Fat loss doesn’t have to mean deprivation and crankiness! And to me, life without chocolate would be pure torture. Thankfully, you can nourish your body with chocolate and lose fat at the same time.

The Top 3 Benefits of Cacao:

Three great reasons to nibble on chocolate:

1. Raw cacao is the most antioxidant-rich food in the world. Its flavonoids prevent free radical damage and prevent premature ageing.
2. Cacao increases blood flow to the brain which has been shown to improve brain function and memory. Woohoo! I don’t know about you, but this is key for me. I have the memory of a goldfish.
3. Cacao stimulates the productions of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your brain that are known to elevate your mood. Dark chocolate for the win!

Cacao is a Superfood, Cocoa is Not!

The Latin name for the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, translates to “food of the gods.”  A few letter swaps though, make a world of difference, though.

Raw cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans.

Cocoa powder, on the other hand, is created by roasting beans which improves the taste but decreases the nutritional value.  It’s not terrible. Just maybe not a super-food.

Choose Wisely and Moderately

If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s too good to be true. Regular chocolate can be full of sugar and pack a ton of calories.

If you want to lose weight while eating chocolate, you must choose the right kind of chocolate and you need to think in moderation.  Choose organic, dark chocolate with a 70% or higher cocoa content and be sure to check the ingredients for added sugar.