How To Lose Weight and Still Enjoy Those Delicious Chocolate Flavors

So many women I know love chocolate. So many women that I know get chocolate cravings, but did you know that most women think that to lose weight they have to completely cut chocolate out of their diet? Say it isn't so...OK, it isn't so! No need to worry about getting your hands caught in the chocolate box...If you love chocolate but want to lose weight, there are ways to keep those calories from sabotaging your diet. Pick the right kind of chocolate, control your portions, and eat a balanced diet. Here are some suggestions for taking care of your health while you indulge your sweet tooth.

Choosing the Right Chocolate:

1. Eat dark chocolate. Did you know that dark chocolate is much better for you than milk chocolate? Dark chocolate is good for your heart and overall health. Studies show that it contains plant flavonoids and antioxidants that can improve the functioning of your blood vessels and protect you from clogged arteries. When you want something sweet, go with dark chocolate.

2. Drink cocoa. Cocoa is the ingredient that endows dark chocolate with its health benefits. Drinking unsweetened cocoa powder in skim milk is another way to get the flavor you crave without much fat or calories. Just keep in mind that milk can interfere with how your body absorbs the antioxidants. Another alternative is to sprinkle some cocoa in your yogurt. 

3. Try chocolate-flavored products with no calories. Suck on sugar-free hard candies in chocolate flavors. A small indulgence can help keep you from feeling deprived, which will keep you from splurging on something that will wreck your diet.

4. Enjoy chocolate scents. In between meals, surround yourself with chocolate scents. Today, you can find products ranging from candles to lip balms. As for me, to the day, I've lost 21 pounds enjoying the aromas of wonderful chocolates and dessert flavors such as Whoopie Pie, Double Layer Chocolate Cake, Creme Brulee, Vanilla Cupcake and Buttercream from Yankee Candle. Menopause kicked in over a year ago and weight began piling on. I felt like it was out of control and I ate more and more not even realizing it. When I began my weight loss, I did it my way. For me, it was about savoring those delicious flavors and scents, not eating them. Now, I indulge in the scents with my tart burner while using the gazelle or treadmill.

5. Avoid milk chocolate and white chocolate. White chocolate contains no cocoa solids, and milk chocolate contains much less than the darker version. Dark chocolate is much more nutritious, especially when you're trying to limit your overall calories.

Controlling Portions:

1. Plan ahead. That's right, do some juggling with your diet schedule and meals. This means; limit your treats to once a day. If you want fudge brownies with dinner, pass on the birthday cake at the office. When you've had a chocolate croissant for breakfast, eat berries for dessert.

2. Eat slowly. Honey, there isn't a race to see who can finish the cake or brownies the quickest, so indulge and enjoy it. Savor the flavor! Enjoy your food by sitting down and loving every single bite. Eating slower will also help you notice when you're full.

3. Share desserts. Many restaurants serve huge portions. Ask for one dessert and two spoons so you and your companion can share. You'll both be better off.

4. Give away holiday chocolates. Getting a huge assortment of chocolates for Christmas or your birthday may be too much temptation for any chocolate lover. Take them to the office or put them out for your house guests to enjoy. Most artisan chocolates should be eaten while fresh, but some varieties may be frozen for a later date.

5. Buy individual truffles. Many bakeries, candy shops, and department stores sell individual pieces of candy or slices of cake. If you find it difficult to resist the lure of a whole box of cookies, take just one home and divide it up!

Eating a Balanced Diet:

1. Know your calories. Did you know that a three-and-a-half ounce chocolate bar contains about 480 calories? Yup... A single Hershey's Kiss has about 25 calories. Even though dark chocolate is healthy, you need to closely monitor the amount you eat if you're trying to lose weight. Those calories can add up fast. Before you know it the pounds are on you and your clothes have either become tighter or the darn dryer is broken and has shrunken them!

2. Replace other sweets with dark chocolate. One easy strategy is to replace less nutritious snacks and desserts with chocolate. Two Hershey's Kisses is far less calories than a bag of almost any potato chips. And if you have a chocolate treat as part of your daily routine, you'll be more motivated keep eating the complex carbohydrates, plant foods, and lean proteins necessary for a balanced diet.

