For the Love of Chocolate

Just as the indulgence of Christmas is a month in the rearview, here comes Valentine’s Day … and boxes and boxes of chocolates!

Here’s some good news. A new study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition says that dark chocolate can enhance performance in moderate-intensity exercise, thanks to the flavonols that help maintain energy and small amounts of stimulants like caffeine and theobromine. Additionally, another study shows that small portions of chocolate provide a mood boost!

This article outlines other major health benefits of chocolate, including nutrient density. A 100g bar of dark chocolate alone contains:

  • 11 grams of fiber

  • 67% of the RDI for iron

  • 58% of the RDI for magnesium

  • 89% of the RDI for copper

  • 98% of the RDI for manganese

  • It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium

Dark chocolate is an amazing source of antioxidants, helps to lower blood pressure and blood flow, supports a healthy heart and may prevent heart disease, helps protect your skin from the sun, and could even improve brain function.

The key, of course, is moderation and quality … these benefits are not going to come in a heart shaped box, but in dark chocolate low in sugar. The girls over at Tone It Up have an amazing recipe for Dark Chocolate Collagen Bark, which is perfect for celebrating the holiday in health. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dark Chocolate Collagen Bark

Makes 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 scoops Tone It Up Marine Collagen

  • 10 oz. bittersweet melting cacao (60-70%)

  • Your favorite dried fruit, seeds, & chopped nuts

  • Sprinkle of sea salt

  • Coconut oil spray

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper sprayed with coconut oil spray.

2. Melt Chocolate in a double boiler over medium-low heat.

3. Once chocolate is fully melted, add 2 scoops of Tone It Up Marine Collagen. Mix well to combine.

4. Pour chocolate onto prepared baking sheet and spread a little so the chocolate is in a thin (but not too thin) even layer. Sprinkle with your choice of toppings and sea salt.

5. Place in the fridge until cool and chocolate has hardened. Break up into bite-size pieces and enjoy!

6. Store in a cool place in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

lifestyle, nutritionCaroline SchrobackTraining by Tamaranutrition, holidaysComment