Conversation or Chocolate

Valentine’s is a time for people to exchange their feelings with the ones they love. For more than 100 years Americans have been giving and receiving conversation hearts – those tiny candy hearts embossed with words and phrases. Some original imprinted candies words were "Be Mine," "Be True," "Be Good," "Sweet Talk," and "Kiss Me."

Now they have phrases like "Table 4 Two," "Love," "Top Chef," "Hug," "Honey Bun," "Stir My Heart," "My Treat," "Spice It Up," "Sugar Pie," "Yum Yum," and "Sweet Love."

They are thinking that the way to a loved ones heart is through their palate. I agree, but the way I show my love is with chocolate. Chocolate truffles, chocolate fudge, chocolate meltaways – any chocolate candy says I Love You. (why not have conversation with your chocolate.)

Eating Chocolate Can Keep You Awake

Can chocolate keep you up at night? Well chocolate does stir affection and awaken taste buds. Chocolate contains caffeine, but in varying amounts depending on the type.

Example:
A) 1.5 ounce Hershey’s milk chocolate bar, contains 9 milligrams, about 3 times as much as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
B) A dark chocolate Hershey’s candy bar has far more: about 30 milligrams.

Another stimulant in chocolate candy is theobromine, it increases the heart rate and causes sleeplessness.

There is an alternative – "white chocolate" – it does not contain any theobromine and little if any caffeine.

In conclusion – eating chocolate at night can "potentially" keep you awake.

Chocolate Candy Research

-A high percentage of shoppers used chocolate candy for a variety of purposes during this holiday season.

-Over 77% of holiday shoppers agreed that chocolate candy is an important part of their holiday celebrations.

-Consumers used chocolate candy for snacking, decorating, parties, and gifts to themselves or just to say they care or "I love you!!"

-Consumers make 2.6 purchases of holiday candy during a holiday season. But remember one season has ended, and another is approaching. (Valentines and Easter)

Always think chocolate; we know nothing compares in taste, richness, freshness, sweetness and it has that un-mistaken allure of velvety, smooth ganache, harmoniously blended into delightful symphonies of satisfaction. I say create some smiles and some love, give chocolate.

Chocolate Contributes Little

Chocolate candy does not contribute a very large percentage of the sugar and fat in the American diet.

In fact, less than 2% of the fat and 10% of the sugar in our diets are supplied by any candy.

Enjoy chocolate, always remember fats and sugars in moderation!!

Chocolate is Always Popular

Long enjoyed for its wonderful taste; chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world. Everyone knows what it is and what they enjoy about their favorite kind. The best loved is milk chocolate, although dark chocolate is gaining ground.

The cocoa butter in chocolate is so unique because it melts at mouth temperature. Ever so slowly releasing rich wonderful chocolate flavor the whole time the chocolate is being consumed.

Yes, chocolate is always popular!!

Love That Chocolate

Always something unmistakably irresistible and mystical about chocolate. The creamy texture, sweet rich flavor, the dark elegant color and the aroma, that is in a piece of pure, rich, silky, fresh gourmet chocolate melting in the mouth; it gives such a luxurious feeling. The word "chocolate" itself makes one think of love, romance and sweet comfort.

Chocolate is wonderfully decadent and requires without much thought, to eat MORE, To ENJOY! (Remember the endorphins)

Late Night Eating Won’t Make You Fat

Reviewed studies and research state that eating late at night does not pose a problem of gaining weight. It as all the big festive meals at other times during the day.

There are many myths these days. I have included a few (remember Halloween, Christmas and New Years are gone until next year, but Valentines and Easter are on the way.)

1. Parents think sugar from sweets, chocolates and other sources make children hyperactive. Researchers say not so!!

2. A belief that most body heat escapes through the head, thus needing to wear a woolen hat when temperatures drop. Again, not so!

3. Aspirin to bananas to Vegemite and water to prevent or cure a hangover. No scientific evidence for a cure or effective prevention for alcoholic hangovers. One sure fire way is moderation.

Think twice about blaming sweets for those out-of-control children, and those extra pounds just might not be due to late night eating; and moderation for a cure or prevention from a hangover. Scientific studies have shown these to be myths not fact.

Eat Chocolate and Get Healthy

Count me in – give me all the chocolate it takes to make me healthy!!! Chocolate has come to be demonized as the key ingredient in sinful, wonderful desserts and special treats.

Chocolate is actually very good for your health and there is growing research to back that statement up. For 95% of chocolates 3000 year history, it was considered a health food.

Studies have found that chocolate protects against heart disease, and possibly some cancers, while helping to boost moods and energy.

But a point to remember – all chocolates are not created equal. To get any of the health benefits the chocolate must be at least 70% dark. The higher the percentage of dark chocolate the better for your health.