3. Get more exercise. Complement your healthy eating with regular exercise. Daily aerobics is the best way to lose weight safely. Try Yoga Booty Ballet....(my favorite) or take a walk, go ride a bike or hike. Look for opportunities to stay active throughout the day, like doing floor exercises during television commercials. There are several things that you can do to stay active and exercise without even having to try hard. Just make it part of your daily routine. Before you hit the shower, jump rope, or do jumping jacks, or run on the treadmill for 10-15 minutes. Each day/week, increase that until you are doing more and more...however, just because you are doing more and more activities to boost your metabolism does not mean that you should be eating more. That my friend completely defeats the purpose.

In my findings, if it is chocolate that you love...keep it in your life. There is no need to drop it like a bad habit. As long as you stick with dark chocolate, the treats you love can be good for your health. Practice moderation, and you can eat a little bit of chocolate every day without gaining weight. You see, we don't have to give up the things that we love...we just have to learn other techniques so that we may keep them in our lives enough to relish them! When you eat good, you feel better and your confidence level peeks! You want to feel good from the inside out and from head to toe. Let that begin with your sexy lingerie you wear under your clothes. We sell a fabulous selection at www.SimplyDeliciousLingerie.com and www.SimplyLusciousLingerie.com! 

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About Simply Delicious Lingerie:

Simply Delicious Lingerie is an online boutique specializing in sexy lingerie from designers such as Carrie Amber Intimates LLC ‘SeventilMidnight’, Be Wicked, Elegant Moments, Fantasy Lingerie, Raveware, and WMS Clothing. Our lingerie is the aphrodisiac of taste, and represents beauty and luxury at an affordable price. At Simply Delicious Lingerie we've personally selected a variety of sexy lingerie just for you and all of your sensuous rendezvous. We sell accessories, Bordello shoes, Pleaser shoes, garter sets, bridal lingerie, bridal undergarments, honeymoon lingerie, wedding day lingerie, wedding garter sets, wedding petticoats, affordable plus size lingerie, Halloween costumes, sexy plus size costumes,  fantasy lingerie, matching lingerie sets, Men’s underwear, men’s Lingerie, sexy thigh high stockings, satin pajamas, plus size sleepwear, adult novelty items and sex swings including the Whip Smart Pleasure Swing. Have a lingerie party with us and experience fun!  Our mission is to take your sexy lingerie needs to the next level of comfort, intrigue, romance and sophistication. For more information or to place an order today please visit http://simplydeliciouslingerie.com/  Say YES (your everyday sexy) to Simply Delicious Lingerie! ®

Superhero, Super Woman,...Super Mom!

What does it mean to be a good person, a good business woman, a good partner, a good wife, and a good mother? Being a successful business woman is a common goal. With it comes a certain prestige comes with being successful in business. However, everyone defines success a little bit differently. For some, it's about the money; for others, it's about being able to do what they want to do on a daily basis. So, before you start your journey, you need to define what success means to you. In reality, we all want to be the best that we can be. We all struggle from day to day as we face a variety of ethical dilemmas. Ethics has to do with our conduct and character. Character is what makes the superhero in all of us. Some people call character the collection of our daily habits, the things we do without thinking. But ethics really has to do with making behavior choices.What does it take to be a good person? Can one person or a group of people make a difference in your life? You betcha!

From the time I was a child my parents and grandparents taught me to be yourself, and to respect not only myself but everyone around me. My grandmother used to say that God puts certain people in our lives for a reason. She stated to me from an early age that we don't often know why some of these people enter our lives, but from them we learn more and grow to be better people.

As a woman, a single mother and a hard worker, I meet people day in and day out that contribute to a portion of my life, nonetheless there are a few woman whom most recently became a big part of my life and I often have to wonder if God wasn't working his magic on me?

Here's my story about good people; Let me fill you in a little here. In December, I was out with a dear friend and her daughter for dinner when I brought up the subject of possibly looking for a part time job. I was working day in and day out on my business. I truly was missing the interaction with people. My full time job is a computer based business where it's just me and the Apple... day in and day out. Good things come to those who wait I was taught, so I just kept plugging away at what I knew how to do best...to be a mother, a business woman, and most importantly, to be myself. I am a true believer in karma. From this dinner and this one conversation, I was connected with a company that I have much respect for, and they just so happened to be opening a brand new store. A few weeks later, I took a job with this organization.

