Crazy-Good New Ideas for Our Favorite Superfood Dark Chocolate, Because It's More Than Just a Candy Bar!

by Sarah-Jane Bedwell

Romulo A Yanes
Romulo A Yanes

We love all types of superfoods because they make us look and feel amazing, but if we hand to choose a favorite, hands down, it would be dark chocolate. Isn't it wonderful that something so rich and delicious also has mad benefits like boasting three grams of hunger-squashing fiber per ounce and plenty of disease-fighting antioxidants called flavonoids? And there is more good news; dark chocolate is not just for dessert. Try these amazing recipes to enjoy dark chocolate (look for one with at least 70% cocoa) any time of the day!

Ooey-Gooey Strawberry Chocolate Chip Oatmeal: I originally created this breakfast for the TODAY Show, and it was designed around a study which claimed that people who included sweets -- especially chocolate(!!!) -- as a part of their breakfast lost 40 more pounds than their counterparts, who instead ate low-cal, low-carb meals. Almond slivers add a touch of good fat to the otherwise super-healthy ingredients.


See more: 5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin

Chocolate Steak: Maybe it's because they are both amazing to eat or maybe it's because they're both superfoods, but regardless of the reason you choose, dark chocolate and steak go wonderfully together. Try making a dry rub for a steak with salt, pepper, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon and chili powder. Want a sauce instead? Also use unsweetened cocoa powder with the same blend of spices and some low-sodium vegetable- or beef-based broth.


Dark Chocolate and Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Don't knock this combo till you try it. It may sound a bit off-putting at first, but if you think about it, it kind of makes sense -- parmesan is creamy and salty while dark chocolate is rich and bittersweet. Combine thin slices of parmesan cheese and coarsely chopped dark chocolate between two pieces of bread and grill away -- we promise, it won't disappoint.

Click here for the full recipes.

What's the most unique way you enjoy dark chocolate? Tweet us @SELFmagazine and @sarahjaneRD with your menu!

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