Guest blog post by Ryan Orrico.

This post inspired by David Wolfe’s work on Raw Chocolate!

“Every study on chocolate is pointing to the same conclusion: there is something in chocolate that is really good for us. That something is the raw cacao bean, the nut that all chocolate is made from. The cacao bean has always been and will always be Nature’s #1 weight loss and high-energy food. Cacao beans are probably the best kept secret in the entire history of food.”

– David Wolfe, co-author of Naked Chocolate: The Astonishing Truth About The World’s Greatest Food.

Valentine’s Day just passed and we can assume that copious amounts of the world’s most popular food were consumed..  most of it in a state that provides none of the magical benefits that chocolate can bring.

When chocolate is processed into the different forms of milk chocolate we’re all familiar with, all of the magic is lost.  Sugars, fats and a bunch of other junk is added and the natural power of the chocolate is, essentially, cooked out.

I’d like to point out that when I refer to chocolate in this article, I’m talking about real, raw chocolate (cacao).  NOT processed milk chocolate that’s often found in candy bars.

But, we’re here because we want to look better naked right?  Well I have great news!  Chocolate doesn’t only taste great, but it can be used to actually ENHANCE your weight loss!

I’m speaking from personal experience as I’ve lost just over 60 pounds in the past year consuming what some would consider “large” amounts of chocolate every day.

Here’s some of the awesome properties RAW chocolate will deliver:

• High-levels of antioxidants  (however, in milk chocolate products - the addition of dairy CANCELS out the antioxidants)
• Increase ones energy substantially.  Cacao contains theobromine and caffeine, although in small amounts, the effects are felt.
• The magnesium and MAO inhibitors increase physical flexibility (improve workout performance)
• Methylxanthine stimulants add several hours of additional power and strength (improve workout performance)
• Regulation of appetite, mood, memory and pain perception

There’s a reason why chocolate is associated with Valentine’s and other love-dovey days.  Not only is it super yummy and one of the most popular foods ever, but there’s chemical and scientific properties behind it.

Did you know there’s a chemical that seems to help create the feelings of love, attraction, excitement and euphoria?  It’s called phenylethylamine (PEA) and it has been dubbed the “love chemical,” and for good reason.

When we fall in love, PEA levels are shown to increase and we become excited and full of optimism.  Often times, PEA is abundant in happy, joyful people

On the contrary, PEA levels are shown to be noticeably lower in those suffering from depression.

Well studies have shown that chocolate contains a significant amount of PEA so when you consume that tasty bit of [unprocessed] chocolate, you’re supplementing your body with the LOVE chemical.

Chocolate is not only a “feel good” food, but it can be used with great effect in a weight loss program.

I encourage you to add some raw chocolate into your diet and see what happens. Try this awesome recipe from David Wolfe’s masterpiece “Naked Chocolate”

• 1/2 cup of chocolate powder (crushed cacao beans or nibs)
• 3 lemons
• 1 avocado, stoned and peeled
• 1/2 cup of carob powder
• 10 dates, stoned & soaked
• 4 tablespoons of raw agave nectar

Cut two of the lemons in half, lengthways.  Scoop the flesh out, being careful to keep the skins intact.  Cut a tiny strip off the bottom of each lemon half, so that they will sit flat on a plate without falling over.  Finely chop these cut-off strips and add them to a blender.  Juice of quarter of the scooped out lemon flesh and add that to the blender.

Discard the rest of the lemon flesh.  Blend the ingredients in the jug with the chocolate powder, avocado, carob powder, dates and agave nectar until smooth and creamy.  If it tastes too bitter add more agave nectar.

Divide the mixture into four and pile it into the boats

Cut up the third lemon to create sales and add one to each boat.