Chocolate is an important part of almost any gal’s life. Whether it’s dark, milk, or white, Chocolate can feel like a bff. It’s gotten me through times when I’ve felt sad and heartbroken. And it’s been a part of many of my life celebrations. So I think it’s important to honor chocolate cravings when you have them.
When I was younger, I never could understand it when people said they preferred vanilla. Vanilla? But it’s so boring. Sorry all you vanilla fans. But..er…no.
Ooey, gooey chocolate is sometimes the only way for me to go. Every birthday cake has been chocolate. My ice cream flavor of choice? Always contains some form of chocolate. And my favorite sundae topping? Well, hot fudge of course!
But chocolate cravings don’t always have to mean a binge on some decadent dessert. I’m all for splurging when the time is right. But I try not to make that an everyday thing.
So here’s the truth about chocolate cravings. I’ve tried denying them, distracting myself, you name it. Sometimes you’ve got give in. But I’ve learned ways to satisfy these cravings without going into a binge or ruining my health goals. Here are my 6 better ways I satisfy chocolate cravings.
Carob creations
Carob is a great substitute for chocolate if you’re watch your caffeine intake. Because chocolate is a source of caffeine where as carob is not. And since I have a benign condition that is aggravated by caffeine, carob can totally be a lifesaver.
One of my favorite ways to satisfy chocolate cravings is to make carob pancakes. They’re really simple to make. I usually just mix a couple of eggs, some almond meal, a half of a banana, a sprinkle of stevia, and some carob powder. The banana gives the “chocolate” a really gooey texture. And these are basically just healthy protein pancakes.
Berries with raw cacao
Here’s a snack that can feel decadent. Grab a bowl of berries, and sprinkle in some raw cacao nibs. If you don’t know, raw cacao contains all the antioxidants found in chocolate, but isn’t sweetened. So it’s healthy. And the berries provide the sweetness. This sweet treat is really a Superfood. So eat up!
Hot chocolate
This is easy! Heat up your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk. Now mix in some cacao powder. Or if you’re avoiding caffeine like me, add some carob for a chocolate-like taste. Now add some whole leaf stevia and voila! You’ve got a totally decadent seeming drink.
Want to do something fancy for extra credit? Add some peppermint extract for it to taste like a peppermint patty.
Chocolate oatmeal
People are often skeptical when I first mention this for chocolate cravings. But they always come back and thank me for the tip. Add a scoop of chocolate protein powder to a baggie of unflavored instant oatmeal. Then just add hot water and stir. Note: you’ll probably need a little extra water to help absorb the powder. This one is so satisfying.
Chocolate dipped strawberries
So simple you’ll wish you did this sooner. Add some cocoa powder to greek yogurt. Then dip some fresh strawberries into the yogurt. Lay them onto foil on a baking sheet and freeze. Take them out of the freezer and dip them a second time and freeze again. Defrost for at least a half hour and enjoy!
Chocolate smoothie
I know this one is so simple, but it can be easily overlooked. Just make sure to use a protein powder that doesn’t have any added sugar. Because once you add a bunch of sugar, you’ve kind of negated the health benefits. Just throw in some of your favorite frozen fruit for sweetness.
So there’s a bunch of better ideas to satisfy chocolate cravings. Your inner chocolate monster will creep up from time to time. It’s no use letting it get you bent all out of shape. Indulge in chocolate. But when you’re trying to be good, here are some great ways to eat your chocolate while maintaining your health too!
Great tips, I’m going to try chocolate oatmeal tomorrow for breakfast!
Your tips are totally for me! I have a sweet tooth and I could literally eat everything that contains chocolate in it! I’ll try to apply your tips in my diet. 🙂
I’ve never tried dipping fruit in raw cocoa, I’ve dipped it melted chocolate before. I love chocolate anything and its okay to eat since it can be healthy.
I have never heard of chocolate oatmeal but I am intruiged now! I can see how it would be filling, which would totally help when I crave chocolate.
Wow love these healthy variation. Never tried berries with raw cocoa.
The pictures are really tempting ones.
Ha! I was always the vanilla cake/vanilla ice cream (still) fan as a child. Living in PA, we grew up with Hershey’s chocolate and Clark Bars and I liked some of that. But once I discovered dark chocolate, all bets were off. Yum.
Do you know what a “gob” is, Erica? A small cake that you put two sides together with vanilla icing in the middle? I switched Carob powder for cocoa powder and love the way they taste–and no caffeine buzz. My husband loves gobs, so I feel a bit better about him eating carob. Hmmm, speaking of, I haven’t made them since summer. Cya!
Hi Erica. Great post. As a chocolate lover myself, I need to inject willpower into every day, as I always have great chocolate in the house. But it’s all about moderation.
I have a sensitivity to caffeine, but never feel that from chocolate. Chocolate actually has far less caffeine than coffee, so I think that most people wouldn’t feel the caffeine when eating a small amount of chocolate. the “caffeine buzz” that Rose refers to is more likely the dopamine or serotonin we get from chocolate that makes us feel good and elated. 🙂
I love your recipe for the chocolate-dipped strawberries. I never would have thought of adding cocoa powder to Greek yogurt. What a great idea!
Actually, there is a practical reason why someone may initially choose a given brand’s vanilla ice cream vis-à-vis its chocolate ice cream. Chocolate is a heavy flavor that can mask substandard ingredients; conversely, vanilla is a light flavor and consequently makes a useful test case for assessing a brand’s quality, i.e., if a brand’s vanilla is good, then it’s a safe bet that all of its flavors are good.
Andy, thanks so much for enlightening about “vanilla eaters”. Makes so much sense when you put it that way.