Hershey's Dark Chocolate Sticks - My Perfect Chocolate Moment
Hershey's makes a wonderful product (yeah chocolate, DUH!) that is the perfect moment for me in my new "eating healthier" lifestyle. They're called Hershey's Sticks and I am particularly partial to the Rich Dark Chocolate flavor. Mmmmmmm.
Not only are these tasty Hershey's chocolate, they are sized so there are only 60 calories per stick and being dark chocolate, they are a natural source of flavanol antioxidants. Studies show that dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure by an average of 5 points systolic, 3 points diastolic. And, as you know a study in the Journal of American Medical Association (Nov. 10, 2004) found that Norvasc (amlopidine) and Vasotec (enalapril) - two of the more popular anti-hypertensives, lowered systolic by 5 points and diastolic by 2.5 points. And this is Hershey's chocolate, so it is not only tasty, it's less expensive!
I keep my box in the freezer, so it has a nice crunch when I bite into it, then I let it slowly melt in my mouth. As it says on the box, "Best of all, each stick is individually wrapped, sized to perfection, and 60 calories or less for convenient, indulgent and guilt-free enjoyment." They also make mint and milk chocolate flavors.
Now I can keep chocolate as part of my healthy lifestyle and not feel I'm depriving myself. In fact, when I have a piece, I am doing something heart healthy! How cool is that.