When I think of a ‘superfood’ (a food that loves you back) I instantly think of fresh fruits and veggies.  While it’s true that these ‘garden goodies’ are the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, if you are anything like me, you’ll be happy to know that dark chocolate is a superfood!  Yep, that’s right!  The “food of the gods” as it used to be called, is actually packed with nutrients and sweet, satisfying plant-based fat.

I always think of ripe red cherry tomatoes and sweet Maine blueberries as “Nature’s candy”…but so is dark chocolate!  Dark chocolate is actually packed with heart-healthy antioxidants!  Dark chocolate helps to promote healthy blood flow and lower blood pressure.  Dark chocolate actually helps to curb sugar cravings.  It even slows digestion to help you feel fuller and more satisfied for longer.  It naturally helps you eat less.  Whoa!  Who would’ve thought?!!  Chocolate can easily be part of ANY balanced diet!  (Yay!)

It takes 400 cocoa beans to make just one pound of chocolate!!  The thing about HEALTHY chocolate is that it HAS to be dark.  Sure, everyone loves ‘chocolate’, but the majority of what is sold in supermarkets today is actually mostly just sugar and cream!  When looking for a chocolate bar, be sure to look for at least 70% cocoa content!

Recently, I wandered into our local Lindt Chocolate Store.  It always smells so awesome in there and it’s nice and cool on a really hot day.  The woman was kind enough to let me try all of the higher cocoa content bars!  I tasted 85%, 90% and 99%!  I have to say that I prefer 85-90% cocoa… It’s actually so satisfying without being TOO bitter!  Yum!

Maybe chocolate really IS a girl’s best friend!  How about you?!  What’s YOUR favorite kind of chocolate?!