Ways to Incorporate Dark Chocolate Into Your Daily Routine

Who doesn't enjoy a little indulgence - what if you could indulge and it could be good for you? Yes, I said it - good for you! Dark chocolate is a rich and decadent treat that's full of antioxidant potential and health benefits.  Dark chocolate - especially high quality with 70% or higher cacao - can actually be a healthy option when eaten regularly and in moderation. Let’s look at three easy ways to add dark chocolate treats to your routine and offer pleasure and health at the same time.

1. Morning Metabolism Compliment

Instead of skipping breakfast or eating that boring piece of toast, put a square of dark chocolate in your breakfast. A small piece of 85% Aged India Single Origin Dark Chocolate melted into a breakfast bowl of oatmeal or smoothie bowl will add a different rich flavor profile and offer a natural energy boost. Dark chocolate contains a little caffeine and the natural stimulants can boost metabolism while the antioxidants can support your body’s natural defence systems. 

Try this: Toss a frozen banana in a blender with a tablespoon of Almond Butter with Dark Chocolate, some spinach and your choice of plant milk for a tasty protein breakfast that satisfies your sweet craving while fueling your day.

2. Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

Instead of reaching for processed snacks when you experience that 3-4 pm slump in your brain's working efficiency, try to keep some small doses of dark chocolate at your desk. Just a small piece of 70% Intense Dark Chocolate with Blueberry is one of the absolutely perfect protein snacks to help keep your energy levels up throughout the day. It has just the right amount of natural sugars to provide a good kick start without producing the crash of highly processed, refined food products. 

Moreover, for an extra nutritional punch, you can always develop your own trail mix that incorporates raw nuts, seeds, and little pieces of dark chocolate; this gives you healthy fats, protein, and just a small amount of sweetness to help satisfy those cravings with enough energy to keep you locked-in (and working) until dinner time. 

3. Evening Wellness Ritual

You can end your day in the same mindful state by engaging in a dark chocolate tasting ritual. Grab a small piece of dark chocolate that you like (if you're not picky about brands you should consider the Vegan & Gluten Free varieties!), and mindfully eat it, very slowly. Let the chocolate melt on your tongue, and take in the many complexities and the transitions of the flavours while you slowly eat and taste the chocolate. 

This practice allows not only a full appreciation of the indulgent chocolates, but also a format for some mindfulness based activities and stress relief. Dark chocolate also has the potential to combine with other compounds in raw chocolate products to enhance serotonin production and elevate mood levels, making it a great supplement to your evening wind-down routine.

Where to Find Premium Dark Chocolate

When it comes to reaping the health benefits of dark chocolate, quality matters. Look for chocolates with high cacao percentages (70% or higher) and minimal added ingredients. Here are some top places to source your dark chocolate treasures:

1. Specialty Food Stores: These often carry artisanal brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and minimal processing. Look for options like the 85% Aged India Single Origin Dark Chocolate that's both Vegan & Gluten Free.

2. Farmers Markets: Local chocolatiers often sell at weekly markets, offering unique flavors like 70% Intense Dark Chocolate with Blueberry that you won't find elsewhere.

3. Direct from Producers: Many small-batch chocolate makers now sell online, allowing you to order specialties like Almond Butter with Dark Chocolate directly from the source.

Pork Life Balance - Unexpected Chocolate Pairing

Even though dark chocolate has a ton of health benefits on its own, the food visionaries at Pork Life Balance (PLB) found something else – the unexpected pairing of high-quality pork and dark chocolate. PLB believes in a concept of balance, based on nutrition, without sacrificing flavor, and many of their recipes combine dark chocolate with different pork products that are sustainably sourced.

In addition to cocoa-rubbed pork tenderloin, PLB has blended dark chocolate into BBQ sauce. PLB shows its audience that chocolate can be enjoyed beyond dessert. Their online cooking courses recommend using indulgent chocolates to enhance everyday savoury dishes for a truly memorable meal.

For dessert lovers, PLB also has "how-to guides" for pairing PLB pork products with desserts, like Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake and dark chocolate shavings.

Learn more about how to combine chocolate and pork in irresistibly delicious applications to help you on your path to a balanced, flavourful life at PLB!