Craving chocolate? If being on your diet has meant that you have to forgo all the enjoyable chocolate-rich foods you love, it’s time to change that.
Chocolate can actually be very healthy – in moderation. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that can combat cardiovascular disease through lowering your blood pressure.
Not to mention, it’ll help boost serotonin in your brain, which can instantly boost your mood. It isn’t just your brain playing tricks on you when it seems like you feel better after chocolate – there are actual physiological reasons why you do.
The only caution? Eat in small doses. Chocolate is still high in calories and rich in fats, so you don’t want to go overboard.
The following chocolate recipes utilize chocolate or coca powder to satisfy your taste buds while promoting a lean body. Couple that with chocolate flavored protein powder (always a smart choice on your diet) and you can feel good about indulging.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Make one batch of these brownies and you’ll be hooked. With hardly any carbs total per serving, it’s great for cutting fat or building lean muscle.
¾ cup Chocolate Peanut Butter Whey Protein Isolate
½ cup light peanut butter
1 whole egg
2 egg whites
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
½ cup powdered Stevia (or preferred sweetener)
¾ cup water
2 squares 85% dark chocolate
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together all the ingredients until smoothie and then pour into a 9 by 9 inch non-stick pan. Baking for about 18 minutes. Melt chocolate squares in the microwave and then drizzle over top prior to serving.
Nutritional stats (makes 8 servings): 164 calories, 15 grams of protein, 7.8 grams of carbs, 8 grams of fat
Chocolate Covered Coconut Bars
½ cup Vanilla Whey Protein Isolate (or chocolate if you want a chocolate filling)
¼ cup coconut flour
½ cup dried coconut flakes (unsweetened)
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
2 squares dark chocolate
Combine the whey protein powder, coconut flour, 1/3 cup of the coconut flakes and almond milk together until a thick dough has formed. Shape into 4 bars.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a microwave or saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, dip the bars into the chocolate, flipping until coated. Set on a plate and then sprinkle remaining coconut flakes on top. Place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or until set. Serve or transfer to the fridge until serving.
Nutritional stats (makes 3 servings): 243 Calories, 20 grams of protein, 8.3 grams of carbs, 13 grams of fat
High-Protein Minute Mug Cake
If you need to satisfy a chocolate craving NOW, this recipe will fit the bill perfectly. It’s rich in healthy fats from the coconut that will keep you fueled for hours to come.
1 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
¼ cup Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate
1 tbsp. coconut flour
1 tbsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 egg
1 egg white
½ tbsp. chopped walnuts
Whisk together the ingredients until a smooth batter has formed. Use a mug or any other tall glass that will work well in the microwave. Next, place in the microwave and cook for 45 seconds. Check it. If the top still looks quite gooey, microwave for another 30 seconds and check again. If still not done, add another 15-20 seconds.
Sprinkle walnuts over top prior to serving.
Nutritional stats (makes 1 serving): 413 Calories, 39 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbs, 26 grams of fat
So don’t let your chocolate cravings go unsatisfied. Try these recipes and you can eat great without the guilt.
