Nothing says "I love you" like chocolate this Valentine’s Day. But a chocolate obsession can sometimes be unhealthy and caloric. It also depends on what type of chocolate you are indulging in and how often. Milk chocolate is not always your best bet. For example, a Dove dark chocolate miniature and milk chocolate both equal 210 calories, but the dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. Here are some healthy ways to indulge in chocolate with both your sweetie and sweet tooth from my Fitness Answer Meal Plan:
CHOCOLATE CHIP WAFFLES
• 1/4 cup of oatmeal
• 1 scoop of chocolate whey protein powder
• 1/4 cup vanilla sugar-free yogurt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp. wheat germ
• 2 tbsp. flaxseed meal
• 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa
• 1 tbsp. carob chips
• 1 tbsp. Splenda or Stevia Powder
• cooking spray
Mix all ingredients together to a batter consistency. Preheat waffle iron, spray with cooking spray then add a heaping spoonful of batter onto each waffle square. Cook until golden brown.
CHOCOLATE CINNAMON CASHEW PARFAIT
• 1/2 pkg. of instant sugar-free chocolate pudding
• 1 cup of skim, soy or almond milk
• 2 scoops of whey protein powder
• 1 cup of cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons of light whipped topping
• ½ tsp. of cinnamon
• 2 tbsp. of cashews
Mix pudding with milk, then add the whey. Fold in cottage cheese mixture, cinnamon and whipped topping. Sprinkle with cashews
Serving Size 1 cup
MOCK TIRAMISU
* ½ cup of low-fat free ricotta cheese
* 1 tsp. of cocoa powder
* 1 tsp. Splenda or Stevia Sweetener
* Dash of vanilla extract
* ½ cup of skim, soy or almond milk
* ¼ cup of Sugar Free chocolate pudding
* 1 scoop of chocolate whey protein
* 5 fresh cut strawberries
* 2 tbsp. of light whipped cream
In a bowl mix the ricotta cheese, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and Splenda. Set aside. Mix together milk, pudding mix and protein powder. Layer two small dessert dishes with strawberries. Follow with alternate layers of ricotta and pudding mixtures. Top with whipped topping. Makes 2 servings.
HEALTHY AND HOT COCOA
* 2 tbsp. of Cocoa powder
* 1 cup of Vanilla Almond or Coconut Milk
* ¼ tsp. of vanilla extract
Heat milk in microwave for 1 ½ minutes, then slowly stir in cocoa and vanilla extract
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiance, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.