Benefiting from Chocolate Covered Anything Day
By Brandi Swieter
Chocolate Covered Anything Day arrives in mid-December. Chocolate-covered cherries, strawberries, and marshmallows are some common choices enjoyed on this day. Though chocolate in general isn't touted as a healthy choice, there are some ways to benefit from this day regardless.
Use Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is the healthiest choice out of the chocolate family. Anyone hoping to celebrate Chocolate Covered Anything Day, or enjoy the treat any other time of year, should use dark chocolate over the other options. Choosing a flavor with at least 70 percent or more cocoa is best because it offers a higher antioxidant content.
The darker versions of chocolate are also healthy for the heart. The flavanols used help to relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate also offers copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Try Chocolate Covered Fruit
The best option is to stick with fruit on this day and any other time a chocolate snack is desired. Fruit offers a healthy dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that makes it much more worthwhile to eat than other sugar-filled options with no real nutrition factor. Strawberries and cherries are the common choice but other options exist as well, such as oranges, kiwis, coconut, and raspberries.
Stick to 2 Ounces
Just one or two ounces of chocolate is all that's needed to get the benefits. More than that provides more sugar and fat than what is needed. Just a couple ounces of chocolate melted over some fruit makes a perfectly portioned snack. It's even safe to consume daily as long as this limit is stuck to when eating.
Drink Water
Many people tend to grab the milk jug when they have dessert. Milk seems to pair best with chocolate that has an either bitter or rich taste that lingers in the mouth after it's been consumed. Fat content is higher in milk than most people need. If the dairy limit has already been reached for the day, then a glass of water would be the best option. It will rinse the chocolate down without adding any additional calories to the snack.
Enjoy Chocolate Covered Anything Day guilt-free by trying some healthier solutions. Dark chocolate offers health benefits that makes indulging in the treat worthwhile. Keep portions small and avoid eating additional sweets throughout the day to make the most of the celebration.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in American Fork, Utah.