Craving Desserts On Diet? Try Dark Chocolate For Weight Loss!

You love chocolate, but you’re stopping yourself from eating it because you’re on a diet. What if we told you that you don’t have to give it up? In fact, dark chocolate could actually help you on your weight loss journey. 

Research shows that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and flavonoids. It can not only curb your sweet cravings but may also help boost metabolism and improve fat-burning processes.

Amazing, right?

So, grab your favorite dark chocolate, and let’s begin on this mouthwatering ride toward a healthier, happier you! Continue reading to find out more about how it helps in your weight loss journey!

How Can Dark Chocolate Help You In Weight Loss?

Now that you’ve discovered this bittersweet treat, having a sweet tooth can benefit you. 

Many people regard dark chocolate as a superfood due to its numerous health advantages linked to overall health. But why is dark chocolate beneficial for weight loss?

Let’s dive deep into detail! But first, let’s see the nutritional value of dark chocolate:

Dietary Values Of Dark Chocolate

100 grams of dark chocolate with a cacao content of 70-85% contains the following values.

1. Helps You Control Hunger

• Are you tired of feeling hungry? Increased hunger and mood swings are indicators of low blood sugar. Chocolate’s cocoa content may balance your blood sugar levels.
• According to NIH research, dark chocolate may help insulin sensitivity in the body. Further, this may help you lose weight and prevent your body from storing fat by lowering the insulin levels in your blood.
• Dark chocolate may also assist people with diabetes in better controlling their blood sugar levels than diet changes solely.

2. Can Help Control Cravings

• The most excellent method to keep full is with a balanced diet. (And to keep your hands out from touching the cookie jar!) But munching a bit of dark chocolate might help. 
• However, eating dark chocolate helps you lose weight by decreasing cravings and making you feel more satisfied.
• According to a study, eating dark chocolate may lower ghrelin levels, the hormone that controls hunger.

3. Improves Your Mental Health

• It would help if you occasionally had a pick-me-up, whether you’re going through a breakup or stressed at work. 
• By aiding in mood regulation, dark chocolate may improve mental health. Also, people who experience mental health issues might eat to soothe themselves, which risks ending up overeating. Further, this can lead to weight gain.
• Further, by boosting your mood, dark chocolate may make you feel more capable of managing your weight loss diet.

4. Antioxidants Boosts Immune System

• According to the Harvard University School of Public Health, dark chocolate is the best source of antioxidants, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and flavonols.
• Further dark chocolate strengthens your immune system and benefits your heart. NIH research review says that cocoa’s antioxidant-rich flavonoids support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.

5. Makes You Feel Better

• You all know that dark chocolate promotes weight loss and is a comfort food for a reason. Hence we now understand how it improves our mood and makes us happier.
• We would be more motivated to take better care of ourselves if we were in a better mood and experienced less stress and anxiety. Indulging in self-care while we’re feeling good comes easy to us.
• Cocoa, the ingredient used to make dark chocolate, includes polyphenols that improve our well-being. Additionally, it contains anandamide, also referred to as the bliss molecule, which helps to improve our mood and eventually motivates us to take care of ourselves.

Additional Benefits Of Dark Chocolate!

• Dark chocolate also contains flavonols that can boost the synthesis of nitric oxide, which can help relax your blood vessels and lessen blood flow resistance, lowering your blood pressure.
• Dark chocolate may enhance mental performance by increasing blood flow to the brain. Theobromine and other stimulants found in dark chocolate also improve brain function.
• Further, the flavanols in dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the skin, promote skin hydration, and protect your skin from UV damage.
• Further, the anti-inflammatory substances found in dark chocolate may aid in lessening inflammation in the body.

Healthy Dark Chocolate Recipes For You

Fitelo has come up with amazing dark chocolate recipes, that will keep you wanting more.

1. Hot Chocolate

Nothing warms the soul better than a creamy homemade hot chocolate.  It is a dreamy treat on a cold day. Instead of using powdered ingredients, use full milk, vanilla, and real chocolate in this recipe. Sugar is substituted with date syrup to give you a healthy choice. Ready in minutes.

2. Dark Chocolate Ragi Kulcha

Who doesn’t love ragi kulcha especially when dark chocolate is in it? It’s a kid-friendly meal packed with nutrients. It’s deliciously divine if tasted with dark chocolate syrup.

Chocolate Ragi Kulcha: Healthy Recipe For Kids

3. Dark Chocolate Ball Recipe

These exotic balls come with no added sugar making them a great choice for dessert cravings on your weight loss journey. Try it now to see the magic!

