Mindfully Indulging in National Chocolate Lover's Month

Did you know that it takes your stomach 10-15 minutes to send a signal to your brain indicating that you are full? When we do not pay attention to our body's cues, we can overeat and end up feeling uneasy. With National Chocolate Lover's Month in full swing (and Valentine’s Day this week!) desserts, chocolate hearts, and sweets are prevalent on most menus and retail experiences. Here are a few tips to indulge in something chocolately this month without overdoing it.

Enjoy Each Bite: Take your time to fully experience the taste, texture, and aroma of the chocolate. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on the present moment as you enjoy each bite. This will help you satisfy your overall cravings as well as limit overeating.

Choose Quality Over Quantity: Choose a dark chocolate with high cocoa content, 75% or more. Did you know? Research has shown that when consumed in moderation, dark chocolate can help reduce inflammation, stress, and increase microbiome diversity due to its antioxidant properties.

Try this: Mix 'n Match Chocolate Bark

Portion Control: Practice mindful portioning by breaking off a small piece of chocolate and savoring it slowly. Pay attention to the sounds, colors, smells, taste, and textures of the food you are eating. Don't forget to listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues too.

Pair with Fruit: Enjoy chocolate with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, oranges or bananas for a balanced and nutritious treat. The sweetness of the fruit complements the richness of the chocolate alongside a boost of some vitamins and minerals.

Try this: Valentine's Day Treats: Dark Chocolate Dipped Fruit

Mindful Eating Environment: Create a peaceful and relaxing environment free from distractions when enjoying your chocolate. Turn off screens, dim the lights, and focus solely on the sensory experience of eating. This can also help increase quality time with your loved ones instead of being distracted by phones.

For all our chocolate lovers, here are a few delicious ways to incorporate something sweet this month without overdoing it:

For Breakfast:

Cocoa Banana Overnight Oats

For Dinner:

Spicy Black Bean Cocoa Soup

As a Snack:

Chocolate Hummus

Chocolate Chia Avocado Pudding

For Dessert:

Celebrate National Chocolate Lover's Month mindfully while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. By incorporating mindful eating practices and nutritious snacks into your celebrations, you can savor the sweetness of the holiday.

Multimedia content and article by Aesha Shukla, Dietetic Intern. Reviewed by FLIK Dietitians.

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