Sad. A little discharged. Demotivated. Returning to the office after the holidays is not easy and, this year too, we feel that way. Because even if we don't remember it, even last year we tried this mix of negative emotions when we returned from vacation. We also wanted last year go back in time. Take our time. Change everything. But then it passed. It will also pass this time. But to prevent sadness from occupying our thoughts for too long, we can ask for help from a special ally: chocolate.

What we devoured the day before starting the diet, to then feel guilty. The one that must never be missing in the pantry to help us in the evenings is not the same that was very good in snack bread, when we were little. And that, come to think of it, it makes us feel happy.

The source of happiness

Some call it euphoria. Others happiness or contentment. The fact is that taking small amounts of chocolate causes positive emotions, capable of obscuring transient negativity and anxiety. Although it is still clear precisely which components are responsible for the surge in good humor, we think we need to focus on cocoa flavonoids, methylxanthines, minor amines, amides and alkaloids.

The benefits

Blood pressure reduction, increased cognitive performance and positive effects on memory. These are just some of the benefits offered by the consumption of chocolate that are associated with real antidepressant effects. Thanks to alkaloids such as salsolinol, we feel more cheerful and energetic after taking chocolate. This "doping" effect is the same that leads us to feel the desire to take on more chocolate when we take a small dose.
Let's try to resist: a small square of dark chocolate is the recommended daily dose.
Taking it in these quantities will allow us to give it to us every day, rather than swing between excesses and prohibitions.

The recipes

After exploring the reasons for our craving for chocolate, it's time to eat it. And console us a little. After all we expect an autumn full of news, new ideas and … goodies.
Starting from these 30 recipes, perfect for September, but also for the months to follow.