What happens to your body when you give up chocolate for a month?

Though you will experience reduced cravings for sugary and high-calorie foods according to Singhwal, Dr Abhishek Gupta, Emergency Medicines, Regency Hospital explained that some individuals may experience initial cravings and mood swings as their bodies adjust to the absence of chocolate’s mood-enhancing compounds.

Let us take a look at the health benefits of giving up chocolate for a month and how to cope with it.

What are the benefits of giving up chocolate?

Leaving chocolate for a month can have several benefits.

Lower chocolate consumption can lead to a decrease in overall calorie and sugar intake, according to Dr Gupta. “It can also improve dental health by reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay,” he said.

It can also improve dental health by reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay (Photo: Getty/Thinkstock)

Chocolate is calorie-dense, and avoiding it may create a calorie deficit that supports weight loss, explained Singhwal.

Are there any withdrawal symptoms?

Some people may experience short-term irritability and cravings when they first stop eating chocolate. However, these symptoms usually diminish with time, said Dr Gupta.

You may even experience mood swings, or headaches, especially if you were consuming it regularly before, according to Singhwal, emphasising that it is important to replace chocolate with healthier alternatives to avoid feeling deprived.

What are its substitutes?

There are many healthier alternatives to chocolate, according to Singhwal and Dr Gupta.

• Consider alternatives like dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more), which has less sugar and more antioxidants.
• You can also opt for naturally sweet fruits like mangoes, pineapples, berries or peaches, and even dried fruits.
• Experiment with homemade desserts using healthier ingredients like dates and nuts, as they are a good option for a crunchy, satisfying snack.

Singhwal added that people with medical conditions that worsen with chocolate consumption, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), should avoid it. (Source: Unsplash)

Who should avoid eating it?

People with conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a history of migraines should also be cautious, as chocolate can trigger symptoms in some cases, according to Dr Gupta. “Additionally, those on strict low-sugar diets should monitor their chocolate intake closely,” he said.

Singhwal added that people with medical conditions that worsen with chocolate consumption, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), should avoid it.

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