Eat chocolate every day to lose weight? Isn’t this the dream of all great gourmands? It would be too good to be true, there must necessarily be eel under rock. Yes, nothing is that simple in life. Because, wait, it’s not about enjoying a small candy bar between meals or enjoying a delicious fondant in the evening in front of your favorite series. No, in truth, when we talk about the “chocolate diet”, we mean a sharp food program that revolves only around this ingredient. So yes, if it is well known to boost morale and stimulate the feeling of well-being, it does not prevent that the very idea of consuming it at all meals from morning to night, strangely it is less cheerful. In fact, it is rather depressing. However, some people have ventured to experiment with it: against all odds, this unusual diet would lose 7 kilos in a week!
Admit that this figure also leaves you dreaming. But at what price, that’s the question! If it is particularly effective, this diet is nevertheless very demanding and even dangerous because of all the nutritional deficiencies. We must realize that when you want to lose weight in a vertiginous way, you must have strong nerves, an iron will and arm yourself with a lot of patience. This diet is not suitable for everyone and it is very difficult to bear. If you absolutely want to get rid of your few extra pounds, as experts indicate, it will take a lot of effort.
Let’s discover together the pros and cons of the chocolate diet.
Advantages and disadvantages of the chocolate diet
The so-called “black gold” has been the subject of much research. And all agree to salute its anti-stress and soothing virtues. Packed with antioxidants and magnesium, chocolate is known to boost the brain, improve memory and boost mood. In addition, it has the ability to increase levels of serotonin, the hormone of happiness. Thus, according to specialists, 150 to 200 calories of chocolate per day bring many benefits to the brain and body.
Unlike other diets, the main advantage of this slimming method is that you can consume chocolate. However, in the minds of many people, diet and chocolate do not mix! However, it is quite possible to lose weight if you eat it in moderation and especially if you make the right choice. Because obviously, if you set your sights on white or milk chocolate, do not expect to lose a gram! It is naturally advisable to favor dark chocolate with a high cocoa content that does not induce a glycemic peak.
Now back to the chocolate diet. As has been said, one of its advantages is to allow you to lose weight quickly and hope for spectacular results that can last a long time.
Unfortunately, the major drawback of this special program is that it slows down the metabolism. And because of certain dietary deficiencies, this diet can cause kidney disease and rashes.
The authors of this slimming method claim that weight loss occurs due to reduced appetite and a boost of energy, accentuated by the effects of chocolate and coffee, combined together. It is scientifically proven that caffeine is not only an appetite suppressant, but it also has the power to burn fat. It thus reduces body volume and promotes significant weight loss. To obtain even more satisfactory results, having a coffee before doing a sports session, even light, allows a greater energy expenditure. Enough to melt a little more calories!
Be careful, do not abuse coffee either! Although it burns fat, it remains an stimulant that can have negative effects on the body if consumed in excess.
The duration of the chocolate diet is one week. As this is a very strict and deprivative program, do not consider adding another day. You have to eat a bar of dark chocolate every day and deprive yourself of any other gastronomic pleasures. Coffee should definitely be part of this diet. To vary the flavors, you can add skim milk to your coffee, but without sugar.
On the other hand, it is necessary to drink a lot of water, at least 1.5 liters per jo.Your. Allow a break of at least an hour between drinking water and eating chocolate. Apart from coffee and water, you should not drink anything else.
A light version of the chocolate diet
Obviously, eating only chocolate and drinking coffee all week is not necessarily pleasant or bearable for everyone. If you want to lose just a few pounds to polish your summer body, there is always a way to opt for a gentler and more tolerable version of this draconian diet.
You can experience the “Italian chocolate diet”. Its results will not be as impressive, but it will allow you to deflate a little and lose some superfluous calories.
Its big advantage: it allows varied and diversified meals. Indeed, it includes in the food program a number of foods: berries, fruits and vegetables, but only in raw form. Even pasta is allowed, but very little and only based on durum wheat. Skim milk and 500 ml of kefir are also recommended in this diet. And again, you have to drink enough water.
Many people will surely opt for this regime, since it is less strict and less restrictive than the other.
Kefir and chocolate diet
Consumed around the world, kefir is a fermented beverage very popular in some diets. Concentrated in milk or fruit juices, kefir seeds have beneficial properties to stay healthy and to keep the line. Shock slimming ally, this probiotic drink is rich in good bacteria and active yeasts. It is usually integrated into a balanced diet to enjoy all its benefits. And they are very numerous: reduction of bloating, fight against cellular oxidation, maintenance of intestinal flora, good digestion … It also boosts immunity and covers the needs of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
As part of a varied diet, kefir can contribute to weight loss. Obviously, this will also be the case in this chocolate-based diet, but it is advisable not to exceed 5 days. Because the daily menu is rather strict.
- Breakfast: 150ml fat-free yogurt, 20g dark chocolate, 100ml kefir
- Lunch: 50 g dark chocolate
- Snack: 200 ml of a cocoa drink
- Dinner: 30 g dark chocolate
- Snack before sleeping: 150 ml of kefir or fat-free yogurt
Don’t forget to drink water between meals. Other liquids are prohibited.
Some people love chocolate and despair of not eating as much as they want. Because everywhere, whether on the Internet, in magazines or on television, we are warned about its important caloric contribution. And that it is therefore necessary to consume it with a lot of moderation!
In truth, it all depends on the percentage of cocoa and the quality of the product itself. Because, there is a big difference between dark, white and milk chocolates. Just as there is a gap between industrial and artisanal chocolates. The former are more distilled in flavors with a higher proportion of sugar and a high presence of vegetable fats. While the latter have a flavor and taste in the mouth much more marked in cocoa and vanilla or fruity notes.
You should know that cocoa powder comes from beans. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of natural beans. This percentage is also indicated on the packaging of a tablet.
Also, chocolates containing at least 50% cocoa and 30% butter are the most suitable for the diet. They are full of benefits, but contain fewer calories. You can also opt for chocolate powder with semi-skimmed milk, the taste is even more pleasant. On the other hand, white chocolate is not suitable for this diet, because it does not contain cocoa.
N.B: Remember that the chocolate diet is an express program for those who want to lose weight quickly, without really doing sports activities. But, as has been said, it is a slimming diet that presents Significant disadvantages, even if it works. If you feel a general weakening or if you find it unbearable, it is better not to continue the diet.
Integrating chocolate into a conventional diet
Did you know that some nutritionists recommend the consumption of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) as part of a diet to avoid frustration and some bulimic cravings? Indeed, thanks to its anxiolytic effect, it can act as an appetite suppressant. Thus, experts advise to consume 3 squares a day, after meals. As it contains good fats and has anti-stress properties, not only can it allow you to lose weight, but as a bonus it gives a boost to your morale. Especially when you are deprived of sugar!
Warning
As it is part of the no-carb diets, here are the contraindications of the chocolate diet:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding of a baby
- Heart disease
- gastrointestinal diseases
- Diabetes
See also 10 tips to lose weight without dieting and without effort
