The Fat-Burning Hot Chocolate Bar/How I Lost Four Inches: Weight Loss Tip 2!

Fat-Burning Hot Chocolate Bar/Curbs Cravings/Susiej

The boys think I’m such a cool mom to create this hot chocolate bar, available 24×7, easily accessible in the kitchen. Little do they know, it’s for me. It’s for my cravings. I needed a safe, low-carb, low-calorie way to curb the cravings that come every afternoon. This is my second tip on how I actually did loose four inches in four weeks — even though hormones were determined NOT to let this happen.

I studied the research, and learned how herbs can work together with your metabolism to help you loose weight. But the most important factor, was to have everything out, and easily accessible.  If the ginger powder is stuffed in the back of the cupboard, I’m less likely to grab it. So, I carefully found the right containers, bottles and gear to set up a “station” to help calm my cravings, while helping me meet my weight loss goal.

Fat-Burning Hot Chocolate Bar/Curbs Cravings/Susiej

I did a little math to find out just how safe I could make a nice cup of hot chocolate… And maybe even help my metabolism a bit by adding some of the fat-burning herbs. So, here’s what I came up with:
First of all, adding a teaspoon of Coconut Oil can make this drink taste deliciously decadent. More importantly, coconut oil also boosts the weight loss factor, as it helps your body burn fat! read more here. Be sure to get the non hydrogenated Coconut Oil.

Fat-Burning Hot Chocolate Bar/Curbs Cravings/Susiej

Fat-Burning Hot Chocolate Bar/Curbs Cravings/Susiej

My secret weapon is this Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea. This tea tastes exactly like a cinnamon red hot, but has absolutely NO SUGAR!! The sweetness comes from the cinnamon itself. And the tea itself comes into those little nylon fancy bags, that make you feel like a queen. At the same time, cinnamon is a power house when it comes to regulating insulin and helping you shed a few pounds. I don’t add this every time, but using this simple Cinnamon Spice Tea as the base of your cup of hot chocolate is soooo satisfying.

Ginger, turmeric  and cayenne pepper also boost your metabolism by helping your body create heat. Sprinkling a bit into your creamy milk chocolate adds a high amount of flavor, and helps fuel your weight loss goals. Yes, right, I hear you. Turmeric in hot chocolate? Well, it’s not traditionally associated with chocolate, but it’s so good for your hormones and so many other health benefits, that I’ve learned to like it. All of these spices are healthy,and you should be eating them anyway. So why not take your daily dose in a delicious cup of dark chocolate, which also has its own health qualities?

Blackstrap Molasses is a good source of minerals and iron…and just a tad is all you need, to add that touch of sweetness. AND, it’s good for you too.

So here’s how my recipe comes out:

I use whole milk, but of course use skim or Almond or Soy… I fill half the cup with water, and add the milk to the rest of the cup, about four ounces.

Then, I add the cinnamon tea, if using, the coco powder, the coconut oil, and the spices and sweetener.  Here’s what my version of hot chocolate looks like on My Fitness Pal.

Fat-Burning Hot Chocolate Bar/Curbs Cravings/Susiej

As you can seem it does very little damage at 186 calories, and 19 carbs. If yours includes almond or soy milk of course, the calories will vary. I don’t always use the coconut oil, or the sweetener, or that much coco… it varies, and so will yours. The point is not to copy what I have, but to show you how minimal a cup of hot chocolate can be to your fitness goals…and could, in fact, be the key that keeps you away from those dangerous, high calorie foods.

Healthy Supplements to Lose Weight
There are so many claims, many not scientifically supported, claiming that you will melt away pounds in days, if you’ll only take these supplements. Most of it is hype – or the effects are so minimal, that they are not worth your hard-earned money. But there are a few that do work:

Capsaicin (Pepper), Green Tea and CH-19 Sweet Pepper. Several studies show this combination is a powerful fat burner with no significant side cardiovascular side effects. Read more here:

Calcium Pyruvate. Studies show that calcium pyruvate does metabolize fat – but you need to take so much of it, you would be spending $15-20 a day. Read the research here: