Hot chocolate, often seen as a guilty pleasure, could actually play a role in weight loss, according to a health coach.
Steve Bennett, a wellness expert, revealed that enjoying a cup of hot chocolate each day might help people shed pounds, thanks to its fiber content, which helps to curb hunger. Speaking to The Sun, Bennett explained that the fiber found in cocoa powder can promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.
“Fiber makes you feel fuller for longer, which can reduce your appetite and help you eat less,” Bennett said. “Cocoa powder, when used as the primary ingredient, is naturally high in fiber.”
However, not all hot chocolate is created equal. Bennett emphasized the importance of choosing the right kind—unsweetened cocoa powder—over sugary, pre-packaged versions that line supermarket shelves.
To create a healthier alternative, Bennett recommends a simple homemade recipe: warm milk, two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, and stevia, a no-calorie sweetener. This recipe, he assures, is just as delicious as traditional hot cocoa but without the added sugar.
“Diets often require people to give up foods they enjoy, but focusing on fiber first allows for more flexibility in what you eat, while still keeping hunger in check,” Bennett said.
Fiber is beneficial for more than just weight loss. It aids in digestion by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and ensuring proper water absorption, which contributes to healthy bowel movements. Research suggests that fiber may also help regulate blood sugar levels, particularly after high-carbohydrate meals, and might reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, though more studies are needed to confirm this.
For those who don’t fancy hot chocolate, fiber-rich foods such as berries, beans, oats, seeds, nuts, and avocados are excellent alternatives.
But, as with anything, moderation is key. Experts caution that too much fiber can cause digestive issues, including bloating and constipation, especially if water intake is insufficient.
“Fiber is tough to digest, and consuming too much without enough hydration can overwhelm the digestive system,” said Christina Palmisano, MS, MBA, RDN, in a previous interview with Fox News.
So, while hot chocolate might be a surprising ally in weight management, it’s important to consume it—and all fiber-rich foods—in moderation.
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