FitSugar

Food Review: Intentional Dark Chocolate Pistoles

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:26 -0700

About a month ago we received a package from Intentional Chocolate. I didn't try anything at first because the marketing material was way too new agey for me - everything is made with love and positive intention, and Dalai Lama-trained monks infuse meditative energy into the chocolate. Too kooky for me. But when a chocolate craving hit me a few weeks later, I had no problem ripping open a bag of the dark-chocolate pistoles ($15 for 7 oz. bag).

Wow. This stuff is incredible. I'm pretty picky with dark chocolate because it's often too bitter and chalky, but the pistoles from Intentional Chocolate are the exact opposite of that. The pistoles are smooth, creamy, and melt in your mouth. A pistole is about the size of a quarter, and it's all you really need at a time because the richness of the chocolate makes it a very satisfying snack. One serving size equals about 19 pistoles and contains 139 calories and 11 grams of fat. It's also totally vegan, and I can see it as being a great chocolate for baking.

I still don't know if I buy its claims that Intentional Chocolate has more benefits than any other dark chocolate, but it is seriously some of the best I've ever tried.

Is Chocolate Keeping You Up at Night?

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Decadent chocolate stimulates your taste buds, and the caffeine and theobromine in this treat stimulate your heart rate in a way that could prevent you from falling asleep. There's nothing wrong with indulging in a piece of chocolate after dinner, but try to take your last bite well before bedtime.

Not all types of chocolate are equal in terms of the amounts of caffeine they contain. According to The New York Times, a dark chocolate Hershey’s candy bar has about 30 milligrams of caffeine (same as a cup of instant tea) and a milk chocolate bar has 9 milligrams. White chocolate is the safest bet before bed, as it doesn't have any theobromine and barely has any caffeine. If you have love for dark chocolate, like I do, consider checking the clock before reaching for a piece.

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Add Just the Right Amount of Dark Chocolate to Your Diet

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

It's no secret that I love dark chocolate. Not only is it super tasty and satisfying, it's actually a sweet treat that is good for you, too. Dark chocolate has been found to sooth a cough, increase blood flow, and lower your blood pressure. With benefits like that you may be tempted to trade in meals for chocolate bars, but there is an ideal amount to consume each day.

US News and World Report recently reported that research has found that only 6.7 grams of chocolate per day (or 0.23 ounces) represents the perfect amount of dark chocolate for your health. To have something to compare it to, a Hershey's Kiss is 4.5 grams and most bars of chocolate are about 40-41 grams. So enjoy, but enjoy in moderation.

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Adora: A Better Calcium Supplement

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

When I suggested that chocolate-flavored calcium supplements make a good substitute for dessert, many of you weren't so into the high-fructose corn syrup that comes with most calcium chews. But I'm still concerned about my daily calcium intake, and I still like a sweet bite after meals, so I was excited to discover Adora Calcium Supplements ($6 for a 30-piece bag).

These dark-chocolate supplements are free of corn syrup, as well as gluten, artificial sweeteners, and other weird stuff. In fact, the only thing on the ingredient list that wasn't all natural or a vitamin was soy lecithin.

The individually wrapped candies are sizable and tasty enough to satisfy chocoholics. Though they're not exactly Scharffen Berger, they do taste unvitaminy - actually a lot like Hershey's Special Dark. You can buy a bag here for $6. Have you ever tried Adora? Do you think you will?

Dark Chocolate Gelt

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:00:00 -0800

Gelt, or chocolate coins, are the currency of a Hanukkah celebration to teach children (and adults) the joy of giving and doing good deeds. So why not treat yourself to a healthier option? Check out these made with dark chocolate ($.49). Each mesh bag contains four coins made with dark chocolate that is nut and dairy free. Sounds like a delicious way to celebrate Hanukkah.

Food Court Survival: Part III

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

The mall is almost unavoidable during the holidays and something about all that running around and waiting in lines that makes me hungry. What's worse? Not only am I hungry but I also know there is a place where food is so easily accessible. A place that reminds me of the fast-food holy land: The Food Court. Don't worry, we can get through this.

One idea is to skip dessert shops, like Mrs. Fields, Cinnabon, and Nestles, altogether. They are just too tempting, especially when you are craving something sweet. If you absolutely need something sweet then head to a candy store and get some dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. Even better? Bring some from home in your purse. If I still can't convince you to stay away from Dairy Queen, then go with the vanilla soft serve (small). It has about 140 calories and 4.5 grams of fat - not too bad.

