Happy Hump Day, Moms!  It’s the middle of the work week, and if you can make it through today, then you’re more than half way through to your much deserved weekend. 

So, to help you get over the hump I thought I’d share a health tip that I think most of you will enjoy.  Eat some chocolate!

What inspired this week’s tip was my trip to the shopping mall.  I was walking through the mall yesterday, minding my own business, looking for some polo shirts for my boys, when I pass by a See’s Candies Store.  My first thought was, “You don’t need any candy. You haven’t worked out at all this week.  Keep walking.”  Actually, my first thought was, “Boy, a milk chocolate caramel with pecans sure sounds good right now.”  But, I kept walking to my destination; after all, I’m at the mall for a quick stop to do some errands before heading back to work.  Moms, you know how we multi-task.
 
Anyway, I complete my intended task and pass by See’s Candies again, but this time I take a few steps back and I go in.  Why not? I’m a hard working mother.  Why can’t I partake in a little sweet treat?  Then it dawns on me.  Chocolate isn’t all bad, at least not dark chocolate.  There may be a negative stigma associated with this rich candy because of our tendency to overindulge, but dark chocolate is actually good for us, in moderation of course.  And, the purer and darker the chocolate, the healthier.

So, what is it about dark chocolate that makes it so healthy?  Well, if you’ve got another two minutes to spare I’ll tell you why:

• It’s high in antioxidants, which help slow the aging process and fight some forms of cancer.
• It increases blood flow to the brain and heart, therefore helping to improve cognitive function.
• It’s known to lower blood pressure
• It contains cocoa phenols, which has been known to prevent bad cholesterol from causing plaque buildup in the arteries.
• It’s known to increase insulin sensitivity, which lowers your risk for diabetes.
• It boosts your mood.  When I took my first bite of chocolate my spirit was lifted immediately.

For best health results, eating dark chocolate should be tempered with a proper diet and regular exercise. 

So, since we all know that a healthy mom is a happy mom, why not add some chocolate to your diet?  Not a chocolate eater?  Check out my suggestions on other healthier sweets by clicking below. http://careermommy.hubpages.com/hub/Heathier-Choices-to-Curb-that-Sweet-Tooth