Chocolate

[M21166]

I keep seeing articles saying one or two squares is fine and will satisfy a chocolate craving. Do people really eat chocolate like that? I can't. If I have a bar of chocolate then it's a given that I will eat all of it. Finally I have found a way to fix the craving without derailing my weight loss program. Pret a Manger do a little bar of dark chocolate with a hint of salt. And at 139cal it's easier to fit in with the diet than anything else I have seen. Does anyone know of other chocolate bars available to buy individually with similar calories?

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A number of the ones aimed at children e.g. freddo, kinder are similar size and calories. Personally I have to keep away altogether. Once I have some I start craving more.

[lucigret]

Chocolate, a lot of people's downfall!

I loved chocolate and never thought I would be able to go a week without any. When I started here I would allow some calories for chocolate, but found that the little fredo bars, or curly curly would just make me crave more. I started to drink Options hot chocolate instead and I found that that would satisfy my craving. I now find it too sweet.

Dark chocolate is a much better alternative, you really do only need a little to satisfy the craving and after eating it for a while, milk chocolate seems terribly sweet. It has taken the best part of a year for me to be able to resist chocolate, I am not saying I never eat it, but I know find that I would prefer something savoury or even a bowl of yoghurt with fruit. Never though I would see the day!

My son asked me for a twix last week, as it happened I couldn't find one where I was so he didn't get it. When I went shopping I picked one up for him and read the calories, 185kcals for one finger - it was quickly put back and I have to say I was so shocked there was no way I was going to buy it.

How many calories have we consumed in chocolate over the years, because we just mindlessly ate it without giving a thought to the calorie content?

[Active_43]

Aldi do a large range of dark chocolate individual bars in a multipack

[M21166 in reply to Active_43]

Lol. The multi pack is a problem for me. I can't cope with the stuff screaming EAT ME from the cupboard.

[Active_43 in reply to M21166]

What you need is a treat jar and a couple of teenagers. I buy a pack of 4 bars put them in the jar, eat 1 and the rest magically disappear!!

[Endrick 1st 7lbs in reply to Active_43]

No kidding!! LOL

[Endrick 1st 7lbs]

Chocolate is a funny thing, isn't it? My step-father was allergic to it, so when I was growing up it didn't figure in my eating patterns at all, for which I am now profoundly grateful. When I do crave it, though, it's always before a migraine -- a pattern I always seem to forget until it's too late (*doh*). Like you, I don't think I could have a few squares of chocolate and then not eat the whole thing. My solution isn't actually very helpful for you, I guess: either not to open the gift box of yummies people always seem to give as a hostess gift (why why why do people give me truffles?) or not to buy any in the first place. But since the Pret bar does it for you, it's a good solution, and dark chocolate isn't quite as more-ish as milk. Could be just the trick.

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When I first started I had to allow myself a small bar every evening which I included in my calorie allowance. I opted for either a crunchie from a multipack or a milky way from the same. After 4 weeks I decided to try and go a week without them. To my surprise I went over two weeks before I next had some. It is now something I only eat once or twice a month at most.

The first time I had a milky way after not eating one for over 2 weeks omg I couldn't believe how sweet they were. It's amazing how abstaining for a couple of weeks can change your taste buds

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A treat jar is my preferred option! I keep some blue ribbands and tunnock's tea cakes in there. Both are around 100 - 130 calories (from memory) and if I fancy one - I have the option.

I keep it in a cupboard I don't use often - that way, I don't constantly see it when I'm looking for other stuff so it's not in my face all the time!

Same with crisps - I have Skips (70 odd calories from memory) or if I've got a few potatoes need using up ill make my own and just enough for one portion.

Tom Kerridge also has some great recipes for a chocolate popcorn bar and chocolate custard pot - both which I've tried before and are great! (Using dark chocolate)