The Chocolate Weight Loss Plan

Looking to shed a few pounds? Try eating chocolate more often. Yup, you read that right. A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who frequently eat chocolate tend to have lower body mass indexes. They are roughly five to seven pounds lighter than people who keep away from cocoa. Researchers think the effect might be due to polyphenols, the antioxidants found in chocolate that increase muscular performance and lean muscle mass and possibly reduce weight. Chocolate’s sugar, fat and calories are offset by its boost to your metabolism. But don’t wolf down that entire Easter bunny yet—gorging on a lot of chocolate in one sitting will pack on the pounds. The key is to eat a little bit more often. If you nibble on a square of dark chocolate about five days a week,  it just might help whittle your waist.