Why chocolate for breakfast helps you lose weight: A myth-shattering medical study

Good news for chocoholics and those with a chronic sweet tooth: Despite all common sense indicating otherwise, recent research indicates that eating dessert for breakfast may aid in losing weight and, more importantly, in keeping it off. 

Scientists at Tel Aviv University conducted a 32-week study of 193 clinically obese, non-diabetic adults. Two study groups were assigned identical caloric intake: 1600 per day for men and 1400 per day for women.

 At the end of the study, those participating in the dessert-eating group had lost an average of 40 pounds more per person than the participants in the other group. 

One group followed a low-carb diet that included a 300-calorie breakfast, and the other ate a high-protein, high-carb, 600-calorie breakfast that involved a dessert — cookies, cake or chocolate. 

And guess what? At the end of the study, those participating in the dessert-eating group had lost an average of 40 pounds more per person than the participants in the other group.

The researchers credit a few factors for this notable difference. Metabolism works more actively in the morning, and the body has all day to work off food eaten early. Carbohydrates are satisfying, both psychologically and physically. Plus, a shock of sweetness early in the day can help to stave off afternoon cravings. 

So go ahead, indulge. Feel guilty about that chocolate croissant — or that bowl of ice cream — no longer.