On the Run: fitness made simple

Morning Everyone!

This week, I’ve been having Almond Breeze’s Chocolate Almond Milk as part of my breakfast. I’ve been looking for low-calorie, no-added-sugar version of chocolate milk for a while so I’m glad I found this. It’s refreshing with just the right amount of cocoa to make you forget about any chocolate cravings! At just 45 calories a cup with 45% of your DVR of Calcium, it can easily be part of your daily diet. 

Some ideas for use:

1. Add to cereal for more flavor.
2. Mocha Latte 
3. Chocolate Banana “ice cream”

I’m astounded by how much sugar some dark chocolate bars can pack! The top bar has 28g of sugar per serving! Thank goodness there are bars that only have 5g of sugar such as Godiva. (I only eat half a serving, so that’s only 2.5 g!) A couple squares of Dark chocolate a few times a week can be a healthy part of your diet, but make sure to read the nutrition label to check for sugar, fiber, sugar alcohols (which can give people gas…), and ingredients.

I love chocolate tasting and even take notes while trying different bars! My favorite percentage is 85% and I try to only buy chocolate with less than 8g of sugar per serving.

Note: 4g = 1 teaspoon

The benefits of dark chocolate include better skin, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, lots of potent antioxidants, and natural release of endorphins. However, it’s hard to budget in chocolate when you’re trying to lose weight or to eat less sweets (like me). I’m young, so I’m not too concerned about my blood pressure & cholesterol stuff, but I am always trying to improve my skin! However, chocolate is really high in calories, saturated fat, and can be addicting. We only need 1 ounce of chocolate (not sure how much that is…but I think about 100 calorie worth?!). It’s hard for me to eat just a part of a chocolate bar especially since I’m OCD and uneven things bother me (a chocolate bar that looks like a Tetris T piece would drive me crazy). 

So this is what I do…

1. Running: When I’m training, I hate the feeling of heavy, fatty foods in my stomach so I naturally avoid chocolate without cravings. However when i’m injured and NOT running…
2. Eat only >80% Dark Chocolate for less sugar (about 5g per sugar or just over 1 teaspoon) 
3. Use one tasting square (~80 calories) in my warm bowl of oats. LOVE IT. So satisfying! Having chocolate as a topping makes the cocoa flavor go a long way and helps you portion your chocolate. 
4. I’m an avid chocolate taster. Chocolate tasting is a great mental exercise as it challenges to use all 5 of your senses to describe chocolate. It takes time and effort. I’ve made it a rule that if I’m going to eat my fine chocolates, then I’m going to have to sit down and take notes. Sometimes I get too lazy to even eat chocolate Ha! Also, it’s crazy how difficult it can be to focus on the aroma and evolution of flavors in dark chocolates. Right now I have a Bonnat Bar to taste! 
5. Signed up for Godiva Rewards Club for a free truffle once a month! It’s fun to get a free chocolate =) 

Hope this helps! Or maybe I just have problems with chocolate…

Geri <3 

I’m getting tired of cleaning my food processor! aka no more banana ice cream for a while… -_- 

Helloooo Banana Truffles! 

• Chop up and freeze bananas for 4 hours 
• Spread 1 tablespoon of 100% Cacao powder unsweetened (15 calories yo) on parchment paper
• Roll bananas in the powder 
• Enjoy! 

Can also use PB2 or PB2 Chocolate from http://www.bellplantation.com/ which are also low calorie (23 calories per tablespoon). 

I usually add posts to my queue but I was SOOO excited about this recipe, I had to share it right away! 

Chocolate Banana “Ice Cream” 

1. 2 small frozen bananas

2. 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Ghirardelli’s all natural which is only 15 calories a tablespoon) 

3. 2 tablespoons of milk

Whiz until desired consistency in a food processor!

This is SOOO good. My roommate and I were licking our spoons and the bowl of the food processor. Best part about this dessert, is that it needs no added sugar! The bananas are plenty sweet and mixes with the cocoa to give a delicious chocolatey flavor. Perfect ending to the day!

In the morning, I cut up 2 small bananas, place them in ziplock bags, and throw them in the freezer. At night, I have a great dessert waiting for me! =) 

PS: I take pictures with my iPhone, and am not a great food blogger/photograph so this chocolate ice cream mayyyy resemble something else less appetizing…BUT trust me, it’s SO GOOD. I’m in love. <3 <3 <3