Newman's Own Peanut Butter Cups

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:15:00 -0800

Sometimes you just want to indulge in your favorite candy, but you want a healthier alternative. For those moments you can substitute you old standby Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, with Newman's Own Peanut Butter cups. This company makes great products that taste delicious and are filled with ingredients you recognize.

So are these any healthier for you than Reese's Peanut Butter Cups? To find out read more

Serving Size	1 package of Reese's (2 cups - 51g)	1 package of Newman's (3 cups - 34g)
Calories	260	180
Total Fat	15g	12g
Saturated Fat	6g	6g
Cholesterol	less than 5mg	0mg
Sodium	180mg	50mg
Carbs	29g	18g
Fiber	2g	1g
Sugar	25g	14g
Protein	6g	3g
Ingredients	Milk chocolate (sugar; cocoa butter; chocolate; High Fructose Corn Syrup; nonfat milk; milk fat; lactose; and soy lecithin and pgpr, emulsifiers); peanuts; sugar; dextrose; salt; and tbhq (preservative).	Organic Dark Chocolate (organic sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic chocolate liquor, soy lecithin - an emulsifier, and organic vanilla), Organic Peanut Butter (organic unblanched peanuts), Organic Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Organic Non-Fat Dry Milk Powder, Salt, Organic Soy Lecithin-an emulsifier.

Looks like Newman's Own Peanut Butter Cups are better for you. Not only are they made with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, but most of the ingredients are organic. They have less calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, and less sugar than the regular Reese's. Plus I love that they come in a package of three, so you feel like you're eating more of a treat. I love the taste and I feel good knowing they're made without high-fructose corn syrup.

Another Reason to Eat Chocolate: Increased Blood Flow

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0800

I never used to like chocolate as a child, but now I can't live without it. Just a small piece is enough to satisfy my sugar cravings. Plus I feel good eating it, knowing that flavenoid-rich dark chocolate has health benefits like lowering blood pressure, and now a new study shows that it can also increase coronary blood flow.

This study involved a two-week trial and monitored 39 adults (average age 29). Study participants either ate 550 mg a day of dark chocolate or white chocolate. The CFVR (coronary flow velocity reserve) of all the participants was monitored. The CFVR indicates the ability of the coronary arteries to dilate and allow more blood flow, which is a good thing.

The study found that in as little as two weeks, those who ate flavenoid-rich dark chocolate had improved heart function and blood flow, as compared to those who just ate white chocolate. I love foods that taste good and are also good for you, so go ahead and indulge, for your heart's sake.

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Another Reason to Eat Chocolate: It Soothes a Cough

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

You know me; I am always looking for another reason to eat more dark chocolate. From lowering blood pressure to having a load of antioxidants to just tasting so darn good, there is yet another reason to eat chocolate. Hooray!

Research has found that theobromine, an ingredient found in chocolate, has a cough-reducing effect superior to codeine, an ingredient found in many cough syrups. What's more? Chocolate, as we all know by now, soothes and moistens the throat.

As a matter of fact, I think I feel a little cough coming on right now. Looks like I'm going to be forced to eat some dark chocolate - twist my arm already, jeez. I think I will go make some hot cocoa now!

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Sunspire Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Goodness

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Dark chocolate is my weakness. I'm the first to admit it. It's delicious on its own, but even better if it's combined with other tasty morsels like nuts or fruit.

I discovered these Sunspire Organic Dark Chocolate Cranberries and they're so delicious. They're made by the same company that makes those chocolate chips I love to use when I bake.

This treat is like Raisinets, but made with dried cranberries instead. Plus the chocolate is dark and organic (much healthier). It's the perfect combination, and eating just a few definitely satisfies my craving for something sweet.

Want to see the nutritional info of these delicious gems? Then read more

Serving Size	1 bag (about 20 pieces)
Calories	160
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	0mg
Carbs	24g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	20g
Protein	1g

Sunspire also makes chocolate covered raisins, blueberries, and coffee beans. These are great if you're looking for a quick and easy treat. I love that you can eat a few and save the rest for later. I have to admit that this isn't the best tasting chocolate in the world. It's not as sweet and decadent as other organic dark chocolates I've tried, but the cranberries add an awesome chewy texture that makes up for it.