Chocolate Calories
Here's one woman's take on her chocolate intake:
"A good piece of chocolate has about 200 calories. As I enjoy 2 servings per night, and a few more on weekends. I consume 3,500 calories of chocolate in a week, which equals one pound of weight per week.
Therefore...
In the last 3 1/2 years, I have had chocolate caloric intake of about 180 pounds, and I only weigh 165 pounds, so without chocolate, I would have wasted away to nothing about 3 months ago!
I owe my life to chocolate."
Everyone knows that writers love chocolate. Conclusion: I'm a writer; I love chocolate. But I'll have to add: with restrictions. I don't care for plain chocolate. It's got to be doctored up with mint, or nuts, or caramel, and then in certain ways. So, does that mean I'm not a good writer? Scowl . . . Of course not! I'm just a prolific writer with exotic tastes. Hmmm. That sounded good, didn't it?
Here's a few facts about chocolate:
- The Mayan people were some of the first to grow large plantations of cacao as early as 600AD. Both the Maya and Aztec people used cacao as a form of money.
- The Aztecs, and other ancient indigenous cultures, believed chocolate to be an aphrodisiac. Although this is not exactly true, chocolate does contain phenyl ethylamine (PEA) which creates a chemical reaction in the brain similar to that of falling in love. (If I hear that any of you began eating MORE chocolate . . .)
- Dark chocolate possesses the highest antioxidant content of any food. Chocolates contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and, in milk chocolate, calcium.
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The antioxidants and the flavonoids boost good HDL cholesterol levels.
The flavonoids in chocolate work in a similar manner to a very low dose of aspirin to prevent blood platelets from clumping together to form a blood clot. The flavonoids are in the cocoa. None are present in white chocolate, and milk chocolate is diluted by sugar and milk. Dark, bittersweet chocolate is better, and simple cocoa (with even less fat than unsweetened chocolate) is best.
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Some studies indicate that dark chocolate may decrease blood pressure and insulin resistance. These are not conclusive studies and have been done only on healthy subjects, but the indications are positive.
Green tea, black tea, red wine, and blueberries all contain flavonoids, but none are as high as chocolate. One ounce a day is enough - chocolate has calories and more is not better.
So, people, get on out there and get you a week's supply. Only remember, small portions, please!
See the cute little fellow in his mama's pouch? And the answer to yesterday's trivia question . . . a JOEY!
Today's trivia question:What is the only domesticated animal not mentioned in the Bible?
(Answer tomorrow!)
May is traditionally known as a flowering month. But it's also known for its Mother's Day holiday. Here are more wonderful hints for all you women out there, to go along with what we gave you yesterday. Enjoy! (Men, apply these hints at your own risk! Smile)1. Take 15 minutes for self. After a tiring day, lie down on floor, do some easy exercises. Relax your body.
2. Pamper yourself. Make your own spa. No interruptions! Put music on. Light some candles. Take an aromatherapy bath, bubble or salt bath. Breathe deeply. Give your face a soothng mask. When you step out of the tub and rub yourself with a scented lotion.
3. Sit in your favorite spot and think. Let your mind wander. Don't allow intrusive, worrying thoughts to invade this time. .
AND, don't you all forget . . . Donna Fleisher's INTERVIEW on Friday's blog. Free books. A look at a writer's life. Fun, fun, fun!A Writer's Quote:Make them laugh, make them cry, and make them wait. -- Charles DickensBlessings.
