Every healthy diet deserves a sweet treat now and then.
although chocolate has been the culprit in many a
craving, it doesn't always live up to its bad rap - as
long as the portion size is under control.

The flavonoids in cocoa - chocolate's main ingredient -
have been found to protect against heart disease and
improve cholesterol levels.  Dark chocolate has been
bound to provide health-inducint antioxidants.

Obviously, though, the calorie and fat content make
it only an occasional indulgence.

The U.S. government puts chocolate and many other
food favorites in a category called "discretionary
calories."  The amount of discretionary calories an
adult can consume depends on age, gender and amount
of exercise.

A 51-year-old inactive man is recommended to consume
no more than 265 discretionary calories a day, while
his active counterpart can consume 290 to 425 calories.

A same-age sedentary woman, however, is recommended
to consume only 130 discretionary calories a day,
while her active counterpart is allowed 195 to 290.

One-serving-sized 1-ounce bar of milk chocolate
CALORIES:  152
CARBS:      16.5
FAT:         8.6g
PROTEIN:     2.0g

... A day without chocolate is a day without sunshine!