Results tagged “chocolate” from iVillage - Health beat
A: I was wondering what kind of chocolate is good to eat while in a diet? I read that Dove dark chocolate was okay to take in -- is that true? I lost 11 lbs in just 4 months, but I don't think that's good enough, so I add a 15-minute ab workout plus what I've been doing for the past months.
-- mmm_crystal5
Q: You are right on track with your efforts - and you raise some VERY important questions that most women need help with.
When it comes to chocolate, the best kind when you are watching your weight is anything in a small portion! Seriously, it's calories in and calories out when it comes to losing weight. Chocolate CAN be a smart indulgence, IF you choose a monitored portion. First, only eat chocolate if that's a treat food that you like - the health benefits to dark chocolate come with eating nearly a quarter of a pound every day, so don't think you're choosing a "health food" in your small portion!
Dark chocolate does contain more antioxidants than milk chocolate, but when we're talking about a chocolate "treat", you need to pick what tastes best to you. Dove dark, in individual pieces is a good choice, but there are a number of other varieties that you can select. You might look for pre-packaged serving size of 100 calories, or even less (some are 80 cal). You might also try low calorie hot chocolate (25-50 calories per packet), or a frozen low-calorie item like a Fudgscicle, or similar products made by Weight Watchers, Skinny Cow, and other companies.
Your rate of weight loss is FABULOUS. At about 3 pounds a month, you're more likely to keep it off, than more rapid weight loss. Most people don't realize that a weight loss of about 1/2 a pound a week - 2 pounds a month is considered true success!! Yes, it's more than good enough! Adding some abs work is a plus - and I'm glad you're finding it enjoyable. When it comes to exercise, it you enjoy it, you're more likely to stick with it!
Continued success - you're doing great! Let me know how you are doing!
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Madelyn H. Fernstrom, PhD, CNS, is the iVillage Health Editor-at-Large, Diet & Nutrition Editor for the Today Show and the Founder and Director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Weight Management Center.
Calling all chocolate lovers! A new Swedish study published in the September issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine found that people who have suffered from a heart attack reduced their risk of dying from heart disease about threefold by consuming chocolate compared to those who don't. The apparent heart-healthy ingredient: antioxidants in cocoa, which can lower high blood pressure and improve blood flow. The more chocolate these heart patients ate, the less likely they were to die from heart disease.
So should we all be running to the convenience store for supersized chocolate bars? Not exactly. To find out what this really means for you and me, we asked iVillage contributor and nutrition expert Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D. "When it comes to the health benefits of chocolate, it's important to read beneath the headlines," she explained. "While the special antioxidants present in dark chocolate, called flavanols, can contribute to heart health, the effect is related both to how much chocolate, and what kind, you eat. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants, but studies show you need nearly a quarter of a pound daily to demonstrate a lowering of blood pressure. There are other ways to get flavanols in your diet for a lot less calories, including apples, grapes, and red wine. For now," she says, "enjoy a modest serving of dark chocolate if you enjoy it, and don't add chocolate to your diet as a "health food".
Video: How Healthy is Chocolate?
Be Mindful, Eat Chocolate
Video: I am a Chocoholic
Recipe: Double-Dark Chocolate Souffle
Bookmark Health Beat and follow us on Twitter.
So should we all be running to the convenience store for supersized chocolate bars? Not exactly. To find out what this really means for you and me, we asked iVillage contributor and nutrition expert Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D. "When it comes to the health benefits of chocolate, it's important to read beneath the headlines," she explained. "While the special antioxidants present in dark chocolate, called flavanols, can contribute to heart health, the effect is related both to how much chocolate, and what kind, you eat. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants, but studies show you need nearly a quarter of a pound daily to demonstrate a lowering of blood pressure. There are other ways to get flavanols in your diet for a lot less calories, including apples, grapes, and red wine. For now," she says, "enjoy a modest serving of dark chocolate if you enjoy it, and don't add chocolate to your diet as a "health food".
Video: How Healthy is Chocolate?
Be Mindful, Eat Chocolate
Video: I am a Chocoholic
Recipe: Double-Dark Chocolate Souffle
Bookmark Health Beat and follow us on Twitter.
Continue reading Can Chocolate Prevent Heart Attacks? .
