This week, leading up to Easter, it is hard to avoid the subject of CHOCOLATE! 

There’s chocolate everywhere. 

Now you may have heard that chocolate is bad for you and that it should be avoided, particularly if you are trying to lose weight...

Well I’m here to show you how you can eat chocolate, lose weight and stay healthy...

You just need to know how to eat it the right way...

Chocolate isn't the problem!

Chocolate in its’ raw form is an amazing super food; treasured and revered by Ancient civilizations. It even held a special place in royal and religious events in the past. 

Did you know that the Mayan and Aztec Priests presented cacao seeds as offerings to the gods?  In addition, they used to serve chocolate drinks during sacred ceremonies.

Why would they do this? These cultures knew the true value of chocolate. Besides being super rich in absorbable antioxidants, nutrients, minerals and vitamins, it is also extremely high in natural healing properties.

So, if chocolate is not the problem, what is?

Actually, the real problem is not with chocolate but with highly processed chocolate. Most people, may not have stopped to consider that the two are similar, but certainly not the same. In fact, there is a big difference.

Chocolate that has been highly processed, is refined and has undergone the addition of artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives and additives.

This type of chocolate has been created with the goal of maximising corporate profits. It has been designed to be highly addictive and to maximise shelf life.

Highly processing your chocolate, transforms it into a toxic product, which destroys it's good qualities. (I go into this subject in more detail in my book, 'Losing Weight is a Healing Journey')

4 Ways to Enjoy Eating Chocolate this Easter...

Here are 4 ways that you can enjoy eating chocolate this Easter... It's a great way to enjoy the healing power of chocolate without any of the harmful side effects...

1. Eat Organic Chocolate

When you buy a bar of organic chocolate it means that all the ingredients are organic. This assures you that there are no fake artificial additives, colourings or flavourings.

Money-wise, be prepared to invest more than processed chocolate as this stuff is worth its’ weight in gold. It’s delicious and you will certainly eat far less.

Since it does not have artificial additives, you will also find that it is not fattening, nor addictive and it won't give you those horrible sugar spikes.

One last thing, the better the chocolate, the higher the chocolate percentage it will have. Milk chocolate will be about 30-45% but the highest quality chocolate is 55% and above. I have even seen some chocolate at 90%!

2. Eat Raw Organic Chocolate

Raw organic chocolate is a real treat. It comes in many different forms; so keep an eye out for raw chocolate powder, nibs or ready-made chocolate bars.

Raw chocolate is not cheap, but keep in mind that it is full of nutritional goodness. Let the price serve as a powerful reminder that real chocolate is a treat.

3. Add Raw Organic Chocolate Powder to Smoothies

Raw chocolate powder (looks like cocoa powder) and makes a delicious smoothie when blended with a cup of non-dairy milk, apple juice or water.

Raw chocolate powder is a great addition to a healthy diet and the great thing about raw chocolate powder is that a little goes a long way.

4. Eat Organic Carob

Organic carob powder looks very similar to cocoa powder. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and the trace minerals iron, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel and other vitamins, carob powder has a chocolate taste, that is often called 'sweet'. Carob is my favourite way to enjoy chocolate without guilt.

Here is a recipe for one of my favourite chocolate cake recipes which can be made from either raw chocolate powder or carob.