Friday Food Face-Off: Chocolate vs. Carob “Chocolate”

I enjoy chocolate.  Whether it’s milk, dark, plain, bubbled or filled with dried fruit and nuts–I like it all.  As much as I like it, I’m not crazy about it.  I’m not one of those women who, if I’ve had a bad day, crave chocolate. If I’m PMS-ing, I would rather have a savoury, salty something rather than a chocolate bar. But every so often, I enjoy a high-quality piece of European chocolate.

Much like “cheese”, “chocolate” is something that I would rather not eat.  ”Chocolate” is nothing like chocolate. It’s kind of dry, powdery and it does not melt on the tongue like regular chocolate.  It doesn’t smell like chocolate and it certainly does not taste like chocolate.

But people argue that carob is a healthier substitute.  Carob-chocolate contains no caffeine,  does not contain large amounts of sugar, butter and/or cream, and since there are no fermented cocoa beans used, there is less likelihood of additives or  contaminants in the product. 

Obviously, no one should be eating heaps of chocolate, but on average there are only about 30 grams of caffeine in a chocolate bar–the same amount of caffeine contained in two cups of green tea. 

The verdict is two big thumbs down for “chocolate”. I would rather never eat chocolate again than munch on this sorry substitute. With all of the variety available to us these days–organic, free trade–am I really hurting anyone (myself included) by indulging in this decadent treat every few weeks?

Plus, there are some organic chocolates that are made with raw cane sugar, butter and other whole, organic ingredients. With these options available, I think I will keep chocolate in my diet, but as an occasional treat.

Detox on the Telegraph

The Telegraph UK had a really interesting article on Detoxing last week. It begins with a question: 

“Everyone around me seems to be on some sort of fashionable new-year detox. I don’t need to lose weight, but I do feel a bit sluggish and my skin’s not great, so I was thinking of giving it a go. Is a detox really necessary and, if so, what’s a user-friendly approach?” 

The above question is then answered by a registered Dietician, a General Practitioner (M.D.), and a Facialist.  

I found the Dietician’s and the GP’s response the most compelling.  The dietician begins by saying that: “the body detoxes naturally via the liver and through the respiratory tract and urinary system, but after a period of indulgence it doesn’t do any harm to be kind and nurturing to your body for a few days.”  

The GP agrees and remarks that: “Detox is not a medical treatment, but a lot of patients enjoy the pampering aspect or even the harshness of the ‘treatment’, as it empowers them, making them feel they are doing something positive to look after themselves. If you think you might enjoy a day drinking tisanes and having mud baths, why not?”

I always find it refreshing when professionals agree on something.   A cleanse/detox) will not ‘fix’ health problems, nor should they be used solely as weight loss tools, but if they help kick start healthy change or even assist with motivation, then so much the better.

I found the GP’s observation that some patients enjoy the ‘harshness’ of the treatment interesting.  When I was cleansing, I noticed the same thing.  I sensed that for some people, pleading ‘cleanse’ was the easiest way to maintain a very strict diet while masquerading as something healthy.  Cleanses are great for people who appreciate the power and control experienced with exercising will power and deprivation.  Note that I am not suggesting that everyone on cleanses has disordered eating or is even dieting, but I do think that cleansing can provide a sense of accomplishment.  I noticed it within myself.  My relationship with food was dramatically different when I was cleansing–I didn’t worry too much about calories or fat because I knew that everything I was eating was quite healthy.  Now, without the confines of my cleanse, I’m already starting to feel a loss of control.  Without the rules, I feel like I’m on the brink of over eating.  On the one hand, I don’t want to “cleanse” forever, but I think I will have to retain some of Meghan’s guidelines because I feel safer being bound by them–I feel like I have more will power.  

So, yes, cleanses are a bit trendy right now and while they’re not strictly necessary, in moderation they won’t do any harm and may just be an impetus for change in your life.  I have an amazing friend who is trying to make some changes in her life in terms of food and exercise.  She knows that she can’t ‘cleanse’ forever, but she thinks that starting one might just be what she needs to get going. I can’t agree more. And it doesn’t have to be eight weeks long–even a weekend of vegan meals and no caffeine/alcohol might be enough.

Again–I love hearing what you think.  Please share in the comments section.

How to Eat/Cleanse on the Road

It’s fairly easy to stick to the guidelines of a cleanse when you’re in the safety of your own home.  Things get complicated if you’re leaving for a mini-vacation and even a day-trip.

If you can find a vegetarian/vegan spot then you’ll have no problem, but other options include Asian and Indian restaurants because they tend to offer a lot of veggie options.

If it’s only a day trip, the best option is to pack your own food.  Here’s a list of what I tend to bring with me if I’m out for the day:

 Raw (unsalted) nuts like almonds or cashews.  I do not recommend pistachios or peanuts since they tend to absorb a lot of toxins in the soil and so do not offer the same nutritional punch as other varieties.

Hard fruit: Apples are a safe bet.  They may get a bit bruised after bouncing around in your bag for a few hours, but will still be edible–unlike a banana.  If you’re careful, tangerines are also a good option.  I tend not to bring veggies with me because I don’t like them at room temperature. If it doesn’t bother you, carrots, celery and radishes are great on-the-road options.

Dried fruit offers contrast in texture and flavour to trail mix, but beware that it is very high in sugar and harmful for your teeth.  The other problem is that it’s harder to gauge how much fruit you are eating when it’s dried–this can leave you feeling bloated and constipated.  Remember to drink extra water if you indulge in dehydrated fruits and veggies.

Granola: Nature Valley bars are a great treat. Since they’re individually packed, they are not messy.  While they are processed, the ingredient list is bearable and they do come in a variety of flavours. The best bet is to make your own granola, but if you don’t have the time and are willing to shell out a bit of cash, then opt for the bar. 

If you can eat bread, try to find one made from whole grains. If you’re off wheat, try a gluten free version, rye or substitute a rice cracker.  Bring some organic peanut butter along and you have yourself a tasty lunch.

Water, water, water:  Pack more than you think you’ll need–even if it’s heavy.  If you’re sitting in a car, bus or plane for any length of time, you will get dehydrated–especially due to air filtering, cooling and heating systems.  It’s great to have extra water on hand in case you have some sort of spill or want a bit of freshening up before you arrive at your destination; a splash of water to the face can make a huge difference.  Another bonus of drinking water is that keeps breath fresh—you never know who you might meet!

If you have any suggestions, please pass them on!