Have you run out of all the chocolate in your kids’ Trick-or-Treat bags? And not because your kids ate it all? If you are like me, chocolate candies are nowhere to be found because you have ruthlessly taken them from your children without knowing it and, with much guilt and remorse, ate them all. Not because you don’t like your kids eating too much chocolate (it’s for their own good, right?). And not because you’re desperately trying to put on a few pounds. The truth is, you’re a serious chocoholic, and anything that contains chocolate doesn’t last long in your house because it ends up in your stomach.
Now, many of us are well-known chocoholics, but others, to some degree, still have a leg in the closet. Those who are close to us know that we love chocolate, but when the candy is lost we do not take responsibility. I recently removed myself from obscurity and became a self-proclaimed chocoholic. Also, I am ready to explore the reasons behind my desires and what can be done about it. In fact, it’s probably time we all came out of the candy-filled closet to talk about this propensity for sugary sweets. Why do we have it? Is there a genetic component to our needs? And what’s wrong with being addicted to this mother cocoa bean? Most importantly, what can we do to keep our habitual desire in check? I’ll explore all of the above and detail a healthy way to keep chocolate in our diets.
Why are we the chosen chocoholics anyway? Within my research, I discovered that several scientists believe that genetics play a role in why certain people crave for the taste and smell of chocolate. Although I am not a scientist, I also believe that the inevitable craving for chocolate has some hereditary component. In my family, both parents have a desire to eat anything that contains even a trace of chocolate. My sisters have also been overwhelmed by this need for any version of chocolate. Also, my older brother requires a lot of will to stay away from the candy cabinet in his house. This may not be scientific evidence, but it is my experience and represents reason in my mind. No doubt many chocoholics reading this article can think of at least two family members who require a daily dose of chocolate to stay happy.
So what’s the big deal about chocolate anyway? Is it really that bad for us? I guess the answer is yes and no. Yes for some of us, no for others. Many doctors and psychologists believe that being addicted to chocolate means that one has the genetic code to simply be addicted. Many chocoholics are also alcoholics, smokers, and along the lines of addictive behaviors. Research also shows that many obese people are burdened by addiction to chocolate, as well as addiction to other foods. For these people, addiction to anything has the potential to become problematic.
What about those of us who are addicted to chocolate but not obese and not regular addicts? I myself am not obese. I’m also not addicted… to anything but chocolate. I have never dealt with any other addiction. I don’t have addictive behavior and I don’t think I have the disease of addiction. I’m just in love with chocolate and I want it almost as much as I want a good night’s sleep. Is it really dangerous for me? Granted, it’s not the healthiest food to love, but I’ve yet to enter the realm of danger. But it wouldn’t hurt to find a better way to fulfill my wishes.
Most chocoholics know their habit isn’t necessarily a good thing and would be willing to try a healthier alternative. Replacing chocolate with carob chips might help kick the chocolate habit, but the taste isn’t the same. Another alternative is dark chocolate, which is known to have health benefits such as lowering high blood pressure. It also contains a powerful antioxidant that helps fight heart disease and other ailments. Just don’t wash it down with a glass of milk because milk prevents the absorption of the good stuff. Organic dark chocolate is said to be the healthiest option. It is more expensive than the average chocolate bar but it is very rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. Organic dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can help control diabetes and blood pressure. This is the best replacement for those who are addicted to chocolate but need a healthier variety.
Whatever your choice, it is imperative to remember that all types of chocolate contain large amounts of sugar and should only be consumed by healthy people. I myself would like to say that from now on I will only eat organic dark chocolate in moderation. But who am I kidding. I know I lack willpower. However, I do believe in the strength of numbers and look forward to all the emails I will receive from fellow chocoholics who want to ease, if not curb, the habit. I don’t think chocolate will kill me, but it certainly won’t save my life. I will try to limit my consumption and focus on buying dark varieties of chocolate. Especially now that all the Halloween candy is gone. And if I can do it, so can you.