Nutrition

The Truth About Chocolate: Not Healthiest, But Don't Cut It Out

So the question is, is chocolate healthy or unhealthy? As a dietician, I think that a healthy diet is not only what you eat but your attitude towards food and eating. And if we cut out chocolate or perceive it as unhealthy, it can lead to guilt and shame around eating it. A healthy diet has a variety of foods, including chocolate. Does that mean that you should be eating chocolate at every meal? Absolutely not. But you shouldn't really be eating anything at every meal. In short, yeah, I mean, chocolate-- it's not the most healthful food. But it's still emotionally nourishing, and it's delicious. So don't cut it out. Dark chocolate also has a lot of polyphenols in it, which are antioxidants, which may have health benefits, although those health benefits may be canceled out by the fat and the sugar in the chocolate. And also, you might not like dark chocolate. You might prefer milk, which is totally fine. There are no real unhealthy foods. There are foods that you want to eat less of, or you want to eat them less often. And chocolate may be one of them. But definitely don't cut it out.

Chocolate should not be cut out of a healthy diet, but it should be consumed in moderation. Dark chocolate may have health benefits, but the sugar and fat content may cancel out those benefits.

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Is chocolate healthy or unhealthy? Well, as a dietician, I believe that a healthy diet is not just about what you eat, but also your attitude towards food. Perceiving chocolate as unhealthy can lead to feelings of guilt and shame around enjoying it. A healthy diet includes a variety of foods, and that includes chocolate. Of course, that doesn't mean you should be eating chocolate at every meal, but that applies to any food.

In terms of health benefits, dark chocolate contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may have positive effects. However, the fat and sugar content in chocolate may counterbalance these benefits. It's also important to note that personal preference matters. If you prefer milk chocolate over dark chocolate, that's perfectly fine.

Ultimately, there are no inherently unhealthy foods. Some foods may be better consumed in moderation or less frequently, and chocolate may fall into that category. But cutting it out completely is not necessary. Chocolate can provide emotional nourishment and is undeniably delicious. So, enjoy it in moderation and without guilt.

What are the best desserts to eat that aren’t bad for you?

Indulge in Nutritious Desserts: Chia Pudding, Stuffed Dates, Greek Yogurt

Hi Ryan. I think that thinking of foods as good or bad can really have a negative effect on our relationship with food and our mindset. However, if you want some desserts, that are a little bit more nutritious than 41, I would say, chia pudding is an awesome option with Chia and coconut milk or even dairy milk. I also like dates stuffed with, peanut butter, those big medjool dates, those are an awesome. Dessert, some Greek yogurt, and granola and fruit. As far as products go, I like the product midday squares which are chocolatey and delicious. My favorite is the fudge ones. You can get them online or I think they sell them at Whole Foods. I also like our X bar is banana, chocolate chip are my favorite and those are some like healthy nourishing desserts.

Chia pudding, stuffed dates with peanut butter, Greek yogurt and granola with fruit, Midday Squares, and X Bars are some healthy but delicious desserts that are a better option than 41.

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Thinking of foods as good or bad can have a negative impact on our relationship with food. However, if you're looking for desserts that are more nutritious, there are some options to consider. Chia pudding made with chia seeds and coconut milk or dairy milk is a great choice. Dates stuffed with peanut butter can be a delicious and satisfying treat. Greek yogurt with granola and fruit is another option that provides a balance of flavors and nutrients.

In terms of products, you might enjoy trying Midday Squares, which are chocolatey and delicious. The fudge flavor is a personal favorite. You can find them online or at Whole Foods. Another recommendation is RXBARs, specifically the banana chocolate chip flavor. These bars offer a combination of healthy ingredients for a nourishing dessert option.

Remember, it's important to find a balance and enjoy desserts in moderation while focusing on overall nourishment and well-being.

Is it true that some sugar before bed is helpful for sleep?

Sugar before bed: Myth or sleep miracle?

So the question is, is sugar before bed helpful for sleep? And as a dietitian of 23 years, I have never heard of this in my life. I mean, I guess if you have low blood sugar, it would be difficult to sleep, and therefore sugar would correct that. But in all other cases, I feel like this is a myth that being said, there's nothing to prevent you from having a bedtime snack, if that's what you enjoy doing. Just make sure that it's rich in proteins, not sugar and that it's small. If there is research that suggests that sugar before, bed helps with sleep, please send it to me because I would love to see it.

Eating a small snack with proteins before bed might help you sleep, but there is no evidence that eating sugar specifically helps.

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The idea that sugar before bed is helpful for sleep is not something I have come across in my 23 years as a dietitian. While it's possible that low blood sugar could interfere with sleep and consuming sugar may address that issue, I believe this is largely a myth. However, if you enjoy having a bedtime snack, there's no harm in doing so. Just ensure that it is protein-rich rather than sugar-heavy and keep the portion size small. If there is any research suggesting that sugar before bed aids sleep, I would be interested in seeing it.

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Abby Langer, RD answers your Nutrition questions. See all the advice Abby Langer, RD has and get answers to your own Nutrition questions.

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Registered Dietitian since 1999, Abby Langer has a passion for all aspects of nutrition. She has won awards for her teaching and has served on her regulatory college’s council. Abby focuses on body respect and intuitive-style eating, and works with brands aligned with her nutrition philosophy. She has extensive experience in media and a dedicated, engaged following. When not working, Abby loves running, discovering new foods, and spending time with her family.