Chocolate Balls Recipe For Weight Loss [No Added Sugar]

4. Dark Chocolate Coconut Ladoo

Have you ever tried this chocolaty ladoo, they are delicious, tasty, and nutrient-rich. It’s a great evening snack option for anyone. Try it out!

Chocolate Ice Cream Oats Recipe – Ab Taste Bhi Aur Weight Loss Bhi

How To Use Dark Chocolate For Weight Loss?

The most healthy flavanols are found in dark chocolate, which is 70% or more. However, the dark variety you choose, the bitterer it becomes. 

Don’t get confused by the term Flavanol – They are a type of polyphenol found in cocoa that protects our skin from UV rays, lowers blood pressure, and improves vascular function.

Other suggestions for including modest amounts of dark chocolate in your diet are as follows:

• Add a few little pieces of dark chocolate with fresh fruit for a quick dessert.
• Warm oats can be combined with melted dark chocolate.
• Likewise, a few tablespoons of dark chocolate combined with a frozen banana can be blended to make a delightful vegan protein food.

How To Choose The Best Dark Chocolate?

Selecting the healthiest or most delicious alternative among so many excellent choices could be challenging. Let’s look at the features you should consider while choosing the best dark chocolate on the market.

• Cocoa Concentration: According to experts, the best dark chocolates should have at least 70% cocoa content.
• Temperatures: Dark chocolate should be processed at lower temperatures.
• Alkalization: Dutch or alkalized dark chocolate should never be consumed. This process is widely implemented to achieve a darker color and lessen the bitter flavor of dark chocolate.
• Organically grown: Chocolate cultivated naturally or organically does not have flavoring added. In addition, processing diminishes the health benefits of dark chocolate.
• Subjective Choice: Each individual has unique tastes and preferences. You can choose dark chocolate with or without additional additives like seeds or dried fruits, but it is best to stick with pure dark chocolate.
• Low Sugar: The amount of sugar that dark chocolate contains is one of the most crucial elements. It contributes to all the positive attributes it possesses, especially being the best dark chocolate for weight loss. 0% is the lowest it gets in some dark chocolates. Check this link to know which sugar is good for health.

Top 5 Healthy Dark Chocolates In India

Looking for the best dark chocolate in India for weight loss? Dark chocolates are a versatile component that may be consumed raw or even utilized to make a wide variety of desserts. A bar of dark chocolate in India may be easily found for between Rs 150 and Rs 600.

1. Amul Cacao Ultimate (99%)	2. Cadbury Bournville (70% Dark)	3. Lindt Excellence (99% dark)	4. Amul Dark Chocolate (55% Dark)	5. Hershey’s Exotic Dark
No Added Sugar Easily Available Bitter AT Its Best Delightfully Dark100gms – 320 rupees	Zero Transfat Soothing taste 100gm – 300 rupee Available in flavors like rich cocoa, cranberry, fruit & nuts	Superior Texture Long-lasting flavor Vegetarian 100gms – 700 rupees	Affordable Come in 7 different flavors Easy availability 150gms – 110 rupees	No Transfat Exotic fruits inside like blueberry, cranberry, raspberry goji & pomegranate Vegetarian Smooth texture 100gms – 150 rupees

When Should You Avoid Dark Chocolate?

Here are a few times you should probably avoid having dark chocolate:

• Pregnancy: Consumed dark chocolate in moderation during pregnancy. Consuming too much dark chocolate can increase caffeine intake, which is dangerous for the fetus.
  
  Most Importantly, higher caffeine levels can result in a number of problems, including premature labor, low birth weight, and even miscarriage.
  
  It is preferable to monitor your consumption levels. In addition, consult a physician and take the recommended dosage.
  
• Breastfeeding: Mothers should use caution while consuming dark chocolate when nursing their children.
  
  Further, dark chocolate contains caffeine, which can pass from the mother to the nursing infant and result in sleeplessness, irritability, and even rashes.
  

• Bleeding Disorders: Consuming a lot of dark chocolate increases the chance of slowing down the blood clotting process. Further, people with hemophilia or bleeding disorders may find it risky.
  
• Palpitations: If overeaten, the cocoa in dark chocolate can raise blood pressure and quicken heart rate.

Possible Downside Of Dark Chocolate For Weight Loss

• First, dark chocolate’s comparatively high fat and calorie content may contribute to weight gain. A serving of 28 grams of dark chocolate has 155 calories and almost 9 grams of fat.
  
