So-called "proper" chocolate then.

I have introduced changes to my eating in order to lose weight which has to a greater extent been successful. I have a way to go - see the weight loss thread for that.

One change I introduced was to harness my rampaging sweet tooth by the consumption of small amounts of chocolate with high cocoa content (and consequently lower sugar and fat). 

The main advantage of this product is that you can't put it away in volume the way I can put mainstream chocolate bars away. At my worst I was putting away 6 bars or more a day and could put away 3 in one go no problem at all. Once you adapt to the taste (this stuff is strong) you find it gives you a chocolate fix very quickly. I can make a 100g bar last a week at the very least, and when you go back and try something like a Mars or Dairy Milk it tastes pretty vile or insipid. I believe it is very much a permanent change one can make with nothing but benefits. There are those who believe a regular small amount of good quality, high cocoa content chocolate can be beneficial.

I'm going to post here about bars I have come across. This stuff is usually pretty cheap too, so that's another benefit.

I have now got myself to staying at 80% and above re cocoa content - anything less now tastes a bit too sweet.

I started on Lindt - which comes in 80%,85%,90% and even 99%.

I have tried the 99% which is akin to sticking a piece of tobacco in your mouth - 80-90% is fine though. Lindt bars have large squares - and one is enough - so portion sizes are handy.

Green and Blacks have 80% and over too - it is rather good as well but the square size is thicker and smaller which can lead to temptation.

Both of these are available in large Tesco and quite often they will have a deal on that equates to a quid per 100g bar.

Lidl also stock a brand called J.D.Gross which has an "81% Arriba Superieur" bar which is splendid too. 125g for £1.19

At this point some may start coming back with phrases such as "single plantation" and discussing different cocoa beans (arriba is one) - bring it on.

Two ways to take this for me so far :

1. A portion with a handful of unroasted unsalted nuts is far better than any Snickers or Topic..

2. A square of higher content (the 99% is the only way to do this) slowly melting in the mouth. Marvellous.

I am guessing that combining this with an industrial strength coffee will also bear results. I have even read that taking it with with a good whiskey is a great experience.