Controlling chocolate portion size
The Basics
Eating chocolate on an empty stomach may lead to psychological craving for it (hunger makes any ‘nice’ food taste even better, so you’ll want more of it). Eating chocolate 15-30 minutes after a meal may make you less likely to snack on it later.
Have you ever eaten chocolate and regretted it afterwards? Experts say the first 3 bites of food are the only mouthfuls we really enjoy – this includes indulging in chocolate.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
- “It’s low in fat and so I can eat more”. Not true - just because the packet says ‘low fat’ does not mean the food is low in calories. Low fat chocolate bars are usually not very much lower in calories than ordinary chocolate – they are simply smaller size bars so don’t be fooled into thinking you can eat more of these.
- “Chocolate gives me energy when I’m feeling tired”. Chocolate is a quick fix that may give you a quick “high”, but it will also leave you feeling lethargic when your sugar level drops again. If you need more energy, eat some sustaining carbohydrate such as fruit, breakfast cereal or wholemeal toast.
Tips and Trick
- Keep chocolate out of sight. Place it into a tin at the back of the cupboard – if you cannot see it you will be less tempted to eat it. If you are unable to control the temptation of chocolate - don’t keep it in the house.
- Limit yourself to a set number of treats a week – based on your Nutrition Card® allowance.
- Try treating yourself to chocolate after meals, instead of in between – this may help you eat a smaller amount and make you less likely to snack on it later.
- Do not be tempted to buy the large bars. The first 3 bites of chocolate are the really enjoyable ones, any thereafter are more likely to lead to feelings of guilt – buy bite-size bars and enjoy them (but not all at once).
- If you have a craving for something sweet, try a piece of fruit or a mug/cup/glass of low calorie drinking chocolate.
- Share your chocolate bar and halve the calories.
Chocolate with a higher cocoa content, around 70%, has less calories than ‘ordinary’ chocolate, which has around 25% cocoa.
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