I’m not sure there’s anyone on the planet who loves chocolate more than I do.
Unfortunately, chocolate is an amazing food that’s highly misunderstood, especially after hormone-driven breast cancer!
Here are some chocolate myths:
- It’s fattening
- It’s junk food
- It’s full of sugar
- It’s a “cheat food”
- It spells diet disaster
- It’s not good for a breast cancer diet
- It means you have to exercise EXTRA to “burn it off”
Let’s take these one by one, shall we?
- No single food is “fattening”. The PATTERN of your diet is most important for weight management, as well as breast and overall health.
- Cocoa beans have minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals, but chocolate candy CAN be junky. . .some options are better than others, so it’s important to choose wisely; see next bullet.
- It can be. Choose ≥75% cocoa for lower added sugar content.
- The phrase “cheat food” needs to be banned from our vocabulary.
- Diets spell disaster. A healthy relationship with food means chocolate carries ZERO diet-mentality baggage.
- Studies show mixed results for benefit, but it’s not necessary to give it up. Go for high quality, high percentage cocoa for lower added sugar and more phytochemicals; skip the stuff that doesn’t give you any nutritional bang for your chocolate buck.
- Exercise is meant to help you feel strong, accomplished and empowered; it’s punishment, nor permission for eating.
So, is chocolate good for breast cancer survivors?
While I don’t like to describe food in terms of “good” or “bad”, I know you’re asking yourself that exact question.
I always remind my fellow survivors. . .I’m YOU! I want to eat in a way that supports my breast and overall health in survivorship, as well as potentially reduces my risk of recurrence.
Remember when I said I LOVE chocolate? It’s true.
I happen to adore plain, very high percentage cacao chocolate; think 85% and above (even 100%)! I love pairing it with dried fruits like dates, apricots and cherries for sweetness and extra fiber, vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds.
Tell me in the comments; would you try my chocolate/dried fruit combo?
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your dietitian or doctor for guidance specific to your needs.
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