Any true chocolate lover will know that Easter is just around the corner as stores are already busy stocking their shelves with an abundance of delicious Easter Eggs. This Easter There's no reason why you cannot enjoy a little chocolate, even if you are watching your weight but do you know the side effects of eating too much Chocolate?
Eating excessive chocolates, particularly during Easter when they are readily available can lead to several potential side effects:
Weight Gain: Chocolates are often high in calories, sugar and fats. Consuming them in excess can contribute to weight gain especially if not balanced with physical activity.
Dental Problems: The sugar content in chocolate can lead to tooth decay and cavities, especially if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
Blood Sugar Spikes: Consuming large amounts of chocolate, especially those with high sugar content can cause blood sugar levels to spike which may be problematic for individuals with diabetes.
Acne: Some people may find that excessive chocolate consumption exacerbates acne or skin issues due to its high sugar and fat content although this can vary depending on individual sensitivities.
Digestive Issues: Eating too much chocolate can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas and diarrhoea, especially in individuals who are sensitive to dairy or have lactose intolerance as many chocolates contain milk.
Mood Swings: While chocolate contains compounds that may temporarily boost mood due to its sugar and fat content excessive consumption can lead to mood swings and crashes as blood sugar levels fluctuate.
Nutrient Imbalance: Eating too much chocolate may result in imbalances in nutrient intake as it can displace other more nutrient-dense foods from the diet.
Addiction or Dependency: Some individuals may develop a dependency on chocolate or experience cravings if they consume it excessively which can lead to difficulties in controlling intake.
Excessive intake of chocolate for children can make your child hyperactive and reduce their attention span. Excessive intake of chocolate in kids robs them of sleep which is otherwise very essential for their growth. Often kids start avoiding healthy foods and get driven by the sweetness of chocolates.
When choosing Chocolates this Easter:
- Choose small-sized chocolates in smaller quantities.
- Choose chocolates that are low in fat, sugar and milk content are considered good.
- Remember Caffeine-free chocolates are best for Kids.
- Substitute. The darker the chocolate the more antioxidants and less sugar it has in comparison to milk chocolate. Dark chocolate also contains more fibre and iron. The higher the percentage of cocoa often has a stronger taste due to less sugar which may mean you’ll be more inclined to eat less.
- Limit Consumption. Avoiding chocolate is unrealistic for most people but to avoid overindulging limit yourself by setting aside a small amount of Easter eggs for the day. 1 serving of small diary milk chocolate eggs (3 eggs) contains 3 teaspoons of sugar and 566kj which is 15% of our average daily energy intake.
The Easter long weekend typically sees an increase in consumption of sugary foods. While it is ok to enjoy Easter treats such as chocolate eggs and hot cross buns, over consumption of such foods can lead to unhealthy weight gain and can put you at risk of developing chronic health conditions. Moderation is the key.
This Easter think smart, set exercise goals, plan a 30minute walk for each day over the long weekend. Exercise not only burns calories but it helps to reduce blood sugar levels, keeps us energetic and can curb the chocolate cravings.