By Monica Bearden, RD and Shara Aaron, MS, RD, Authors of the Baby Fat Diet: A busy mom’s guide to losing weight and looking fabulous

There's a great, delicious product that I would recommend to anyone who's been trying to eat well balanced, feel satisfied and keep the calories down - and guess what? It’s chocolate, real melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. Surprised to hear a dietitian say so?

Nope, studies show that including small amounts of really satisfying treats in a balanced diet helps people stick to healthier eating and lose weight for the long term. But my suggestion is not just any run-of-the-mill chocolate, however. I am a big fan of Hershey's Extra Dark portion-controlled, packaged squares. At 45 calories each, you can have one or two without any concern for blowing your diet and believe me you will feel satisfied.

 

I'm sure you've heard that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is rich in antioxidants and can have real health benefits, such as decreasing blood pressure. (In fact, studies show just a small amount everyday can have this effect.) The Extra Dark squares contain a hefty dose of the antioxidant flavanols thanks to being 60% cocoa and even have nice amounts of fiber and iron. And if you're worried about the fat and saturated fat in them, don't. Studies show that eating chocolate has no effect on cholesterol levels, the main concern with saturated fats. Plus, if you're losing weight, your cholesterol will naturally come down as the pounds come off.

I can practically feel my blood pressure lowering; as I enjoy two squares every day at 3 o'clock with a cup of antioxidant-rich pomegranate flavored white tea. It's such a flavorful and satisfying afternoon lift, it's all I need to hold me to dinner. If I could describe to you how luscious they are - well, you should really just get a bag and give them a try.

Monica Bearden, RD is a registered dietitian and weight loss expert, helping countless women lose weight.  She teaches groups of pregnant women how to gain the weight in a healthy way and then helps women to lose the baby fat.  After years  of helping people lose weight and keep it off as well as writing numerous  health and wellness articles, Monica Bearden now brings you tried and true  tips for losing the baby fat.  She is also co-owner of NutCom, LLC a nutrition communications company and is a certified fitness instructor.
 

 

Shara Aaron, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with years of healthy eating and weight loss communication experience.  Starting as a nutrition and health editor for Family Circle magazine and now the nutrition columnist and member of the advisory board for American Baby Magazine, Shara teaches moms how to eat healthfully and feed their families.  Shara has also written for www.Kaboose.com, Parents Magazine and Family Circle and is co-owner of NutCom, LLC, a nutrition communications company.

 

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