It goes without saying that chocolate is delicious. It also has a dark history. It was used way back to make food more palatable and ensured higher profits in the days when ingredients were scarce. It increased the speed of cooking, as well as how easy it became to preserve food, which led to a dramatic increase in civilization for thousands of years ago.

With its rise in popularity, chocolate was no longer reserved for royalty and had become affordable for everyone — so, now what’s not to love about this chocolaty delicacy? Still, we all know there are limits on how much one may consume before going over their weight goals.

Here are some tips on enjoying more chocolate without going over the line.

Have a Luxurious Treat

It is better to have one luxurious treat than it is to continually eat cheap confectionery. To indulge yourself, these chocolate bombsare perfect. They will curb any cravings you have and provide you with a chocolaty treat that you can look forward to. Just remember a treat is something you have on rare occasions.

Swap Out Unhealthy Ingredients

Chocolate, cookies, chips, or nuts should not be your entire meal. You may enjoy them on occasion, but they should not be a major portion of your daily diet. Instead, replace fats with other healthy sources of energy, such as half an avocado and a handful of berries, for example.

If you do go the chocolate route at breakfast time, make sure to have some healthy fat to balance it out. Try consuming at least 20 g of healthy fats with every meal in addition toother dietary fat.

Buy Non-Dairy Versions of Chocolatey Snacks

Many people are switching to dairy-free chocolate and that’s awesome. However, if you’re not vegan or lactose intolerant, it may be difficult to find a dairy-free version of your favorite snack. If that’s what you’re looking for, consider consuming cocoa powder instead. It has the same sweet and bitter taste as chocolate without being chock-full of cholesterol and other icky ingredients.

Opt For Dark Chocolate and Pay Attention to the Ingredients

Some studies have shown that consuming small amounts of dark chocolate can lower blood pressure, but several studies have also found no effect on blood pressure in those with normal blood pressure. Dark chocolate also contains much less sugar than milk chocolate which is why it is recommended to consume it instead if you want to lower your blood pressure.

Then again, the amount of sucrose (sugar) found in dark chocolate can vary from 40–85 grams per 100 g of chocolate. It’s best to check the ingredients on the bar you’re about to buy and make sure that it has at least 70% cocoa or higher.

Eat Chocolate in Small Amounts

It’s better to eat a small amount of chocolate than over-indulge, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. The key is to eat it in small amounts and make sure your other meals contain plenty of healthy fats so that your total calorie intake is still within the normal range.

While there are many reasons to continue to enjoy chocolate, it should not be your meal replacement or the sole source of your energy to reach your weight loss goals. Instead, it is best consumed in moderation and only when you are feeling ravenous.