How to Eat Chocolate in Moderation

Chocolate is eaten by many people for its pungent taste. If you eat the dark variety, it is believed that you can enjoy health benefits. According to the New York Times, studies have indicated that flavonoids in dark chocolate reduce blood pressure, which helps prevent heart disease. Those same flavonoids are responsible for the chocolaty taste many crave. The less processed the chocolate, the fewer flavonoids are lost. Because an excess of chocolate can trigger weight gain, it's best when eaten in moderation.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep your chocolate stash in the freezer. Break the chocolate into bite-size pieces of approximately 5 grams (one square), so you are less tempted to eat large pieces at a time. Use dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 65 percent or higher to obtain health benefits.

• 2

  Take calories into consideration. Look at your lifestyle. If you exercise frequently and live an active lifestyle, you can allow yourself to consume more calories. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, limit your daily chocolate intake. One 5-gram square of chocolate has approximately 25 calories. If you permit yourself 100 extra calories daily, you can eat four squares.

• 3

  Eat one piece of chocolate and savor the smell and taste of the chocolate as it melts in your mouth. Take your time and consume the chocolate during a quiet moment, so you can fully enjoy it. Because the chocolate was kept in the freezer it can take up to three minutes before it is gone. If you kept the chocolate at room temperature, it will be gone faster.

• 4

  Eat another square of chocolate in a similar fashion if your craving persists. Keep track of the amount of chocolate you eat, because the calories quickly add up. Once your craving is satisfied, save the remaining calories for later on in the day.

• 5

  Drink a cup of hot chocolate if you crave chocolate and have already eaten your daily allotment. Even though the warm liquid doesn't have the same health benefits as dark chocolate, it is less fattening, yet still soothing and comforting.