chocolate in the news
Computers Induce Chocolate Cravings
July 27, 2010
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput of the University of Copenhagen speculates that mental stress from computer work triggers changes in blood sugar levels that trick the brain into thinking it has worked off calories that need replacing. This in turn increases an appetite for sweet treats like chocolate.
This all started when Dr. Chaput noticed a supervisor regularly snacking on chocolate when doing computer work. He then asked one group of female students to go to a computer and start working while another group was told to relax for 45 minutes.
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S’mores
July 5, 2010
A S’more is considered a summer time classic by many. It brings back memories of camping and backyard barbeques. And, of course, it just tastes good.
Meanwhile put a piece of chocolate on a graham cracker. After the marshmallow turns a golden brown, you pull it off the stick, place it on top of the chocolate, and top with another graham cracker. The warm marshmallow melts the chocolate and voilà! a s’more is born.
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Chocolate Art: to Eat or Not to Eat?
June 28, 2010
Certainly there is an art to making chocolates. A chocolatier brings creativity, craftsmanship, and personal style to every creation. Chocolates are meant to be visually appealing and exceptionally enjoyable to eat.
From my perspective, put the emphasis on eat!
But here’s a twist: what about chocolate art you don’t (or can’t) eat?
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Real Chocolate Relief Act?
July 24, 2009
Where have I been? I suppose too busy working on Chocolate University Online lessons and support materials as well as handling website and blog issues.
Back in May, Mars put up a website at www.realchocolate.com that is giving away chocolate on Fridays through October. I just discovered this today!
In their words, "Times are tough and we at Mars want to help. How, you ask? Every Friday through October, Mars will give away free real chocolate to 250,000 people."
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Chocolate Milk for Exercise Recovery
June 5, 2009
Research shows that chocolate milk might be just as good as sports drinks to help athletes recover from intense exercise. This information comes out of a small study from James Madison University in Virginia as presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine.
I like to ride my bicycle for hours at a time and have often enjoyed a glass of chocolate milk upon my return. My logic was that the milk contained some protein so it's probably a good thing for muscles. Milk also contains fluid for rehydration, as well as minerals like calcium and magnesium, electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, and carbohydrates including lactose. These are all good for recovery after exercise and occur naturally in milk.
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Calories vs. Flavor
May 31, 2009
Cruising around the internet looking for interesting news I ran into a headline of an article written by etiquette expert Jodi R.R. Smith. It read, "Diet no excuse for spitting out chewed chocolate."
Yikes! Who would spit out chocolate? I read on to discover that upon taking a piece of chocolate into her mouth, the woman in question chewed once and then spit out the chocolate into her napkin, apparently deciding in that moment that the chocolate, if fully consumed, would not be worth the calories.
Jodi, the Mannersmith, went on to explain, "For treats and sweets, you should taste them first and decide if they are worthy..." Then if they pass your taste test, go ahead and eat it, but if they do not, you can kindly refuse and not gross anyone out!
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