Finally, A Diet Plan that Encourages Chocolate!

All Chocolate is Not Created Equal

Some can actually help you burn fat!  (See my recipes below!)

If you are like most people trying to lose weight, you've probably always thought that chocolate was a "no no".  In fact, most people think of dieting as a kind of "deprevation" of all things yummy!  That's just a myth and not a very nice one if you ask me.  I LOVE chocolate - and let's face it, most people equate chocolate to love or we ladies wouldn't be the happy recipients of it every February 14th.

Chocolate has amazing benefits, but it's the type of chocolate you are eating that creates the benefits.  Chocolate isn't what it used to be.  In fact, most chocolate nowadays is so diluted with substandard milk by-products and high fructose corn syrup (not even sugar anymore!) that the actual cocoa is minimal.  Why?  It all comes down to money.  It's cheaper to put fillers in any product than to actually put in the "product".  The cocoa bean crop has also been depleted in many areas and thus the cost of cocoa has risen.  Many manufacturers simply don't want to spend the money to purchase quality cocoa and instead fill the product with other fats and sugars to keep the consumer "sweetened" on the deal.

Well, studies have shown over the years that chocolate, DARK CHOCOLATE specifically, has amazing health benefits.  Here's a little taste...

Health benefits of Dark Chocolate ~
Research indicates that dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants that block arterial damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. 

Chocolate’s flavonoids relax blood vessels while the mood-altering serotonin, endorphins and phenylethylamine cure depression and act as a mild aphrodisiac. So stop feeling guilty about that half-kilo of chocolate you just inhaled.

What is the best chocolate?   Some say the best chocolate in the world is the one that gives you the most pleasure the moment you eat it.  I happen to think it's the Isa Delights Plus (dark chocolate).

What are Isa Delights? 

Isa Delights are "happy" chocolates that you can eat guilt free (not to excess of course - nothing is guilt free when overdone), but you can rest assured when you are eating them, you are doing your body good.

Read More about Isa Delights

ORDER SOME HAPPY CHOCOLATE NOW!

Here's a great little bite size chocolate snack that will not only fulfill your chocolate craving, but is all organic, high in good fats and protein, amino acids and has only 1 gram of sugar!  

"LESLIE'S CHOCOLATE SALTY BALLS (WITH PROTEIN)"

Ingredients:

•  1/2 Ripe Avocado
• Approx. 3 Tablespoons of Nuttzo (you can also use Almond Butter)
• Approx. 1/4 Cup of Coconut Creamer (you can use Coconut Milk or Almond Milk too)
• 2 heaping Tablespoons Dark Cocoa (I usually use organic dark from Whole Foods but didn't have, so I used Hershey's Special Dark here and it worked well too)
• 1/2 tsp of Vanilla
• 1 packet of Stevia
• 1 Scoop Chocolate IsaLean (full meal replacement with Amino Acids & Minerals)  (You can use regular Chocolate protein powder, but I use IsaLean, a very high quality GRASS FED un-denatured whey protein, superior to anything else I have ever had).
• Just a pinch of Sea Salt

Mix the avocado & NuttZo into a bowl and mash together with a fork until smooth.  Then add all the other ingredients into the bowl and mix together vigorously until all mixed and smooth.  If you like using a food processor or Magic Bullet, you can use those too.  Just make sure everything is mixed well.  The consistency should be thick, but not dry...sort of like a very thick brownie mix that you can mold into small balls with your hands.

This recipe will actually HELP you to burn fat, control cravings and satisfy your body's need for micro-nutrients, proten, healthy fats and fiber.

You can also make this into a more pudding-like dessert by using only Almond Butter (no NuttZo) and adding a bit more coconut milk.  Be aware though - it's addictive!

Refrigerate and serve cold or frozen.

Want to get really decadent??  Dip in melted IsaDelight Dark Chocolates and freeze!  OMG - such a treat for only about 75 Calories (when dipped).

Serving Size:  1 Ball
Approximate Nutrition Facts: (I'm no scientist, but I think this is close enough)
3g Fat
2.5g Protein
1g Sugar
56 Calories per Ball
Makes 10 Balls

Here's another great one that's always a favorite and OH SO EASY!  

CHOCOLATE (Isa Delight Plus Dark Chocolate) DRIZZLED

ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES

Step 1:  Break up (2) Isa Delights into small pieces and put in a small microwaveable glass

Step 2:  Melt for approximately 30 seconds - stir to be sure it's melted.  If not, put in for another 15 seconds.  DO NOT OVERCOOK.

Step 3:  Drizzle Chocolate over washed and dried Organic Strawberries.

Step 4:  Put in the refrigerator or freezer for 5 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.

Enjoy!!  Nothing but pure goodness here!