Life’s Highs and Lows….and Guilt Free Chocolate!

I’ve heard a saying before that goes something like ‘In life there are only two things for certain, death and taxes’ well I reckon I can add a third to that - ‘Life’s highs and lows’.

My recent high came in the form of our wedding at Kingsford Homestead a couple of weekends back. It was just perfect for myself and Frank in so many ways and was quite possibly the best day of my entire life with such wonderful people and so many happy memories :)

We were so lucky with the weather and to be surrounded by our dearest friends and family, it’s hard not to feel a sense of being truly blessed.

One particularly moving event for me was having my Nana, who is 92 years young, fly in from Sydney to be there. She is the kindest, most beautiful and strong willed woman that I've ever met. My grandad passed away early last year and they were married for 68 years. I aspire in so many ways to be just like my Nana.

Something that will stay with me forever is my daughter Kristy walking me down the aisle and giving me away. This was such a very special moment in time that I know we will both treasure forever.

After the wedding we relaxed in Clare for a couple of nights with lots of reading, eating, sleeping and just chillin’ which was just lovely although, and this is where the low kicks in because it was very much a bittersweet situation.

It was bittersweet because Kristy flew out to Europe, with her boyfriend Paul, on the Wednesday directly after the wedding. Not just for a few weeks either, she is travelling for more than 6 months!

Now some people might think what’s wrong with that but you have to understand we are like joined at the hip….for those who know the Gilmore Girls, that’s us! Not only has she never left home before but we have never really been apart for than 2 weeks before. And right now she is on the other side of the world and I have to say I’m really struggling with it.

We are so close and without a doubt each other’s best friend, confiding in each other with all we do. She has emailed, messaged  and sent me through pictures...so I know she's safe and all I can hear is the excitement in her emails and how she just wants to tell me everything that's happening and that makes me really happy...you know some of us can't wait until our kids grow up and leave home. Don't wish for that moment too quick, cos’ believe me it will come around quick enough.

I will add some pictures of Kristy's adventure soon :)

This brings me to the guilt free chocolate bit…and I’m guessing you were probably more interested in this part more than story above but anyway I’m sitting here in the lounge with a glass of red and eating a block of dark chocolate to make myself feel better and not feeling guilty about it.

That made me want to share why chocolate can benefit you, especially dark chocolate.  And importantly you don't have to feel guilty, (remember of course, everything in moderation) ...so here’s some good news on dark chocolate from an article** I read recently...

1)      Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Heart

Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times each week can help lower your blood pressure. 

2) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Brain

Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. Dark chocolate also helps reduce your risk of stroke. 

Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health.

3) Dark Chocolate Helps Control Blood Sugar

Dark chocolate helps keep your blood vessels healthy and your circulation unimpaired to protect against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids in dark chocolate also help reduce insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the ability to use your body's insulin efficiently. Dark chocolate also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.

4) Dark Chocolate is Full of Antioxidants

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of aging.

5) Dark Chocolate Contains Theobromine

Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been shown to harden tooth enamel. That means that dark chocolate, unlike most other sweets, lowers your risk of getting cavities if you practice proper dental hygiene.

6) Dark Chocolate is High in Vitamins and Minerals

Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health.Dark chocolate contains some of the following vitamins and minerals in high concentrations:

• Potassium

• Copper

• Magnesium 

• Iron

The copper and potassium in dark chocolate help prevent against stroke and cardiovascular ailments. The iron in chocolate protects against iron deficiency anemia, and the magnesium in chocolate helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. 

There’s more info in the article so click the link if your interested.

Shaz x

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http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate.html