Oh yes, pure cocoa and ricotta cheese is great. So is cocoa and crème fraîche/Greek yoghurt with some crushed almonds (post-induction of course.)

Here's a little more about the health benefits of pure cocoa:

The Aztecs are documented to have used cocoa as a medicinal ingredient, and it was introduced to Europe in the mid 1500s. Cocoa is, of course, the same plant from which chocolate is made. The extract of the cocoa bean possesses many nutritional qualities and health benefits. It contains alkaloids known to support the nervous system, promote fat burning, improve energy levels and feelings of well-being. Cocoa is also a powerful antioxidant, known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
http://www.biotreasures.com/SBingredients.htm

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Is Cocoa the New Red Wine?

Chocolate lovers can take heart in new research showing that cocoa has more health-protecting antioxidants than wine or green or black tea.

"On a per-serving basis, the antioxidant capacity in cocoa was almost two times stronger than red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea and four to five times stronger than black tea," scientist Chang Yong Lee told the AARP Bulletin. Lee and colleagues at Cornell University in New York and Seoul National University in Korea tested cocoa powder that did not contain sugar and other ingredients.

Lee suggests "a cup of hot cocoa in the morning, a cup of green tea in the afternoon and a glass of red wine in the evening [as] a good combination for the daily antioxidant intake."
http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourhe...overies_04.html

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The cocoa bean, despite being one of the few plant fat sources to contain saturated fat, is a good source of energy, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, B vitamins, minerals (iron and magnesium) and contains flavonoids, which are the same chemicals that make wine “heart-healthy”. Studies show that stearic acid, the saturated fat in chocolate, reduced the risk for blood clots in men. It contains caffeine (a stimulant), theobromine, (a muscle stimulant) and phenylethylalanine (a mood elevator). And best of all, chocolate is an awesome tasting indulgence – hmm, a healthful indulgence – it’s not an oxymoron!



I really do recommend pure unsweetened cocoa for a powerful PMS-pick-me-up. However, best way to deal with sugar cravings would be to pop some Chromium and/or L-Glutamine supplement (to level the bloodsugar.) Have helped many people on this board (me included.)

/gil