Yep, you were right. The “Naked One” on the commercial during the Super Bowl was none other than a dancing red M & M. If you didn’t catch it you can watch it here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbbLCvUtHGo
I voted for this as the best commercial. It made me laugh outloud. I love to laugh outloud!
That brings to mind the age old question: Is chocolate good for me or bad for me?
I know you think I am going to suck the joy right out of your life when I answer this question. So, just stop reading right now.
Ha, you couldn’t resist, could you? Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Let’s start by answering: which came first the chocolate kiss or the chocolate bean? The Kiss came first, you silly goose, how else could the bean have been born?
The cocoa bean is from a plant. It is super rich in anti-oxidant goodness. The bean is roasted and processed. This processed bean is the cocoa (or cacao) that is used to make chocolate kisses. The more cocoa used the darker and more bitter the chocolate. (Nobody wants a bitter kiss.)
So, the healthiest chocolate is the darkest. When you see those candy bars out there that are “dark chocolate” beware. I have contacted companies to ask for the cocoa percentage. No one seems to know. (Watch your national news. I am sure they will have Breaking News on this soon.)
Primer on How to Choose the Best Chocolate:
Always choose chocolate that states it contains at least 70% cocoa. (We had a taste test and 85% was still considered pretty tasty. The 90% was a little too bitter.)
Read the ingredient list on the label. Look for the basics; cocoa, cocoa butter, sugar and not much else. This indicates the chocolate is basically all cocoa.
If you see butter and sugar as the first two ingredients and cocoa later in the list then it is mostly saturated fat and sugar.
So, my final answer is:
Chocolate that is at least 70% cacao (cocoa) is a great anti-oxidant rich food. You can enjoy 1/2 ounce every day.
Milk chocolate is NOT a healthy choice and should be limited.
If you really love your Valentine and want to receive lots of Kisses then give him/her a box of expensive extra dark chocolate.
The good news is just a few nibbles of dark chocolate calms that burning desire for chocolate. (But, not the burning desire for Kisses.)
I hope you have an extra dark chocolatey Valentine’s Day filled with lots of Kisses! (in case you want to send me a Valentine, I like Lindt 85% Cacao with Blueberries.)
XOXOXO WD
Now aren’t you glad you didn’t stop reading this half way through?
A Blog written with love by Glenna Moe, Kansas City Dietitian
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