Have you had a chocolate treat today?
The way most people consume chocolates, especially the female folks, one might begin to wonder…
Is This The Chocolate Challenge?
Well, to whom it may concern; Sugary, chocolate-flavored foods become a problem when they crowd out more nutritious foods — for example, if a chocolate bar replaces fruit in your lunch bag—or when you can’t control your chocolate urge. Much of the chocolate we consume is found in confectionery and baked products that are laden with fat, too. Please, for your information,
White chocolate isn’t chocolate. Even if it contains cocoa butter – the fat extracted from cocoa beans, it has no chocolate liquor (dark brown paste), made by processing cocoa beans. Usually white chocolate is sugar, cocoa butter, milk, solids, lecithin, and vanilla.
Melt Away These Myths about Chocolate
Myth 1: Chocolate causes acne. That misconception has captured the attention of teenagers and the female population for years. However, hormonal changes during adolescence are the usual causes of acne, not chocolate. Read more about acne here
Myth 2: Chocolate has a lot of caffeine. While it’s true that chocolate does supply caffeine, the amount is quite small. An 8-ounce carton of chocolate milk contains about 5 milligrams of caffeine, compared with 3 milligrams in 5 ounces of decaffeinated coffee. In contrast, 5 ounces of regular-brew coffee contain 115 milligrams of caffeine.
Myth 3: Some people are “chocoholics.” Not true— although some people do have a stronger preference for chocolate than others, perhaps because of its taste, aroma, and texture. While popping chocolate candies may become a high-calorie habit with a pleasurable sensation, eating chocolate itself can’t become truly addictive. Research is exploring any potential role of chocolate to brain neurotransmitters that regulate serotonin and dopamine, often referred to as “feel good” hormones. This goes further to explain a chocolate treat as an aphrodisiac – a food, drink, or other thing that stimulates sexual desire. And it is no wonder it is given a lot during valentine. Well, ladies and gents hold your horses till next year…
Chocolate treats have high fat content and high calories means it should be used in moderation. Consume chocolate in addition to a healthier food — such as a dip for apples, cucumbers etc. — rather than as the main ingredient. Or, simply save chocolate treat for special occasions. For instance, a “Thank God It’s Saturday” hangout with friends or that wedding you’ll have to attend today.
A Chocolate Treat for the “Nigerian Workaholic”
I and my food enthusiastic friends have secretly and carefully outsourced recipes from chocolate lovers far and wide to compile these chocolate treats for you to enjoy in an African Tropicana style aka Naija Style.
Although, we have made little edits to bring you a more nourishing blend with our local food condiments to better enjoy with chocolate, the original recipe still lies within.
How to make the following recipes
For each of these delicious solid/smoothie recipes, add 1/2 to 1 medium serving of Chocolate and ice to taste (add more ice for a thicker smoothie) to the ingredients listed. Mix in blender until creamy (pulverized).
Note: Chocolate should be portioned according to energy need and/or health condition. Shake the mixture briskly for a uniform mix before consumption.
1. Chocoflake Banana Porridge/Smoothie
- 3 tsp. chocolate tiny cuts (maybe grated)
- 1 cup skim milk/yoghurt
- 1 finger banana
- 2 tsp. peanut butter or peanut as is.
2. Chocolatte Shayo
- 1/2 medium bar chocolate
- 2 fresh pineapple rings
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp. of any preferred gin (included according to choice, but a little to moderate alcohol is healthy)
3. Chocolately Gingered
- 1/2 medium bar chocolate
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 cup skim milk
4. Chocofruity Paradise
- 1 medium bar chocolate
- 1/2 finger banana (cut into bits)
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple small cuts or as juice
- 1 medium sliced water melon
- 1 mango (cut into bits)
- 1 apple (cut into bits)
- 1/2 cup water
5. Chococo Sweetie
- 1/2 medium bar chocolate
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1/2 cup light coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water (if necessary, to thin out)
The 1st recipe in this list highlights the power of bananas and yoghurts as a super-food duo, to maximize the absorption of muscle-repairing glucose and amino acids. After intense exercise or daily physical activity, this combo speeds up muscle recovery while strengthening muscle cells.
The 4th recipe meets the WHO standard on fruit consumption of an average person, whether child, adolescent or adult. Also, dark chocolate and apple is a super-food duo, apples which are rich in quercetin – an anti-inflammatory vital for the heart’s health. While, chocolates contains powerful antioxidants called flavonoids. This pair fights blood clots, improves circulation and reduces your chances of heart disease.
You can find facts about chocolate here
Feel free to get creative and make even more chocolate treats to enjoy with friends and folks. Email it to us to get featured on our instagram or simply tag us via @diet234.
A chocolate treat is indeed a gift from God. Keep Calm And Have Some!
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