National Nutrition Month- March 8, 2010

Fun Nutrition Fact #8:

Besides the healthy benefits of dark chocolate, here’s another reason to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate- it’s far more filling and lessens cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods. Research conducted at the University of Copenhagen found that caloric intake of pizza was 15% lower when participants consumed dark chocolate, rather than milk chocolate, 2 1/2 hours prior to the meal. The hunger, satiety level, and cravings for special foods were also recorded and participants stated that dark chocolate made them feel less like eating sweet, salty, or fatty foods.

Happy Nutrition Month!

Keep it Healthy,

Ms. College Foodie

Without a Valentine? No Worries, Eat Dark Chocolate!

photo courtesy of virginmedia.com

Remember in elementary school when it was mandatory to give everyone in the class a Valentine’s day gift? It was great- I would come home with my backpack filled with those cutout “Be My Valentine” cards and boxes of Sweathearts. Now in college- not so much. Unless you have a “significant other” (and I use this term loosely) – Valentine’s day on campus can be lonely. Especially with Valentine’s day formals taking up the weekend social scene and classes being interrupted by musical serenades and the handing out of roses. (Cute if you get one- not so much if you don’t)

But this year who needs a Valentine when you’ve got chocolate- that is Dark Chocolate!

According to a study conducted by Dr. David Lewis at the University of Sussex, dark chocolate has longer lasting “pleasurable” effects than a passionate kiss. Couples in their 20s had their heart and brain monitored when eating dark chocolate and then kissing. Heart rate increased for a longer time when consuming dark chocolate and there was a far more intense and longer lasting boost of excitement to the brain than when kissing. This stimulatory effect of dark chocolate is attributed to its phenylethylamine, which raises the levels of endorphins- the pleasure-giving substances in the brain.

photo courtesy of www.eyehook.com

So for this Valentine’s day, here are my top 4 ways to get “buzzed” from dark chocolate without putting on the weight:

1. Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Kisses: they are only 20 calories each and so delicious! Eat five for a great tasting 100 calorie portion.

2. Hot Chocolate: on this cold Valentine’s day night- snuggle up with a blanket and nice cup of Hot Cocoa while watching a romantic comedy. Use milk instead of water for added Calcium, Vitamin D, and protein benefits.

3. Dark chocolate bars: Grab some Godiva (or any other kind) of dark chocolate bars. Make sure they are at least 72% cacao to get the benefits of polyphenols that dark chocolate contains. Break off a few pieces and sprinkle on top of some chilled blueberries and raspberries. Mango and Pear works great as well. This is a great combination of slightly bitter and sweet.

4. Dark Chocolate Baking bars: heat these bars in the microwave and stir until completely melted. Add in your favorite goodies. Some suggestions include:

Cranberries: for some added Vitamin C

Almonds, Walnuts, or Pistachios: for some added protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids

Then spread over wax paper on top of a baking sheet and let it sit in the fridge a few hours until hard.

Keep it Healthy, and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ms. College Foodie