For the Days You Need It the Most

Why do I crave chocolate everyday at a particular time?

OK. I've got some methods to counteract my chocolate craving. Black coffee tends to keep my mind away from chocolate. Only a couple of minutes after drinking my coffee my cravings allure my conscious. It is that feeling of "I can't function" without chocolate. The sinful thought of it's wonderful aroma and the creamy texture endeavour my mind.

Stop me.

My disappointment strikes me once I indulge in the last square of my dark chocolate. There is no portion size when it comes to enjoying my chocolate. Why follow the portion size at the back of the packaging? I mean who is going to eat only six squares and be done with it? The fat, the sugar and it's wonderful aroma just takes over my senses. Each and every square makes you crave more and more- the end is only near when you are on the last square.

I had to analyze the reason behind my chocolate cravings. Chocolate is a mood uplifter. Chocolate balances the neurotransmitters, which are the regulators of the mood, food intake and compulsive behaviours. The composition of chocolate consist of almost drug like qualities. Chocolate is a biologically active component, which consists of biogenic amines, methylxanthines, and cannabinoid-like fatty acids. Biologically active also refers to substances that affect the metabolic activity of the living cells, hence the abnormal behavior that comes with the chocolate craving- very similar to those addictive substances; drugs.

The willpower does not apply to eating chocolate!? Food cravings mean there are chemical imbalances in your body- the brain has its signals mixed up. When we are feeling depressed or anxious the body has low blood sugar and or serotonin. The signal sent from the brain causes cravings that makes us indulge in high carbohydrate foods or sugar, chocolate.

Your chocolate craving is emotional! Chocolate cravings relate to depression or low-self esteem. Boredom and imbalanced nutrition can also cause cravings. If you are bored, go for a walk, call a friend, and stay away from chocolate- or the kitchen. Working out also curbs the cravings. This will also build your self esteem- because of the proliferation of the serotonin hormone, you will feel happier, counteract stress, depression and anxiety.
Imbalanced nutrition causes cravings; when the body does not meet it's vitamin demands, the urge to eat will trigger the episodes of binge eating. Make sure to eat right amounts of vegetables and fruits to reduce the chocolate and sweet cravings.

The question comes to asking our self; "should we avoid eating chocolate?"
I am definitely not asking you to stop eating chocolate. I also cannot give up the temptation.

Nothing can satisfy the chocolate craving, but the chocolate itself! Therefore, fruits cannot be a substitute for chocolate and sweet cravings.

Chocolate is like getting love? That's right!
Chocolate contains the compound called phenylethylamine, or PEA. PEA is generated in the brain when we first fall in love. PEA is also a chemical found in the of body called amphetamine- which causes addiction. Amphetamine helps regulate the feelings of attraction, giddiness, and excitement.

The more you abstain from eating chocolate or sweets- you will definitely end up overeating full-size chocolate. A small amount of chocolate is sure to keep you satisfied. Plan a time to treat yourself with a small piece of chocolate- preferably 70% dark chocolate. A right way to recovery is to eat a small piece after a meal. You would not be able to over indulge, because of the meal you just ate.

Good luck!

Article Sources:

Barnard, Dr. Neal . "Nutrition: Food Cravings". lowcarber. Friday, May 7, 2010http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=129764.


T, Tania. "How to stop eating sweets and chocolate?". SteadyHealth. Friday, May 7, 2010 . http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/How_to_stop_eating_sweets_and_chocolate_a565.html.

The Thoughts In My Head

I keep thinking...

Why do I over analyze everything? I don't know how it began, but my perception of anything I talk about relies on scientific facts. I don't know if you are also like me; I can think about millions of things in my mind at once. I grade my surroundings in three categories; beneficial, neutral, and harmful, which also includes; people and food. I do the mental calculations on nutrition labels before buying a product and if it does not have a label, I can estimate the nutrition grade. Some people may think that it is too much of a hassle or even call me a "health freak"- which is what almost all my friends say about me.

I am very self conscious when it comes to grocery shopping, eventually whatever I eat will have a physical effect on my body, gaining weight is just one outcome, some foods can make you feel happy, while others can make you feel depressed.

I can easily get side tracked with my over analysis- that is one of the worst effects. I don't know whether I should call it a gift or a curse. For now, I should consider it as a gift while it is helping me pass my psychology class.

Sinless Cinnamon Raisin Cake

I am devoted on cooking healthy food; that looks and tastes great! I am inspired by the chefs in food network; especially the chefs that keep a slim figure and cook three course meals. Today, I decided to take a twist on the traditional greasy cake with low nutrition value and baked a high fibre cinnamon raisin cake with almonds on top.


Whether you are allergic to eggs or simply following a vegetarian diet this low-fat cinnamon raisin cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.


Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
2.5 cups Bran
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups water
3 tbsp apple sauce- or 2tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Baking Powder
2 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 cup raisin
5 Almonds- optional (to decorate)

Directions:

• Heat the water and mix with the brown sugar.


• Mix all the ingredients except, the almonds.


• Spray the non-stick cooking spray on the silicone pan.


• Pour it in a deep silicone baking pan and place the almonds on the top.


• Bake for 25-30minutes at 200°C

Make sure to wait until it cools before cutting and remove it from the silicone pan after 10-15 minutes.
You should be able to cut at least eight slices.