearest heart-shaped box of candy this Valentine’s Day, here’s what you need to know about choosing chocolates with the most health power.

Chocolate owes its health benefits to a category of antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids and other beneficial phytochemicals are found in cocoa solids, and dark chocolate contains a higher proportion of cocoa solids than milk chocolate, making it the more heart-healthy choice.  That’s because milk chocolate contains more added milk and sugar, which dilutes the cocoa content. White chocolate contains no cocoa solids, only cocoa butter, which means it’s not officially chocolate and doesn’t deliver any health-promoting flavonoids. (more…)

Posted on February 8, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Indulge in the Health Benefits of Hot Chocolate

This time of year, it’s cold outside and when we get home we want nothing more than the comfort of a warm drink. One popular choice is hot chocolate, but those who are looking for weight loss you may avoid it, feeling as if it’s a poor diet choice. After all, a drink made with chocolate must not be a part of a healthy diet, right? Not necessarily.

Research completed in 2003 at Cornell University showed that hot chocolate contains more antioxidants per cup than red wine or tea and offers an even tastier way to get those high levels of antioxidants into your diet. Research has proven that antioxidants can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration. In order to obtain the same amount of antioxidants that you will find in a cup of hot chocolate, you would have to drink two to three cups of green tea, or two glasses of wine. Drinking hot chocolate is a healthier choice for you than eating a similar amount of chocolate because of its lower amount of saturated fats. (more…)

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Carmen

Is Inhale-able Chocolate a Cure for Your Sweet Tooth?

Inhaleable ChocolateEver wish you could satisfy your chocolate craving without the calories? Le Whif Chocolate claims you can. This little lipstick-shaped tube contains inhale-able chocolate that you breath in. All you have to do is open the container and breath in.

Each container is good for eight to ten “hits,” or servings, of chocolaty goodness and contains 300 milligrams of real chocolate. You consume 40 to 80 milligrams per breath, or less than one calorie. The makers say the particles don’t enter your lungs, but settle on your tongue so that you can taste them.

Le Whif is available in raspberry chocolate, mint chocolate and milk chocolate flavors. There’s also coffee Whifs available, for anyone who wants to cut down on their caffeine intake.

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Posted on January 7, 2024 by Margaret

10 Worst Foods for Heartburn

Orange, Lemon, LimeMost people know that citrus, alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods can all trigger heartburn. But did you know that fatty foods, like steak or cheese, can also trigger that burning sensation in your chest? Check out this list from WebMD to learn what foods are the most likely triggers. Remember, too much of any food can also lead to acid reflux.

1. Citrus Fruit

Acid is the number one dietary culprit leading to heartburn. Oranges and grapefruits are particularly bad, along with juice made from these fruits, when consumed on an empty stomach.

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Posted on December 29, 2023 by Health Buzz

Ten Bad Foods That are Good for You

Tune in this Wednesday, December 29 to The Doctors to learn about ten seemingly unhealthy foods and behaviors that are actually good for you.

Vices, guilty pleasures, secret indulgences – we all have them. Find out what forbidden food you should eat without shame and which bad behaviors can help improve your life. (more…)

Posted on December 27, 2023 by heather

Healthier Cookies to Leave for Santa Claus This Year

While most of the United States is painfully aware that 25% of Americans are obese, the one person who might not be privy is jolly old Saint Nick.

That’s right: on Christmas Eve, as those who celebrate the holiday tuck their families into bed,  most leave cookies out for Santa Claus without thinking about the calories, fat and sugar that Santa has to consume in one night.

So, we’re here for Mr. Claus. We’ve pulled together our favorite recipes to get you through the last days of cookie season.

Chocolate Cookies: Every chocolate lover will agree that there is nothing better than a warm cookie right out of the oven. Whether it’s chocolate chips dotting your favorite biscotti or hints of chocolate in a traditional gingerbread cookie, there are plenty of ways to incorporate chocolate into holiday cookies.

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Posted on December 24, 2023 by Maris

Order Your Healthy Snacks Online

You can buy just about anything online these days – even your favorite snacks, granola and cereals. With the click click click of a mouse, I’ve recently come across a few websites that allow you to customize your own snacks, granola and breakfast cereal.

When you customize your snacks online, you’re getting exactly when you want, made fresh to order when you want it, and most offer up nutrition information so you know exactly what you’re eating before you even order.

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Posted on December 14, 2023 by Maris

The Benefits of Chocolate for the Body, Mind and Soul

As we head towards the holidays (or as I like to call it, sweets season) there is temptation everywhere for overindulgence. Before you dive headfirst into the Skittles and Twizzlers, consider chocolate as an occasional treat. Ghirardelli has traced chocolate back more than 4,000 years to the culture of the Mayas in Central and South America.

It was introduced to Europe in the 1500s but reinvented by European chocolatiers as a sweet confection. In the 1800s, it was re-introduced to Americans and remains a favorite snack and dessert. Though chocolate is usually high in fat and calories it does have some healthful benefits for your mind, body and as some might contend, your soul. (more…)

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Maris

Why Marathon Runners Eat High Calorie and Sugary Snacks

Marathons and endurance races have become extremely popular in recent years. Most races are hosted by certain charities or other local or community organizations. These races push the body to the limit, with proper hydration and nourishment being vital to preventing the body from cramping or shutting down.

During these long races the body burns through nutrients rapidly and depletes every single energy store, making it crucial to replenish and provide the body with “quick burning carbohydrates,” such as any soft sugary candy (licorice or gummy bears), chocolate, beer, fruit drinks, or any other form of high-calorie foods (pretty much anything that you are normally supposed to avoid). Likewise, cold beer and pizza is often awaiting runners at the finish line as a refreshing and filling source of carbs. These foods provide the body with quick energy that fuels the body to help prevent cramping. (more…)

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Matt

Build Muscle and Indulge in Chocolate with Muscle Brownies

Lenny and Larry's Triple Chocolate Muscle Brownie

“Eat brownies, get muscles,” is the mantra of Lenny and Larry’s line of decadent chocolate treats.

Lenny & Larry’s is a California-based company intent on becoming the leader in the healthy snack foods market by creating great tasting, high quality, all-natural products with added health benefits that make you happy when you eat them.

Recently, they sent DietsInReview.com a sample of their bestselling Muscle Brownies to test.

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Posted on August 12, 2023 by heather

7 Foods That Fire Up Your Passion

John McGran, chief editor at Diet-to-Go, has been covering the fields of diet, fitness and health since 2000. He writes from the perspective of a dieter rather than a dietitian.

I’d much rather eat my way to health and happiness than pop a pill and attain the same results. So when it comes to dieting, I choose to eat my way slim rather than seek out a magic bullet for weight loss.

The same principle applies to perking up passion. Sure, there are plenty of ads for potions or pills that claim to magically transform you into a Casanova. But I’ve discovered that a fine meal with the proper ingredients can spark love and romance without the chemicals!

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Posted on July 23, 2023 by GuestBlogger