Chocolate!

by Ken Fees
(Two Rivers, Wisconsin)

As someone who helps others deal with weight issues, I'm supposed to be above cravings, but lemme tell ya! I can smell it from a mile away. It doesn't matter what form it takes - cake, cookies, candy bars, muffins, and don't even suggest a fondue!

My niece was married a couple of years ago, and they had this beautiful chocolate fountain, and things I didn't previously even know people dipped in chocolate. Vegetables, fruits, breads, even other types of chocolate! It was absolute heaven, and I stuffed myself until there was no more chocolate to dip in. Then, of course, I got the chef's name and went in the kitchen to meet him. Talk about a treat.

Lately, there's been a lot of talk about how good chocolate is for us as an anti-oxidant. Nice thought, but I seriously doubt that a body needs nearly as much as I crave.

Because weight is always an issue for me, eating chocolate when I want is absolutely not an option. So, my way of dealing with it is to avoid its presence. I stay away from convenience stores and bakeries with all that chocolate begging for attention.

My other strategy is to use it as a reward, but I have to do something really big, not just get out of bed on time.

It works great as a motivator for me, and helps me stay focused on a task, knowing that when finished, a soft, gooey, sweet treat is just sitting in the store waiting for me to come and get it. Of course it's at the store - I can't trust myself with it in the house!

What's my favorite chocolate treat? Chocolate Amaretto truffles...to die for!

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Ken has his own website, Weight Loss Thru Healthy Living. Check it out!