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Valentine’s Day: A Time for Flowers and Chocolate

Flowers and boxes of chocolates seem to be in every aisle and at the checkouts in the stores you may be visiting. Why is it that so many of us like chocolate? The pleasant experience of consuming chocolate can lead to the release of dopamine. This is one of the “feel good” neurotransmitter. Dopamine helps us remember positive experiences. So, when we get near chocolate, we get a little surge of anticipation. We also like the taste, mouthfeel and smell of chocolate. Even experiments with cocoa powder are associated with pleasure just as there is with chocolate candy.

How can a bariatric patient rethink chocolate? Let’s get in a few definitions first. Cocoa powder is what is left after the cocoa butter is removed from the cocoa beans. A simplistic definition for chocolate is when the cocoa powder is mixed with the cocoa butter and is often sweetened to make candy. A  box of chocolates would not be an appropriate gift for a bariatric patient. Instead, use a chocolate protein drink, sugar-free chocolate pudding, sugar-free hot cocoa or a protein bar that has chocolate in it.

There are some sugar-free chocolate treats out there to try such as sugar-free Russell Stovers or Sees candies. These will stay contain fat. Some people eat chocolate claiming it’s healthy for you. The research shows the health benefits come when you eat dark chocolate that has at least 70 percent cacao in it. This is often more bitter tasting than most people like. For Valentines or other occasions, enjoy chocolate flavored foods in moderation. Maybe flowers will do the trick this year.