What changed my life was this amazing group of young ladies that I was paired up with to work beside. They are women of all ages and these gals make me laugh, smile, and cry...all in a good way. With so many different aspects in our lives, we are all diverse, but we are all the same in one way...we respect others and love being around people. We are all givers. There has never been a day that I've gone into work when someone didn't make me laugh about something goofy, and God only knows that I share all of my silly stories with them. Since earlier this year, I have seen these women learn, grow, change and develop  all in wonderful ways and I am so proud to be a part of this team. We are all inspired by one another to be better people and to set our goals higher with each new day. These women don't just sell candles...these women are so unique and so special that it makes me wonder if fate didn't step in and put each and every one of us together for a specific reason? My grandmother used to also say that paths cross for reasons. I am so grateful for all of these women, my new friends.

 How does this all relate to being a good person you wonder? As a Superhero, Super Woman, Super Mom, in many ways, we protect. We build each other up when we feel down. Do you have someone or a group of people in your life that does the same? Let me tell you. it takes a great combination of people, and wonderful peers to motivate  and excel, and as a team, we give it our all. As a single mother and a business owner my job is never done, but I'm not the only mother that wears a gazillion hats to be a leader. Many women do this same job day in and day out.

One leader that I want to mention is the manager of our store. Her name is Heather. She is a strong business woman, and a team leader who also trains new employees. Her days are long but you'll never hear her complain, because she loves what she does. She is a wife, and a mother of a young daughter who fills her life with joy. When Heather talks about her daughter Lucy, I see the love in her eyes and I hear the pride in her voice. She is not only my boss, she is a friend. She also supports me in my own business venture as she wore a costume that is one of many sold at my boutique. Heather brought this costume to life just as she brings our store to life! This past Saturday was our Fall Preview and Halloween Party at our store and all the gals dressed up.

As we welcomed customers into the store Heather stood near me full of smiles and anticipation in her superhero costume and said that today she felt 'just like a real superhero' in her cape. I told Heather that she is a superhero everyday! As a wife and mother along with a business woman, this young lady wears an invisible cape each and every day of the year. She is so much more than just a team leader. She is inspiring to all of us. She is just like so many of you, a woman on a mission to be happy and to make others happy. She is one of many superheros that makes a day a little better and a lot brighter without even having to try. Our whole team is inspired by this young lady. I am inspired by all of the women I work with. To them, I am known as the "Yankee Mom." They are dynamic, and extraordinary! Meet Heather, our superhero, our leader.

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Visit our store to find the perfect Halloween Costume for you!

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Why are Men Cheap?

This is for all of the women who have had their eyes on a particular man, some for months or even years, only to find out when that opportunity finally arises when you can cease the day and get him to notice you the air exits your balloon of happiness...and why? He turns out to be a real dick that's why. I hear stories from time to time but this one especially hit a nerve because it pertains to a pretty young lady that I work with whose name I will not mention but she loves 'cows!' To this young lady I say this; Any man that likes you and really wants to get to know you will move heaven and earth to make it happen. If a man (regardless of his age) wants to become part of your life, your surroundings, as well as your family and circle of friends he won't stop until he wins the affection of all those who questioned his integrity. He will roll out the red carpet and treat you like a queen, just as you should be treated! Never settle for less and always expect more! How do you find this guy and what do you look for/and not look for in a partner? Well, ask yourself a few questions?

Does he have a generous spirit?

You see, women view how a man spends -or fails to spend - his money as a direct reflection of how generous and giving he is as a person. For example, a man who calculates his every dime and rarely treats his woman, or his friends for that matter, will be seen as a tightwad who puts his own bottom line above all else. Shame on you. 

