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Sunday, May 13

THIS IS MY ATTEMPT TO CONVINCE YOU THAT I SHOULD EAT DARK CHOCOLATE :D

Dark chocolate has been shown to have many antioxidants and contain many minerals and vitamins. It has the same health benefits, if not more, than green tea or even blueberries. Dark chocolate does contain sugar, so it is to be eaten in moderation.
Cacao Beans

Chocolate comes from cacao beans, also called cocoa beans, that are grown on a cacao tree. This type of tree is an evergreen tree in the Sterculiaceae family. These trees grow deep in tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds from these trees are what are used in making cocoa and chocolate.
The cacao bean contains large amounts of magnesium and sulfur. These are thought to increase a person’s focus and alertness. This bean also contains nutrients that increase happiness. After eating certain nutrients, your brain releases endorphins called phenylthylamine, that rises up mood levels and leave you with good feelings. This endorphin is also released when people are falling in love.
Antioxidants

An antioxidant is a substance that slows down oxidation, or a substance combining with oxygen. Antioxidants also protect cells from any damage from free radicals. Free radicals are free moving oxygen molecules that can cause structural changes in healthy cells. Antioxidants help to prevent this damage.
Scientific studies have been done and scientists believe that plants produce antioxidants naturally. These antioxidants are believed to be produced to help the plants survive in any type of growing elements, harsh or not, and also to aid them in staying strong against any environmental threats that may be out there.
Studies have shown that antioxidants reduce the risk of many different illnesses, such as heart disease or even cancer. These have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health. Blood flow is improved, cholesterol levels are in a healthy range, and blood pressure is reduced.
Theobromine

Theobromine is also found in chocolate. This is a natural stimulant is closely related to caffeine. Instead of being an upper like caffeine, theobromine has been shown to stimulate coughing. This is even used as an herbal alternative to cough medicine. Even though theobromine has many health benefits, this can be fatal to animals especially cats and dogs, so pet owners are strongly discouraged from feeding any chocolate to their pets.
Dark chocolate is made from the cacao bean that is grown on a cacao tree in the tropical regions of the Americas. As with all plants, they naturally have minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Dark chocolate is no exception. Dark chocolate has been shown to improve moods and increase the feelings of love. It also can help out with cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and helping blood flow. Antioxidants in dark chocolate protect the cells from any potential damage or lower the risk of disease. Chocolate does contain large amounts of sugar that if eaten in large quantities, will be harmful to your health. Eating chocolate in small quantities will not only improve your overall health, but will taste great while doing so.

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Now here’s a guilt-free way to satiate yourself when you’re craving chocolate: go to the dark side. Dark chocolate is considered to be a much healthier option as opposed to milk or white chocolate. Some health experts would even suggest that you take a healthy serving of dark chocolate daily for your nutritional needs. Aside from satisfying your craving for that chocolate-y goodness, and propelling your mood a notch higher, here are other reasons why you should give in and enjoy dark chocolate.
1. Potent with Antioxidants

Cacao contains certain pigments called flavanoids, which act as antioxidants, contributing to the cleansing of your body. They absorb free radicals and other destructive elements, thereby helping you avoid illnesses. Moreover, they say that a healthy dose of antioxidants daily can help slow your body’s aging process. Milk, on the other hand, can interfere with your body’s absorption of these antioxidants. For this reason, it’s best to reach for that dark, flavorful chocolate bar instead. Not only will you feel happier, you’ll look younger as well.
2. Lower Blood Pressure

The higher the cocoa percentage in dark chocolate, the more it helps the body in processing nitric acid. Nitric acid is needed for the body to perform optimally, and this results in lowering your blood pressure. Dark chocolate also contains some chemicals that help relax your blood vessels. Some studies have shown that about 30 calories’ worth of dark chocolate a day for 18 straight weeks can help reduce your blood pressure by as much as 3 points. Lower blood pressure means lower chances of a heart disease as well. Make sure though that you scrimp on other high-calorie foods if you intend to make dark chocolate a daily habit.
3. Good for the Heart

Not only does chocolate boost your mood, the high content of flavonoids in dark chocolate greatly helps in reducing heart disease. There is an abundance of this chemical is present in dark chocolate, and research has shown this to help protect against some chronic and cardiovascular diseases. Flavenoids attack fatty substances that can collect in your bloodstream, thus preventing clogged arteries and promoting a healthier blood flow. A good dose of dark chocolate then helps in lowering the risk for strokes and heart attacks. So the next time you want to be good to your heart, reach for some dark chocolate.
4. Mood Lift

It’s a proven scientific fact that eating chocolate is processed by the brain in the same way as falling in love does. So when you need an instant pick-me-upper, pop in some chocolate. Dark chocolate contains more of these happy chemicals than milk or white chocolate. That is because cacao contains a compound that helps the brain release endorphins–the same feel-good chemicals you have when you exercise or feel extremely happy. This will help decrease anxiety and depression, and will make you feel more relaxed.

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FIRST MEAL
Dinner omg, 2/3 of a Calamari Salad (halved with alice but she like, stopped eating half way wtf)

SECOND MEAL
Fist of brown rice, some duck, some leftover capsicum + cucumber

DESSERT
Standard, no blueberries

SNACK?
Green tteeeaaa
54 Kilos hurrah
And you're 70-71 hurrah!
:)

I've yet to do my 100 squats.. Let alone 300

Are you sure I should be working on legs/thighs every day???

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