Q: Why can’t I curb my chocolate cravings?

A: Women may experience chocolate cravings close to their menstrual cycle due to magnesium losses that may occur. Chocolate contains magnesium and it certainly isn’t a bad tasting way to get it. However their are plenty of other foods high in magnesium, including nuts and seeds, salmon, cucumber, bell peppers, kale. And these whole foods are much more concentrated in heart-healthy nutrients and less likely to pack on the pounds. Especially when you consider that one little oz of chocolate can be as much as 150 calories and 8-10g of fat. Not a lot of food for it’s caloric value.

But why is chocolate so addicting? Like sugars (and it contains them), it contains compounds that stimulate the pleasure centers of our brain* triggering us to want more. What’s more? A study in Spain concluded that the alkaloid compounds in chocolate may be the same as the addiction-inducing compounds in alcohol. While this is just one study, it certainly is worth more investigation. But let’s not forget, chocolate tastes good, has a wonderful mouth-feel and is sweet (chocolate is comprised of mainly cocoa and sugar). Sugars make us crave more sugars, so why wouldn’t we also crave chocolate.

So keep it minimal, in moderation – remember just a little can go a long way (in calories, flavor, and if you savor it – feeling good).

MORSELIST NOTE & RECIPE: I’ve become a HUGE fan of UNSWEETENED Cacao Nibs and I add them to my UNSWEETENED Hot Cocoa and now that summer’s here, Mo’s FROZEN COCOA! NO SUGAR…just a couple sweet leaf stevia drops …VOILA

Morselicious Frozen Cocoa

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa/cacao (use a premium grade-cheaper stuff tastes acidic)

1-2 drops vanilla or coconut liquid stevia

1/3 cup milk of choice (I prefer unsweetened coconut or almond)

ice cubes

Blend well

OPTIONAL:  Top with a dollop of cashew cream & a tbsp of  unsweetened   cacao nibs