The Chocolate Fix: 8 Low Calorie Ideas

My Diet Matters
what to eat for chocolate fix

Most people love chocolate. And, most people occasionally have chocolate cravings and need a chocolate fix. According to one research publication, almost 50% of American women crave chocolate specifically around the time of their menstrual period. While the shift to craving chocolate may often be hormone driven, clearly many people enjoy the sweet taste that often goes with chocolaty foods. And, they may even enjoy the slight stimulant kick from the chocolate. Whatever the reasons for seeking chocolate, it’s good to have some ideas on how to fix chocolate cravings without overdoing it from a calorie standpoint. While there is certainly nothing wrong with just eating some great tasting chocolate on an occasional basis, many Americans cannot consume high calorie chocolate treats too often. With that in mind, here are some favorite chocolate fix suggestions to take care of both your sweet tooth and chocolate cravings without ruining your waistline.

8 treats to get your chocolate fix

1. Blue Bunny brand mini ice cream cones

These mini ice cream cones have only 140 calories and are perfectly portion controlled. They are chocolate ice cream covered in chocolate and plopped in a mini sugar ice cream cone. You can also get them with vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate if you do not need such a heavy chocolate fix. If you are reading this, though, you’d probably prefer the chocolate ice cream with chocolate topping! For those who are diabetic or on a weight management exchange list food plan, this cone has 17 grams total carbohydrate and 7 grams of fat (or 1 carbohydrate exchange plus 1.5 fat exchanges).

2. Chocolate rice cakes for a chocolate fix

chocolate rice cakes for chocolate fix

Rice cakes have come a long way, baby. Gone are the days of cardboard tasting rice cakes. These chocolate rice cakes are not always easy to find, but Walmart seems to stock them pretty consistently. I’ve also seen them occasionally at Target and Jewel in the Chicago area. Each rice cake has 60 calories and almost no fat along with 12 grams of carbohydrate. For the diabetics or those using exchange lists for weight management, each rice cake is equal to one starch exchange.

3. Chocolate candy Nips

I find these readily available at Walgreens. I am not sure why they never seem to be in the grocery store, however. Each nip candy has 30 calories and almost no fat. Be sure to slowly suck on them as opposed to chewing, as they are sticky enough to pull your tooth fillings out. As long as you suck on them and only have a few, they can quell your chocolate cravings. Your dentist might like you to brush well after this treat.

4. Greek yogurt mixed with cocoa

You don’t really need a recipe for this one. Toss about 1/2 cup of fat free Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp. peanut butter powder, 1 Tbsp. cocoa, and 1/2 packet of stevia (or sweetener of choice) in a bowl and mix it up. You can use a hand mixer or just mix with a spoon. Consider topping with some aerosol whipped cream. Not only can this take care of your chocolate cravings, it’s loaded with protein, calcium, and probiotics. After this snack, you might be full for awhile! For purchasing probiotics, read on.

5. Chocolate chips for a chocolate fix

Have a tablespoon and end up eating only 70 calories. Make it dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate-whatever suits your craving. Take your one tablespoon serving and reseal the bag for a future treat time! If you want to get really “fancy”, you can also stuff these chocolate chips into the center of raspberries. This would be a great treat for the kids as well. In addition to the chocolate fix, the raspberries would be providing plenty of great dietary fiber.

6. Hot cocoa for a chocolate fix

chocolate fix or cravings

You can make this any way you please. Use any milk you enjoy and use either a hot cocoa recipe or just add a little Hershey chocolate syrup. In addition to a chocolate fix, you’ll be consuming a good source of protein and calcium. Using skim milk products and low calorie chocolate flavoring will keep this under 100 calories per serving. Here are a few more tips on how to make this chocolate fix versatile and healthy.

7. Chocolate covered raisins

You may need some willpower for this one if it’s hard to implement portion control. If it’s not hard for you, then go ahead and portion out 2 Tbsp or 24 pieces and you’ve got a chocolate fix for about 95 calories. Along with your chocolate fix, you’ll get a small amount of fiber and iron. Each 2 Tbsp. serving also yields 15 grams of carbohydrate and 4 grams of fat. For diabetics or those following weight management exchange list food plans, this is one fruit exchange plus one fat exchange.

8. Chocolate frozen yogurt bars on a stick

chocolate cravings

Ahold ® frozen chocolate Greek yogurt bars give great chocolate taste for only 90 calories. This is one of many brands in your frozen food section. Many of these low fat frozen yogurt bars are only about 100 calories and offer up some protein as well. To boot, you get some live active cultures along with fixing your chocolate cravings. If you are diabetic or on an exchange type weight loss food plan, each yogurt bar typically yields only 15-17 grams of carbohydrate, along with some protein and fat, depending on the brand chosen.

Take Away

Chocolate cravings are part of life! There’s nothing wrong with indulging in some good quality Godiva, for sure. However, if you cannot afford too many extra calories as you confront your chocolate cravings, it’s nice to have some options to fall back on that will fit into most eating plans. I hope you enjoy my suggestions. And, I’d love to hear from readers on how you tackle your chocolate cravings. Please take a minute to share.

Sue Rose, MS, RD, LDN

Sue Rose helps readers sort through the maze of nutrition information available to the public. As a seasoned clinical dietitian/nutritionist with decades of experience, her blogs attempt to educate and inform the public at a time when there is so much information it is often overwhelming to understand. Stay tuned for clarity on a variety of topics!

1 Comment

  1. Kris on December 8, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    Thanks! Some new treats to try



Disclaimer

Use this information at your own risk. Although I am a licensed IL dietitian/nutritionist, I am not your dietitian. The information in my blog Chew on This located at www.mydietmatters.com is for educational and informational purposes only. It is also my own opinion and subject to change in the future. Please consult with your own medical professionals for individual treatment.