A postcard arrived from Kent today, (forwarded by my publisher, Constable & Robinson) wryly commenting on a promotion included in the package with the cookbook from Amazon:
“I was most amused to receive with your book a mailing for chocolates! They look great, too–but hardly suitable for diabetics like us. Oh well!“
My editor, Judith, pointed out, when I complained about this:
“I’m afraid the leaflet for chocolates is just one of a general mailing which probably goes out with every item despatched by Amazon, who couldn’t possibly be expected to check whether it’s relevant to the rest of the package (it may even be an automated process)”.
So a simple irony.
However two days ago I had spotted this article on a study, published online by the British Medical Journal, about the health benefits of chocolate!
Coincidence too!
It mentions that scientists at Cambridge University reviewed all the relevant evidence from seven studies involving 100,000 people.
“Five of the seven studies (carried out) found chocolate – eaten in a variety of forms, from sweet bars to chocolate biscuits and drinking cocoa – to be protective.”
Catherine Collins, a dietician at St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, is quoted in the piece saying:
“This paper doesn’t really say eat chocolate to improve heart health – nor do the authors conclude this either. What they seem to say is, those who don’t deny themselves a sweet treat of chocolate – white or brown – have better cardiovascular outcomes”.
Tom Sanders, Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as Head of the Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division of the School of Medicine at King’s College London, warns that:
“The main problem with chocolate is overindulgence and calories [my emphasis]. A little bit of chocolate is OK but the mega-slabs offered cheaply are fuelling obesity in the overweight.”
In other words “moderation” is the key.
It occurred to me to post about this earlier–but I got distracted when Alice arrived with the honey!
Then I remembered an earlier post entitled “Just no Desserts”, back in February, when I was starting out–in which I “fess up” to an indulgence:
…A good meal needs a grace note at the end, a contrast to the savory tastes of the main dish–something to complement the coffee or tea to come. Well, all is not lost…!
My solution, surprisingly, is CHOCOLATE–with a high proportion of cacao.
One square eaten with a small cup of coffee (and maybe a dried fig) is the perfect finish to a meal for me.
I have got used to 90% cacao chocolate (but we worked our way up from 70%).
The idea is catching on.
This site positively encourages the consumption of high cacao chocolate:
10 Reasons to Eat High Cocoa Content Chocolate —[always with the mantra “in moderation”]
21.30/9.30pm—Excuse me–as I reach for my second square of the day!
Robin Ellis 
Oh I so agree Robin…the really high cacao chocolate satisfies that end-of-the-meal feeling with just one square (ok, maybe two…). It takes some getting used to after the familiar fatty, milky kind – but you never go back. It’s all far too hideously sweet now! I’m still on the 85%…which reminds me…:-)
You’ll love the 90% and wonder why it took you so long!
OK, I will take your advice and go eat some chocolate!
Not too much now!
As someone who is not diabetic but has a goal of healthy eating, truly savoring my food helps me moderate it, when I’m paying attention, that is. We Americans can learn from Europeans how to appreciate food experiences, from origins through preparation to consumption. The tradition of giving thanks or blessing one’s food doesn’t have to lead to a theological challenge: it’s taking a moment to stop, observe, and appreciate what is on the table and who is around the table, and then savoring the meal. And after the satisfying meal, one square of chocolate and a fig, or a good cup of coffee and a delicious biscuit, become a sweet pleasure, nothing to feel bad about.
I agree and look forward to tomorrow.
I agree wholeheartedly with you that moderation is a good thing.
Though my mum had a saying that a little of what you fancy does you good.
Regards Elaine
My mother too!
Dear Robin, I hope you take sugar free chocolate.I saw in the Ald* sugarfree chocolates, that supermarket you also find in France on several locations.
many regards (Chantal from Belgium the chocolate country).
When my husband was diagnosed as a Type 2 a few weeks ago, the one thing the doctor said to him was to never eat ‘diabetic chocolates’ (or indeed any food marked specifically for diabetics), but to savour and enjoy a little of the ordinary high cacao chocolates, it’s really done the trick. He now finishes a meal with a couple of squares (it really is all you need).
I however, must admit to occasionally wolfing down slightly more than I should when I’m out on my own 🙂 I will TRY to join him in his good habits…..honest!!
Sue xx