Notes from the Chocolatier: Happy New Year

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Starting fresh this New Year is all about clearing out clutter and focusing on what’s to come for the next 12 months. We make goals and set targets, all in an effort to start the new year off right. The toughest part about New Year’s resolutions though is actually keeping them.

First, you need to brainstorm and reflect on what you want to change in your life. Then, you need to create a plan of how you will accomplish your resolutions. What lifestyle change will you make? What gym is the most convenient for you? Where is your next family get-away?

All of these questions can end up leading to stress and ultimately results in failure to meet your overall resolution. I want to offer a few helpful and simple resolutions I’ve been able to fulfill these past years. Baby steps, right? Read on and comment if you have any input or if you have resolutions that you have accomplished.

New Year’s Resolution #1: Stick to your diet

While this sounds counter-intuitive, it’s true!

A University of Copenhagen study found that dark chocolate is more filling than milk chocolate, and can reduce cravings for salty or fatty foods that are bad for you. The same researchers found that even just smelling dark chocolate can reduce appetite levels. Chocolate candles, anyone?

New Year’s Resolution #2: Promote a healthy heart

Harvard University reported that eating more chocolate correlates with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The lowered blood pressure from flavonoid consumption helps lessen your risk for heart failure.

To enjoy similar health benefits, you can happily snack on a square of dark chocolate a day. Combine that with a regular exercise routine and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy heart.

New Year’s Resolution #3: Reduce your stress levels

It’s scientifically proven: chocolate simply makes you feel good. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, the same chemical your brain releases when you’re falling in love. This explains that happy feeling you get when you enjoy a piece of delicious chocolate.

Plus, multiple studies have shown that people who enjoy a small amount of dark chocolate (an ounce or so) in their daily diets have lower levels of anxiety and a better sense of overall calmness.

New Year’s Resolution #4: Be kinder on your skin

In addition to moisturizing and wearing sunscreen regularly, consider incorporating chocolate into your daily skincare routine. The same flavonoids found in dark chocolate responsible for increasing blood flow also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. As a result, eating antioxidant-rich chocolate makes your skin feel smoother, healthier, and more resistant to sunburn.

Celebrate a fresh start to the New Year with our decadent treats. We can ensure you our chocolate truffles are a great way to reward yourself for keeping your resolutions.

We would love to hear what your most worthy resolutions are this new year. Comment below to share your thoughts and ideas.

Nicole Patel

Nicole Patel is the proprietor of and chocolatier for Delysia Chocolatier. In 2006 while pregnant with her first son, Nicole made a batch of chocolate truffles as holiday gifts. To the delight of friends and family, she continued to create chocolates as a way to relieve stress from her corporate engineering job. In 2008, a chance trip to Becker Vineyards led to Nicole being the first in Texas to make truffles using local wines. Within five years, what started as a hobby turned Delysia into one of the Top Ten Chocolatiers in the Americas, as selected by the International Chocolate Salon.