• Moreover, theobromine and caffeine concentrations in dark chocolate are high. Their excessive consumption can result in symptoms like headache, lack of appetite, irritability, restlessness, and poor sleep.
  
• Consuming too much added sugar can be unhealthy, and some dark chocolate products may contain it. The chance of developing chronic illnesses, including Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease, may rise due to added sugar.
  
• Dark chocolate can be included in a diet for losing weight, but it’s essential to stick to high-quality variants and avoid overeating. Choose a product that is low in added sugar and contains at least 70% cocoa for the best benefits, and limit yourself to about 1 ounce (28 grams) at a time.

Final Words:

In short, dark chocolate is known for its numerous health benefits. It can also aid in weight loss due to the following reasons:

1. Controls Hunger: The cocoa in dark chocolate helps balance blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This prevents fat storage and reduces hunger.
2. Reduces Cravings: It lowers ghrelin levels, the hunger hormone that keeps you feeling fuller for longer, and reduces cravings.
3. Boosts Mental Health: By improving mood and reducing stress, dark chocolate prevents emotional overeating which supports weight loss efforts.
4. Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with flavonols, it strengthens the immune system and supports heart health.
5. Improves Mood: Contains polyphenols and anandamide that enhance mood and encourage self-care.

Additional Health Benefits

• Cardiovascular Health: Flavonols in dark chocolate improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and protect the heart.
• Skin Health: Enhances skin hydration, promotes blood flow, and protects against UV damage.
• Brain Function: Boosts brain performance by increasing blood flow and stimulating brain function.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Contains compounds that reduce inflammation in the body.

Recipes for Weight Loss

• Hot chocolate
• Dark chocolate ragi kulcha
• Dark chocolate balls
• Dark chocolate coconut ladoos

How to Use Dark Chocolate for Weight Loss

• Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
• Pair it with fruits, oats, or frozen bananas for healthy desserts.
• Consume in moderation (about 28 grams per day).

Choosing the Best Dark Chocolate

• Look for at least 70% cocoa content.
• Avoid Dutch/alkalized chocolate and added sugar.
• Prefer organically grown varieties with minimal additives.

A research review by NIH shows that sugar-free dark chocolate with stevia, erythritol, and inulin can lower blood sugar levels more than regular dark chocolate in people with diabetes.

Top Dark Chocolates in India

1. Amul Cacao Ultimate (99%)
2. Cadbury Bournville (70%)
3. Lindt Excellence (99%)
4. Amul Dark Chocolate (55%)
5. Hershey’s Exotic Dark

When Should You Avoid Dark Chocolate?

• Limit consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to caffeine content.
• Avoid it if you have bleeding disorders or are prone to palpitations.
• Overeating may lead to weight gain due to its high calorie and fat content.

Neha Weight Loss Transformation Story

Read about the amazing transformation of Neha who lost 17 kg with a huge inch loss.

Neha Weight Loss Transformation: Lost 17Kg With Huge Inch Loss | Fitelo

Fun Fact

Dark chocolate or Spinach! Which do you think has the more iron content? Well! You’ll be surprised if I say dark chocolate with 85% cocoa has more iron content than Spinach.

100 gms of Spinach has 2.71 Gms of Iron.

100 gms of dark chocolate has 11.9 Gms of Iron.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dark Chocolate Good For Weight Loss? 

Yes, dark chocolate can aid weight loss by reducing cravings, balancing blood sugar levels, and boosting mood. 

Which Chocolate Is Best For Weight Loss?

Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is the best choice for weight loss, as it’s lower in sugar and rich in antioxidants. Consuming it in small portions can help curb cravings without derailing your diet.

Is Amul Dark Chocolate Good For Weight Loss?

Amul Dark Chocolate can be a decent option for weight loss if you consume it in moderation. However, you can opt for Fitelo Dark Chocolate which has high cocoa content and minimal sugar, making it a perfect choice for weight-conscious individuals seeking a guilt-free treat.

Is Dark Chocolate High In Fat?

Yes, dark chocolate is high in fat, mainly healthy fats like cocoa butter, which can provide energy and promote satiety. While these fats are beneficial in moderation, overconsumption can still contribute to calorie excess.

Contact Us Today

Get in touch with our expert team at Fitelo to kick-start your own transformative journey! Let us guide you toward your weight loss goals and furthermore, help you cultivate sustainable & healthy eating habits. Contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you with Fitelo!

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Therefore, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.