Author
Description
Ya, ya, we know we're suppose to practice moderation when it comes to, well, everything. And especially chocolate. But here's a few tidbits you can feel good about while you're practicing that: Cocoa and dark chocolate contain antioxidants that may protect your cells, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate has also been shown to boost your mood (obviously) and contains many good-for-you nutrients, including heart-healthy fiber.
To get the most health benefits, look for dark chocolate that doesn't have a lot of sugar. (A regular 1.55-ounce chocolate bar can contain around 24 grams of sugar.) Typically, the higher percentage of cocoa—especially between 70 and 85 percent—the lower the sugar.
Dark Chocolate Nut & Seed Bars
Replace your morning muffin, pastry, or breakfast bar with a nutrient dense treat. This Dark Chocolate Nut & Seed Bar contains 9 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full.
Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Remember all those great things we said about cocoa powder? Take advantage of them in the form of one of our favorite desserts. We even brightened the flavors of this classic by adding a layer of sliced strawberries.
Double Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Cookies
Many people think buckwheat is a type of grain, but actually it's a type of seed. That's why it's ok for people who are sensitive to wheat or grains that contain gluten. And yes, you can make delicious cookies and other baked goods with it.
Chocolate Sweet Potato Mousse
The title gives away our secret ingredient, but you had to find out somehow. Using sweet potatoes not only gives extra body to this rich mousse, it also provides a dose of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that's good for eye health. Now you can eat with your eyes and for your eyes.
Molten Chocolate Cakes
We're not sure why these lava cakes got a reputation for being difficult to make. They're actually quite simple, and the individual portions come in handy. We took the liberty of topping it off with light ice cream, to help keep overall calories in check.
