....and not only because Mother's Day is almost here!
You're the one with the power, the most important role and job in the family. You're the decision-maker, negotiator, the house-hold purchaser, shopper, caretaker, chauffeur, cleaner, dishwasher, maid, laundry-master, child stylist, hairdresser, behavior-corrector, tutor, art teacher, waitress, server, master chef, bar tender, chief hugger, the wiper (tears + other things ew),fight-breaker-upper, psychiatrist, monster-catcher, cruise director, police woman, detective, translator, story-reader, optimist...and the list goes on. And many of you have a career on top of this. Holy cow! Cheers to you! (that's where the wine comes in!)
With so much going on all of the time, it's important to take a breath occasionally for your sanity. And that second of sanity, S.O.S., can be as simple as a piece of chocolate. Yup, I just invented SOS but it's medicine that's proving dark chocolate is the answer.
So here's your new prescription mom! Ready to put this on your refrigerator? Blow it up BIG! And stick it up there with a chocolate magnet or for those who have stainless steel, tape works!
You deserve to enjoy one piece of dark chocolate once a day, every day.
See where the refills should come from? Yeah, that's right...Dad and your kids!
It's so important not only to gain solace for a moment but to also have those around you recognize all that you do....constantly.
And if you're thinking this is way too indulgent. Get over it!
REMEMBER THESE IMPORTANT POINTS
Dark chocolate is natural and nutritious. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids which are antioxidants that have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and boost overall heart health. There are also studies in cancer, diabetes and many other disease states. Choose chocolate that is at least 70 percent cacao or cocoa to optimize the antioxidant power and health benefits
Dark chocolate can have more than five times the flavonoids of an apple
Dark chocolate may reduce the risk of a heart attack. Research found that blood platelets clotted more slowly in people who had eaten chocolate than in those who had not. This is significant because when platelets clump, a clot can form, and when the clot blocks a blood vessel, it can lead to a heart attack
Some studies suggest that dark chocolate can offset Type 2 diabetes
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that dark chocolate is far more filling, offering more of a feeling of satiety than its lighter-colored sibling. That is, dark chocolate lessens cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods
Dark chocolate can boost your mood! It contains several psychoactive chemicals that act as stimulants and mood elevators... and may induce same feelings that love does. Key for stress reduction. Dark chocolate also influences serotonin which may provide an energizing effect. This increased energy may also improve longevity and stamina...which in turn has a perceived effect of increasing libido. It’s also seen to have an effect in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Women who ate chocolate daily during their pregnancy reported that they were better able to handle stress than mothers-to-be who abstained. Also, a Finnish study found their babies were happier and smiled more
Dark chocolate can improve your skins ability for UVA/UVB sun protection (read one of my earlier blogs)
Not only will dark chocolate help your body ward off the effects of stress, but may boost your brain power. Researchers from Oxford University and Norway studied chocolate's long-term effects on the brain by analyzing the diets of more than 2,000 people over age 70. They found that those who consumed flavanol-rich chocolate, wine, or tea scored significantly higher on cognitive tests than those who didn't
So relax in knowing that not only are you giving yourself a moment of peace and pleasure, you are also doing something good for your body and mind. All in moderation, of course.
Enjoy and get this Rx seen by your hubby and kids! Have a happy Mother's Day!
~Lisa Mecray Rogers, award-winning Master Chocolatier and Founder ofLuxx Chocolat® xquisite artisan chocolate, ChocoVin Chocolate & Wine Tastings® and Luxx Academy du Chocolat offering classes with adults in mind, Ridgewood resident, recognized as one of 2015, 2014 and 2013 Best Chocolatiers & Confectioners in America. Luxx Chocolat offers unique handcrafted works of art. Nothing artificial, no preservatives, not mass produced.
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