Eating Chocolate and Keeping Thin

Chocolate lovers, guess what? How does this sound to you? A group of researchers inquired about the chocolate eating habits of 1000 adults in Southern California.  These subjects were asked questions such as the number of times a week they consumed chocolate.  According to this article found in the March 27, 2012 edition of the Wall Street Journal, their BMI (height and weight) index was also measured along with questions pertaining to types of food and beverages.  Incidentally, the study was funded by the National Institute of Health.

 Statistically, this group :  ate  chocolate, on average, two times a week; exercised 3.6 times a week;  with an average age of 57; nearly 70% were men; and their average BMI index was 2.8( considered overweight).  These 1000 chocolate eating individuals are not a representative sample.  In other words, we have to be conservative about what generalizations can be made from this research.

In any event, the findings of these 1000 were interesting: 1. The participants who ate chocolate more often also consumed more calories overall then there chocolate counterparts 2.  These same participants (more calories) did not exercise more than their chocolate counterparts.  3 Those participants eating a small amount of chocolate five days during the week had a lower BMI Index.  One researcher concluded that the composition of calories, not just the amount was a major reason for weight loss.  Since this was a correlation or association study statistically, not cause-and-effect, do not eat more chocolate if you are planning on losing weight and want a lower BMI index.  Also, this study did not compare chocolate to non-chocolate eaters.

Let us not forget that eating dark chocolate has benefits. Dark chocolate positives include: 1 concentration of antioxidants 2 modest reduction in blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and cholesterol.  3 boost energy producing elements of the body’s cells. However, not to discourage you, another study found that people who ate more chocolate were more likely to be depressed.

You are welcome to draw your own conclusions from this study.   Secretariat and I,  both enjoy our chocolate, especially dark chocolate.  Further, I sometimes think about the benefits of dark chocolate but more often than not, I like it because it tastes good. Give me any day, anytime of day, a scoop or two of chocolate or double chocolate ice cream topped with Saunders hot fudge.   What is your favorite treat?

Well, it is time for me to put on running gear and get ready for today’s morning run.  Secretariat and I are running this morning. One of the benefits of trail running is being able to eat chocolate treats and laughing about it.