This Seeded Bark Will Satisfy Your Chocolate Craving Without Hurting Your Gut (2024)

FAQs

What satisfies a chocolate craving? ›

Hunger masquerading as a chocolate craving means you need a snack that will satisfy and keep you fuller longer. Reach for something high in protein, which takes longer than other nutrients to digest: Greek yogurt, beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, tuna, cottage cheese, protein bars.

Nut butters like peanut, almond, cashew, walnut and hazelnut are full of taste, very high in protein and low in carbs. These chocolate craving substitutes contain a good amount of fibers – almond butter is the highest on the list – which can also help improve digestion.

Carob is a popular choice, known for its natural sweetness and chocolate-like flavour, perfect for baking or snacking. Another option is to combine healthy ingredients with a hint of cocoa, such as adding unsweetened cocoa powder to Greek yoghurt or dusting nuts with cocoa for a chocolatey taste without guilt.

Carob tastes similar to chocolate and is a great alternative because it has: a lot of fiber. antioxidants. low amounts of fat and sugar.

Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient. In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential mineral and is required for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.

Therefore, low levels of magnesium can cause sugar cravings, especially for chocolate which contains magnesium. Your brain wants that dopamine boost and sugar for energy. It's estimated that 50% of people have magnesium deficiency, so magnesium is a great supplement for sugar cravings and overall health!

Deficiency or sweet tooth? Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient. In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential mineral and is required for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.

The main reason behind the craving for chocolate is because it has compounds that cause the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for making us feel good and less stressed. It is not surprising that some people get a craving for chocolate during stressful situations.

Whilst not being exactly like chocolate, carob does taste similar and is a much healthier substitute for cocoa, because: Carob contains no caffeine or tyramine, two substances which have been linked to headaches.