Chocolate, the Ultimate V-Day Token o' Love

I am awful at this blogging thing. It's February 1st and this is only my 3rd post of the year! Yikes! Anyone who knows me knows how much I like to talk, so this should much easier than it has been. Unfortunately, with a full class load, full time clinicals, and other fun assignments on the side, this has been the last thing on my mind. Well, that's gotta change.

Whenever I think of February, I think of Valentine's Day. Love it or leave it, it's a day full of hearts, candy, chocolate...you name it. It is an unwritten rule to eat copious amounts of chocolate on Valentine’s Day. We’ve all guiltily done it, either independently single or happily in a relationship. So who said that giving chocolate is another way to say “I love you?” (Not that I’m complaining!) Exchanging sweet chocolate treats on February 14^th has been a tradition for almost a century and a half, and every year lovesick men and women spend over 1 billion dollars on these delicious confectionaries. We all know that avoiding chocolate on this day is near impossible, but why would you? Research has shown that chocolate can be beneficial to your health.

Cocoa is packed full of flavonoids, which function in the body as antioxidants. These compounds help by reducing toxins that could cause cell damage as well as contribute to a variety of illnesses and diseases. Phenylethylamine, another compound found in chocolate, has been known to elevate your mood. Additionally, chocolate contains magnesium, which helps relax your body, strengthen bones, and helps with blood circulation. And last but not least, this tasty treat is also a natural source of plant phenols, which research has shown to lower mild blood pressure. Talk about a powerful food!

But is all chocolate created equal? Unfortunately, no. Chocolate comes in three varieties: white, milk, and dark. White chocolate is made from a mixture of sugar, cocoa butter, and milk solids, but no cocoa solids. Milk chocolate, (known as sweet chocolate), is known as sweet chocolate and contains milk powder or condensed milk. Dark chocolate contains the most cocoa when compared to the other forms of chocolate. It is produced by adding fat and sugar to the cacao mixture. This type of chocolate contains the most phenols and antioxidants, making it the healthiest choice among the others. Reach for the darkest chocolate you can get your hands on because the darker the chocolate, the healthier it is for you. However, remember that chocolate is still considered a sweet, so don’t go overboard!

To those that love your chocolate but fear your waist line, these healthy chocolate treats are for you. These babies are some of my favorite chocolate all around.They are just enough to satisfy your craving this Valentine’s Day without ruining your nutrition goals.

TCHO Chocolate: These mini bars are the perfect fix for a chocolate craving. With only 44 calories, you can’t go wrong. TCHO has developed a method to help you find the dark chocolate you like, using common sense descriptors like Nutty, Fruity, or Chocolatey. Similar to wine, each type of chocolate has different flavor notes and undertones. “Chocolately” contains the most cacao at 70%.

Chocoveda Dark Chocolate Garden Truffles: These chocolate treats are all natural, dairy-free, and vegan! These organic and sustainable 72% dark chocolate truffles come in flavors like Meyer lemon and rose. And they are even accompanied by seed paper so you can plant your own herbs such as lavender and rosemary. Fresh garden herbs? Yes please!

Compartes Pepitas + Sea Salt Chocolate Bar: Pepitas, also known as pumpkin seeds, are bursting with manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. There is nothing wrong with adding a boost of extra minerals to your chocolate! The sea salt and chewy seeds make this dark chocolate a unique taste experience.

Dove Dark Chocolate Promises: Dove’s dark chocolate Promises always seem to satisfy any craving, big or small. These silky chocolate pieces clock in at just 41 calories each and contain encouraging quotes on their wrapper. Words of encouragement AND dark chocolate wrapped into one package? Talk about a double mood booster!

Chocolate Covered Fruit: Let’s face it, chocolate goes well on just about anything. (Note the infamous chocolate bacon craze). Try dipping different types of fruit into melted dark chocolate. Fruit, such as berries, are little powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Pair them with chocolate and you’ve got yourself a healthy, chocolaty treat. The possibilities are endless: try different berries, cherries, bananas, kiwi, and even mango.

Chocolate Covered Nuts: Feeling like making your own special treat for your loved one? (Or yourself, which is perfectly fine too!) These chocolate covered almonds are an easy, nutritious treat. Almonds contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and protein, and truly are so very healthy! And let’s not forget fiber they provide, which will help keep you full and satisfied. A small handful is around 200 calories, so eat slowly and savor them.

1 lb raw almonds (or your favorite nut)

1 egg white

1 teaspoon vanilla

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1. Mix egg white and vanilla with a mixer until frothy. Add the almonds and mix until coated.

2. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and cocoa powder. Add to egg white/almond mixture and stir to combine.

3. Pour almonds onto cookie sheet, sprayed with cooking spray. Cook almonds in oven at 250 degrees for 1 hour, taking out to mix every 15 minutes.

So to all of you chocolate lovers watching your weight this holiday, fear not. This year on Valentine’s Day, you can have your chocolate and eat it too.