We all know just how tasty chocolate is, but it can be tricky to find a tasty alternative to this favourite treat, especially if you’re trying to keep to a new health or fitness plan or if you’re trying to lose weight.
With many low-fat chocolate snack options available which compromise on taste and texture, many people can find themselves searching for a healthier and tastier alternative to their favourite sugar-loaded chocolate treats.
That’s where the superfood Cacao comes into its own as a healthy and tasty alternative to chocolate bars and treats that are commonly mixed with hydrogenated fats, additives and refined sugar – all ingredients that are best avoided if you’re trying to lose weight.
If you’re looking for a healthy and natural alternative to chocolate during a weight loss and fitness program, take a look at how the amazing superfood Cacao can help you below.
What is Cacao?
Chocolate is made from the cocoa bean, which is called Theobroma cacao in Latin and translates to ‘food of the gods’, possibly because of the incredible taste it has. In its purest form, Cacao is considered to be a seriously healthy superfood and great tasting alternative to chocolate.
Cacao is the original form of natural chocolate before it is turned into the cocoa powder that is commonly used in the process of most forms of chocolate bars and treats. Organic Cacao nibs or Cacao powder can provide you with all of the fantastic health benefits, without any of the additives like refined sugar, dairy and hydrogenated fats that can cause weight gain.
As Cacao is the unprocessed form of chocolate, it tastes delicious and is packed full of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and antioxidants that are the perfect addition to any weight loss program or health and fitness regime.
Why is finding a chocolate alternative great for weight loss?
Most chocolate bars and treats commonly available in our local supermarkets, petrol stations and newsagents are made from cocoa powder. Cocoa powder comes from cocoa beans grown on the cocoa plant, which are then harvested, roasted and ground in order to produce cocoa powder.
During this process, some of the nutritional natural and healthy content of the cocoa beans is lost. This is further hampered when many chocolate manufacturers add hydrogenated fats and refined sugars to sweeten the taste that we all recognise so well. In order to make milk chocolate, cow’s milk is then added to the cocoa powder mixture, which is why some people with lactose intolerance aren’t able to eat milk chocolate.
The problem with these added ingredients to the cocoa powder is that they aren’t helpful when you’re trying to lose weight. Unfortunately, sugar is a cause of weight gain because it contains a high number of calories and doesn’t provide the body with any natural minerals, vitamins or other ‘good’ substances.
Many studies have shown that it is advisable to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet when you’re trying to lose weight because it can really help you stay on top of your personal health goals. If we eat too much sugar, i.e. more than we need, our bodies can store the extra energy from these calories into fat, so it could help you to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet by finding a healthy and natural alternative to chocolate like Cacao powder or Cacao nibs.
How to include Cacao in your diet?
Cacao is considered a helpful superfood ingredient for weight loss as it can help to reduce your sugar intake by replacing your favourite chocolate bar or treat with great-tasting Cacao alternatives.
Antioxidant boosting Cacao products such as Cacao nibs are great for snacking on the go. Raw Cacao powder can be added to smoothies and cake mixes for a healthier alternative to cocoa powder, and you can even make a tasty dairy-free hot chocolate with it too!
You can find other tasty recipe ideas for Cacao nibs and raw Cacao powder on our blog.
Just remember to ensure that you source your Cacao, from a reliable retailer who can guarantee that you’re receiving the superfood in its purest form.
Much of Cacao’s health benefits, ingredients and effectiveness will come down to the way it has been processed, so by choosing a responsible and accredited brand, such as Superfood World, you can rest assured that you are getting the right ingredient you need.
