20 Healthy Ways to Sneak Chocolate Into Your Diet
When it came to diets, chocolate used to be an absolute no-no because of all the fat and sugar it contains. Yet, the good news is that not all chocolate is terrible for you. Seriously! Tons of studies have found that adding chocolate to your diet can actually improve your health in the wrong run.
Eating chocolate every now and then won’t wreck your diet as long as you indulge in it sensibly. Chocolate in itself, especially dark chocolate, has heart health benefits and cancer-fighting properties, but not all chocolate is created equal. So, when you have a craving for some chocolatey goodness, try one of these sweet treats and you won’t even have to feel the guilt later for breaking your diet.
Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Homemade Chocolate-Covered Raisins
If you love Raisinets, but not all the trans fat they contain, you can make your own chocolate-covered raisins at home. Melt ¼ of a dark chocolate bar and dip 40 raisins in it, then allow them to cool and harden. It’s hard to believe this snack only has 120 calories!
Chocolate Smoothie
Combine a frozen banana, 1 tbs cocoa powder (or chocolate protein powder), and 1 cup vanilla or chocolate almond milk and blend until smooth. Store-bought or restaurant smoothies aren’t as healthy as you would think, so this way you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
Chocolate Cheerios
Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast? Start your day with ¾ cup of crunchy Chocolate Cheerios and a ½ cup of skim milk, then you won’t be as tempted to stop by Shipley’s for a chocolate doughnut.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Strawberries, which are full of fiber and Vitamin C, can be made even tastier by covering them in melted dark chocolate (lots of antioxidants!). 10 strawberries dipped in dark chocolate only has 140 calories, and you’ll feel like it’s Valentine’s Day every day.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
Dunk 15 bite-sized pretzels into ¼ of a melted dark chocolate bar, and you’ll have a sweet and salty snack that has much fewer calories (120) than a salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks (360).
Skinny Cow Fudge Bar
When nothing but ice cream will do, you don’t have to resort to eating a huge bowlful of triple chocolate ice cream to satisfy your taste buds. Instead, keep a box of these delicious fudge bars on hand for the perfect, 100 calorie summer treat.
Fat-Free Chocolate Pudding
Top some fat-free chocolate pudding with a dollop of fat-free/low-fat Cool Whip, and you’ll have an easy treat that’s so delicious you’ll barely even notice the difference between this and a calorie-loaded chocolate shake.
Chocolate Rice Cakes with Toppings
The name may not sound so appealing, but trust us, they’re surprisingly tasty. At only 70 calories for 7 mini cakes, you can top them with low-fat cream cheese and fresh strawberries for a delicious snack that’s much healthier than a Snickers bar.
Cocoa Powder and Peanut Butter
It’s no Nutella, but it’s much better for you! Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder into 1 cup of peanut butter for a spread that tastes like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Peanut butter is packed with protein, so spread it on some toast in the morning for a filling breakfast.
Chocolate Almond Milk
Instead of reaching for the full-fat Dutch chocolate milk at the supermarket, buy some chocolate almond milk instead. It’s just as delicious and refreshing, plus it only has 120 calories per serving instead of the 240 calories in regular chocolate milk.
High Cocoa Chocolate Bars
If you’re having a serious chocolate craving, a couple pieces simply aren’t going to do! You can get more yum for your calories if you go with a chocolate bar high in cocoa.
Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzling pretty much anything with chocolate makes it a million times better, and it’s fairly low-calorie. Fruit and popcorn are my favorites!
Chocolate Shavings
Chocolate shavings can give you that little taste of sweet you may crave in the morning. Sprinkle a few shavings over your healthy cereal, and your morning will be much better for it!
Chocolate Cocktails
If you’re splurging on cocktails, you might as well get your chocolate fix in at the same time! Killing two birds with one stone can help your cravings stay at bay during the week.
Tofu Fudge
Tofu fudge—it’s the new craze in the foodie world. By making tofu the base, you lose most of the fattening ingredients in the oh-so-beloved fudge.
Chocolate Protein Bars
Protein bars can help you replenish before or after a workout, but sometimes they taste terrible. Chocolate protein bars may not be the absolute healthiest, but it’s better than opting for something even worse!
Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas
Frozen banana slices can be covered in just about anything as a healthy substitute. Chocolate is just one of the many options you’re sure to discover.
Peppermint Patties
If you want to splurge on a candy at the movies, go for peppermint patties. They have less calories, and you probably won’t even finish the box. Peppermint tends to reduce cravings.
Black Bean Chocolate Truffles
By substituting the base of this amazing chocolate creation with something healthy, you get to feel guilt free about splurging.
Pumpkin Butter Cups
Pumpkin slices with a bit of peanut butter and dipped in chocolate can be the perfect guilt-free Halloween splurge!
