LOVE AND CHOCOLATE

This will be day one of “Love and Chocolate”. I had way too much fun researching and writing on this one thus, two days. Let’s begin with some quotes (only a few of my favorites):

If it ain't chocolate, it ain't breakfast!

I only do chocolate if I am alone or with someone (Bill’s quote).

Seen on a tee shirt ~ EMERGENCY ALERT: If wearer of this shirt is found vacant, listless, or depressed, ADMINISTER CHOCOLATE IMMEDIATELY.

Chocolate is, let's face it, far more reliable than a man.

I could give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter.

For those of you trying to defend your addiction, err….‘like for chocolate’, you can be encouraged with the scientific fact that chocolate is healthy for you. Research shows that chocolate is high in antioxidants; has high amounts of an amino acid which produces serotonin (a natural anti-depressant) and, some believe chocolate increases the brain’s ability to store facts (great pre exam strategy!). We also know that dark chocolate can decrease high blood pressure and improve bouts with chronic fatigue syndrome. As far as chocolate and gender go, chocolate is the number one food group for women worldwide and second only to pizza among men. As far as Americans and chocolate go, a BIG, “HA!” on this one, the average American consumes an average of ______ pounds a year (read to the end for the answer).

I close out day one of “Love and Chocolate” with a ‘practical connection’ to chocolate, really! My research showed me that our emotions can actually be changed, chemically, with the additive of chocolate. If this is the case what are you lacking in your life, what additive do you need to consider, to give yourself a renewed sense of direction? NO! I am not advocating you go out and down your yearly allotment of chocolate in one sitting. I am asking, “What healthy, spiritual or neglected additive do you need to place in your life that may make you feel better?” This could be anything. Your anything could be going for a walk or doing that one thing you have been wanting to do but have not just got around to. Be looking for Day Two, “Love and Chocolate”. Now the answer to Americans and chocolate consumption: the average American consumes nearly 12 pounds of chocolate a year. I always knew I was not average!!