My theory is, "you can't take it with you when you go so for God sakes, enjoy it while you are alive!" This means; have fun, get to know a young lady and ask her what she wants to do? Inviting her over to watch a movie is not a date, it is a direction question in a round about way of asking her to come over and get acquainted so that you can try to get into her britches. This is not a date, it is you being a cheap ass and wanting something for nothing. In my opinion, you are a fool. Men think with the wrong head and one of these days it will surely get you in trouble. One of these days, you will wake up and realize that the 'one' you let get away could have just been the woman of your dreams and you blew it you moron! Are you serious? What kind of men do this and think for a moment that us gals don't have enough common sense to smack you in the head with a 2x4 (which BTW happens to also be the name of a new man candle at Yankee Candle.)

Women want a man who can open up allowing us to see your vulnerable side as well as your kind, loving side. You character and integrity makes you who you are. Your personality extends your warmth and compassion, so communicate with her!Get to know her, and enjoy your time with this incredible woman. She is one of a kind.

Does he respect you and treat you well?

Women love fun, but fun as in GOOFY fun, not sluty fun! Another reason why women don't like cheap men is that it is much harder to have a good time with a cheap man than it is with one who doesn't mind investing in one. Unfortunately, those activities that are the most fun tend to cost a little more. Consider watching a movie at home in your parents basement is not at all the same as taking a young lady out for dinner and to see a good film. Listen fellas, I've always said, you get what you pay for. If you want a good respected woman with morals and ethics out the wazoo, you won't find her in a short skirt, or at the mall buying clothes three sizes too small. You'll find her out at social functions,  charity events, at church, school or in a place that she feels is comforting to her. 

Respect is something that you cannot buy, you must earn it along with trust, so next time you think about asking a woman to 'come over to watch a movie' and your intentions are nothing more than you just use her to get intimate...think again my friend. She may be a girl who has been with many others, and my guess is that she is probably is not at all a good girl if she says OK all the time to visiting you in your man cave just to get lucky. Real women want security and substance.

 Keep in mind should you choose a girl at school or that you met while out at a bar or party that is (let's just say, easy and keep it at that) she's probably has just passed on to you a good STD so look whose britches are itching now? It would have been more impressive to find the woman that shows dignity and character. Yes we like to have fun, but girls want to be respected and treated well just the same. My grandmother used to always say 'if you are not shy about bringing her home to meet mama, she must be a good girl.' So ladies, ask yourself this? Have you met your guys parents or family members, if yes, way to go good for you...and if no, he is probably using you and is ashamed of you. Sorry, it all comes out the same no matter how you slice it.

Hey, how about meeting her halfway?

Yes, now there's a thought! Many women are generous by nature and love doing things for their significant others, like making them a nice dinner. It is only natural that such women expect their men to give a little bit as well, whether by taking them out for an all-expenses paid night on the town, or taking off work early to surprise them. Most women will quickly tire of doing things for their men if they get nothing in return, materially or otherwise, so fellas, pitch in and 'whoo' her now! Show here that you like adventure and spontaneous fun and that you want to get to know all about her! Take the path least traveled, you'll find more fun there and you're not doing the same thing. Do something that you both enjoy doing. Find exotic places to travel, find dive bars that serve your favorite drink in their high end red solo cups, and shop with them for items that you need for your place. By doing this, you are getting to really get inside of your partners head to find out a lot of their likes and dislikes. 

Never get played for the fool!

By no means should you always pick up the bill and buy your woman expensive gifts. If she expects it, honey you better have your track shoes and already be running for the door, because it is only going to get worse! No woman has any right to view a man as a meal ticket, not ever. The key is to strike that delicate balance between not being cheap and not being taken advantage of financially.If you find someone that you like, get to know them, and share the responsibilities. Sure it is fun when men buy us things, and if they want to that's great. What I am stating clearly is not to make demands on them and just assume that they are going to pay for everything and be your meal ticket. Don't treat them like a doormat. Always be one step ahead of the game and you'll never get burned. Show a man your classy side and he will find warmth in your heart and mind. As for you guys reading this; think about what I just said and if you are one of those arrogant slime ball guys that are cheap and only want sex, you are sad my friend. Life is short, take a good look around you and if you don't like what you see, make some changes! To this young man that I spoke about earlier in my story, you just made a very big mistake my friend, for the young lady that you let go is one in a million!

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