Wednesday, February 17, 2010

THE GREAT CHOCOLATE DEBATE

In my previous blog post, I talked about one of my hands-down, no-holds-barred, all-time-favorite subjects, chocolate.

And I confessed I’m a chocoholic.

Just to recap: this New Year’s Day, I gave up chocolate, and with my previous post, many people weighed in on my question as to whether or not I should put that sweet treat back on my menu. In case you were wondering...

...the answer is...

YES!!!!!!!!!!

(Oh, the relief! LOL)

Of course, you know it wasn’t an easy decision. I agonized, weighed all the pros and cons, even considered alternative suggestions. What I came up with was a list:


The Top Three Rules for Chocolate Consumption

1. Dark chocolate trumps any other kind, as it’s practically a health food.

2. It’s best to keep chocolate out of the house and save it as a treat away from home.

3. Chocolate (dark, of course) should be eaten in moderation.


Well, it’s confession time again, folks.

#1 I can live with. Sometimes.

#2 seems like it will be doable--just as soon as I polish off those last few candy bars in the pantry....

#3 is not something I can even think about at this time. (I told you I was weak, didn’t I? At least I’m honest.)

But, hey, two out of three ain’t bad.

Thanks to those of you who weighed in with your opinions and comments and have made me a better, stronger, healthier woman as a result!


All my best to you,

Barbara

~~~~~~

Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

20 comments:

Linda Henderson said...

It would be really hard to give up chocolate totally. I think in moderation it would be okay.

Barbara White Daille said...

Linda, I'm with you! Thanks for the vote of support. ;-)

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Annemarie Nikolaus said...

No, dark chocolate is no good. You can't eat much of it without having a bad taste in your mouth ater; too heavy. Milk chocolate is better: You can eat it, till your ms is finished.
We tested it in my writers' group: Milk chocolate is the best food to keep on writing.

Annemarie

Barbara White Daille said...

Annemarie - interesting test results from your group. I will keep their findings in mind.

Of course, the bitter taste of the dark chocolate just might help me stick to "moderation."

Decisions, decisions... LOL

Thanks for posting the info!

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Melanie Atkins said...

My solution: Eat both. Who says you have to choose? lol

Happy munching! ; )

Edie Ramer said...

Now you've made me hungry for chocolate - and I don't have any in the house. :( I'm trying to do Nr. 2 and lose some weight. If it's in the house, I can't resist. I'm weak.

Leigh Duncan said...

Hubby gave me a box of wonderful chocolates for V-Day. How nice of him, considering I'm perpetually on a diet. I'm like Edie, can't resist...so I put them in his lunchbox. He didn't dare complain, even though he's on a diet, too.

Maryanne said...

In the past I gave chocolate up for the 40 days of Lent. I have to admit it was difficult.

Carol said...

Awww...now I'm craving chocolate. Haven't had any since New Years.

Dark Chocolate has the highest pf cocoa solids so is packed with natural flavanol antioxidants. Researchers also say it may contribute to improved cardiovascular health.

So feel special when you grab that next piece of choc. Moderation being key here. :)

I feel for you. Being borderline diabetic, giving up most of my chocolate was one of the hardest things to do. I make a dip with Splenda for strawberries, apples or whatever! Gotta have my choc.

Barbara White Daille said...

<< My solution: Eat both. Who says you have to choose?

Oh, Melanie, I always knew you were fabulous, and this proves it! ;-))) Thanks for the suggestion.

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Barbara White Daille said...

Edie - you're not alone in your weakness.

I'm just sorry I made you hungry for chocolate--but if it helps, you're not alone there, either! LOL

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Barbara White Daille said...

Leigh - okay, I can't resist...

Revenge is sweet, isn't it?

You go, girl.

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Barbara White Daille said...

Maryanne - good for you! I was going to say: "Wow. Forty days? I can't even imagine."

Then I stopped and thought about it. I gave it up from New Year's Day thru February 7... Aww, you beat me by two days! (grin)

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Barbara White Daille said...

Carol - hugs on the borderline diabetes. I know you're doing what's right to keep it under control.

But I'm glad you have options to give you a little taste of chocolate once in a while.

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Nicole's Book Musings said...

Moderation is the key, so I'm glad you added chocolate back. Don't want you to crave it until you binge on it. I have to agree with Annmarie, I can only have so much dark chocolate because of the taste it leaves.

Barbara White Daille said...

Nicole - I'm glad I went back to eating chocolate, too.

And I so agree about the craving/binging problem. Denial is not a good thing!

Thanks for posting.

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Unknown said...

There is a 12 step program for chocoholics. Never, never be more than 12 steps from your chocolate!

Barbara White Daille said...

OMGosh, Dale, you have me ROTFL!

That is PRICELESS.

Thanks for sharing.

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Mary Marvella said...

No way will i give up chocolate! I love it. don't give me a large chocolate bar. I will eat the whole thing. Seriously. I break off a piece and eat it, then go back for more until it's gone!

Without chocolate, I'm not a very nice person. Dark is good, white is good milk chocolate is good. Chocolate with nuts is better and with almonds it is heaven!

Barbara White Daille said...

Mary,

I'm right there with you as far as the "don't give me a large chocolate bar" issue. LOL

Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone out there.

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com