A Moment of Truth: Confessions of a True Chocoholic
Is all the chocolate from your kids' Trick-or-Treat bags gone
already? And not because your children ate it all? If you are
anything like me, the chocolate candies are nowhere to be found
because you have relentlessly snatched them from your unknowing
children and, with much guilt and remorse, ate them all. Not
because you don't like your kids eating too much chocolate (it's
for their own good, right?). And not because you are desperately
trying to put on a few pounds. The truth is, you are a serious
chocoholic, and anything containing chocolate doesn't last long
in your home because it ends up in your stomach.
Now, many of us are well known as chocoholics, but others, to
some extent, still have one leg in the closet. Those close to us
know we love chocolate, but when the candy goes missing we don't
claim any responsibility. I have recently removed myself from
the darkness and became a self-proclaimed chocoholic. Moreover,
I am ready to explore the reasons behind my desires and what can
be done about it. In fact, it's probably time we all came out of
the candy-filled closet to discuss this propensity for the
sugary sweet. Why do we have it? Is there a genetic component to
our needs? And what is truly so bad about being addicted to this
mere cocoa bean? Most importantly, what can we do to keep our
habitual desire in check? I will explore all of the above and
detail a healthy way to keep chocolate in our diets.
Why are we the chosen addicted to chocolate anyway? Within my
research, I have found that several scientists believe genetics
does play a part in why certain people become consumed by the
taste and smell of chocolate. Although I am not a scientist, I
also believe that the inevitable craving for chocolate has some
hereditary component. In my family, both parents have the desire
to eat anything containing even a trace of chocolate. My sisters
have also been burdened with this want for any such version of
chocolate. In addition, my eldest brother requires much will to
keep himself away from the candy cabinet in his home. This may
not be scientific evidence, but it is my experience and stands
to reason in my mind. No doubt, many chocoholics reading this
article can think of at least two relatives that require a daily
dose of chocolate to keep them happy.
So what is the big deal about chocolate anyway? Is it really
that bad for us? I guess the answer is yes and no. Yes for some
of us, no for others. Many doctors and psychologists believe
that being addicted to chocolate means that one has the genetic
code for simply being an addict. Many chocoholics are also
alcoholics, smokers, and on down the line of addictive
behaviors. Research also shows that many obese people are
burdened with chocolate addiction as well as addiction to other
foods. For these folks, addiction to anything has the potential
to become problematic.
What about those of us who are chocoholics but not obese and not
regular addicts? I myself am not obese. I am also not an
addict...to anything but chocolate. I have never dealt with any
other addiction. I do not have addictive behavior and do not
believe I have the disease of addiction. I am simply in love
with chocolate and want it almost as much as I want a good
nights' sleep. Is it truly dangerous for me? Of course it's not
the healthiest of foods to love but I've yet to enter the realm
of danger. But it wouldn't hurt to find a better way to fulfill
my desires.
Most chocoholics know their habit is not necessarily a good one
and would be willing to try a healthier alternative. Replacing
chocolate with carob chips could ease kicking the chocolate
habit, but the taste is just not the same. Another alternative
is dark chocolate, which is known to have health benefits such
as lowering high blood pressure. It also contains a potent
antioxidant which helps to fight heart disease and other
ailments. Just don't wash it down with a glass of milk because
milk prevents absorption of the good stuff. Dark organic
chocolate is said to be the healthiest choice. It is more
expensive than the average chocolate bar but is very rich in
flavanoids and antioxidants. Dark organic chocolate, when
consumed in moderation, can help to control diabetes and blood
pressure. This is the best replacement for those who are
addicted to chocolate but need a healthier variety.
Whatever your choice, it is imperative to remember that all
types of chocolate contain large amounts of sugar and should
only be consumed by healthy individuals. I myself would like to
say that from now on I'm only going to eat dark organic
chocolate in moderation. But who am I kidding. I know that I
lack the willpower. I believe in strength in numbers, however,
and look forward to all the emails I will receive from fellow
chocoholics wanting to mellow, if not curb, the habit. I don't
think that chocolate is going to kill me, but it is certainly
not going to save my life. I will attempt to limit my
consumption and focus on buying dark varieties of chocolate.
Especially now that all the Halloween candy is gone. And if I
can do it, so can you.