Chocolate Addiction | Quays Clinic of Hypnotherapy

Chocolate

Since John Cadbury developed a process in the 19^th century to create solid chocolate, and opened the first chocolate factory, people the world over have loved chocolate for its sweet, creamy taste and texture and the euphoric feelings in can create when consumed. Some people claim to be unable to stop eating it, just like a person addicted to a drug. Like any substance that is pleasurable to consume, chocolate may cause a mental or psychological “addiction” in those who eat it regularly, but is chocolate addiction more than that? Is it possible for people to become physiologically addicted?
Are You Addicted To Chocolate?

  “Chocoholic” is a term often used jokingly by those who love the sweet stuff and eat it in large quantities. They may have an urge to buy chocolates every time they pass a candy display, or finish a whole box of chocolates in one sitting because they “just can’t stop.” However, this may not be a joking matter. Chocolate does contain several powerful compounds such as theobromine and tryptophan, among others, which are known to act on the human brain, creating euphoric feelings and even sexual arousal in large enough concentrations. It also contains caffeine, which acts on the central nervous system, and is known to be one of the most physiologically addictive compounds in the world. The combination of these compounds, consumed in large enough quantity, could cause true physiological addiction, but most people – even avowed “chocoholics” – do not eat enough chocolate to become truly physically addicted.

Do You Crave For Chocolate?

This is not to say that chocolate does not cause cravings in those who love it. Whether it’s the combination of “feel good” compounds, the satisfying texture, the large amount of sugar in today’s chocolate candy, or even a genetic component that makes this combination harder to resist, any self-described “chocoholic” can tell you that they have powerful urges to eat it and a hard time saying no, even when they know they’ve had too much.

Which Type Of Chocolate Is Best To Eat?

If you are “addicted” to chocolate and know you should cut back, never fear; there are a few healthy ways to keep it in your diet, and perhaps keep those urges in check. For example, dark chocolate is a healthier alternative than either milk chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids and a powerful antioxidant, which are known to help fight heart disease, and have been shown to lower blood pressure. The darker the chocolate, the healthier it is for you. Dark chocolate is also lower in fat and lower in sugar than the creamier milk chocolate. If you must have the stuff every day, you might want to cut back on the solid chocolate candies – which are packed with fat and sugar — and instead try cooking with semisweet or dark chocolate. Try a chocolate cake recipe that calls for unsweetened cocoa or semisweet chips. Do some research: If you want to find shops that have many types of chocolate, UK boasts plenty of specialty shops, especially in metropolitan areas, in which you may find healthier options to feed your chocolate addiction.

Hypnotherapy For Chocolate Addiction

If you are looking to find hypnotherapy in Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead or County Durham, contact clinical hypnotherapist Ian Smith. Hypnotist Ian Smith has many years of experience in helping people with addictions.

Ian Smith (Distinction) D.Hyp  T.F.T  M.U.F.H  M.A.A.H  U.K.C.H.O  N.R.H  C.I.S.H

Quays Clinic of Hypnotherapy in North Shields
Telephone: 0774 3353367.