Let’s be honest, most of us love chocolate! But could dark chocolate be your secret weapon for weight loss? It might be! Dark chocolate as a treat can help support your weight loss efforts in a few ways. First of all, it’s very low on the glycemic index, which means that it won’t cause sugar spikes. Keeping insulin levels steady is very important to weight loss.

Dark chocolate can also be helpful for those who have difficulties with emotional eating or food addiction.  It can help satisfy cravings for both sweet and fatty foods, as well as contains a feel-good compound which may also help improve mood. Because of its rich flavor and low level of sugar, it’s difficult to eat too much, especially at percentages higher than 80%.

While dark chocolate should definitely still be considered a treat, the reasons above make it a great ally when it comes to weight loss.  So, let’s have a look at a few healthy dark chocolate recipes to help you beat sugar cravings, lose the weight, and have fun at the same time!  We’ll try to keep them refined sugar free, dairy free and grain free in case you’re intolerant.

1.Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups by MomGonePaleo.com

I bet you thought that peanut butter cups were definitely not part of your healthy nutrition plan?  Well, make these clean eating dark chocolate almond butter cups, and you can have your favorite treat back!  All you need to make them is some almond butter (substitute healthy peanut butter if you wish) and dark chocolate…and a little coconut oil is optional. Click Here for Full Recipe

2.Dark Chocolate Fudge by DessertsWithBenefits.com

Even though it contains no dairy, this fudge recipe is super creamy and rich.  The recipe author uses coconut milk, xanthan gum, erythritol, soy protein powder and unsweetened chocolate.  The protein powder even makes it a great post-workout treat! Click Here for Full Recipe

3.Raw Dark Chocolate Mousse by TessaDomesticDiva.com

This dark chocolate mousse is to die for!  It’s made with cashews, coconut milk, coconut oil, cacao powder, honey, liquid stevia, vanilla and berries of your choice.  The perfect dairy free dessert to make if you’re entertaining guests! Click Here for Full Recipe

4.Dark Chocolate Cherry Bars by TheHealthyMaven.com

These bars are the perfect take-with-you treat, so they work great as a post-workout snack!  Made with cashews, dried cherries, dates, cacao powder, almonds, puffed millet and dark chocolate!  All natural ingredients and awesome taste! Click Here for Full Recipe

5.Superfood Dark Chocolate Truffles by ElizabethRider.com

These truffles are beautiful, delicious and super healthy! Make them with dark chocolate, virgin coconut oil (it’s got great metabolism boosting benefits!), raw honey, coffee, vanilla, sea salt, dark cocoa powder and optional chia seeds. Click Here for Full Recipe

If you like the recipes, please share it with your friends and on social media! Help them to re-discover healthy dark chocolate treats!

Source: athleanx.com