Do you crave chocolate during your menstrual cycle? Ever wonder why man women crave chocolate during our periods? Well, today you’ll learn why! Scroll down and press PLAY for a short and sweet video which explains why women crave chocolate during that time of the month. Plus, check out these fun nutrition and health facts about chocolate:
Fun Fact: A 2004 study found that premenstrual cravings varied by culture with women in the US craving chocolate the most, while Japanese women most often had cravings for rice and sushi. Very interesting!
Now onto the health benefits of dark chocolate…
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is often referred to as a “superfood” because it’s rich in many key nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and much more! Studies have also shown that eating dark chocolate can offer these awesome health benefits:
- Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help fight disease and cancer-causing free radicals
- Chocolate can help improve heart health
- Chocolate can help boost brain power
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate continued…
- Chocolate can help improve eyesight
- Chocolate can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays
- Chocolate can help reduce blood pressure
- Chocolate can help raise good cholesterol (HDL)
Also ladies, here’s one more helpful tip when choosing which type of chocolate to indulge in: Remember, all chocolate is created equal. So if you want the most nutritional and health benefits, opt for high quality and nutrient-rich dark chocolate, as well as chocolate that has not been processed with a lot of added sugar. Plus, as a healthy bonus, fell free to check out the yummy Chocolate Smoothie recipes I’ve added below that you can enjoy during that time of the month (or whenever!)
Enjoy the video and Stay Beautiful!
XOXO,
Dr. Phoenyx
Dr. Phoenyx’s Shop – Nutrition for a Fit & Beautiful YOU!
Watch video here
Chocolate Smoothie Recipes to Enjoy During That Time of the Month (or Whenever!)
FitBeauty Mocha Smoothie
Ingredients
1 banana
3/4 cup coffee
1/2 cup chilled plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (normal or dark cocoa powder)
Preparation
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- If you prefer a more chocolatey smoothie, add more cocoa powder. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add stevia. If you prefer it thinner, add milk or a bit of ice.
Chocolate Coconut Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 banana
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (normal or dark cocoa powder)
2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
Preparation
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- If you prefer a more chocolatey smoothie, add more cocoa powder. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add stevia. If you prefer it thinner, add milk or a bit of ice.
Creamy Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie
Ingredients
1 – 1 ½ cup coconut milk (or milk of choice)
1 ripe banana, peeled (fresh or frozen)
1/3 cup frozen strawberries
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (normal or dark cocoa powder)
2 tbsp almond butter
1 handful of spinach (optional: adds extra magnesium and other key nutrients)
Preparation
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- If you prefer a more chocolatey smoothie, add more cocoa powder. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add stevia. If you prefer it thinner, add more milk or a bit of ice.
Chocolate Chia Smoothie
Ingredients
1 ½ cup coconut milk (or milk of choice)
1 ripe banana, peeled (fresh or frozen)
1 cup tightly-packed fresh spinach
3 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (normal or dark cocoa powder)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- If you prefer a more chocolatey smoothie, add more cocoa powder. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add stevia. If you prefer it thinner, add more milk or a bit of ice.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Ingredients
1 ½ cup coconut milk (or milk of choice)
1 ripe banana, peeled
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (preferably with no sugar added)
2 tablespoons honey
1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder
Preparation
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- If you prefer a more chocolatey smoothie, add more cocoa powder. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add stevia. If you prefer it thinner, add more milk or a bit of ice.
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