Weight control is an important part of the lives of many persons. Whenever anyone undertakes to change her or his weight by changing their diet, they should first consult a physician. They might do more harm than good. That is certainly the case with the observations we make below. Don't do anything without your doctor's advice. Chocolate is an almost magic substance from the misty jungles of America. It is more than just a delicious food. It's a true love potion. It's not an aphrodisiac. It doesn't arouse the sexual urges. To the contrary, it actually induces love, affection and contentment. Nothing else is known to do quite the same things. Chocolate calms stress, helps the body and brightens the mood. Chocolate is especially effective with women, but men are helped, too. The heart and circulatory system are benefited along with the psychology and emotions. We are not talking about chocolate candy or milk chocolate. Those concoctions are heavy with fat, sugar and additives. They'll do as much harm as good. By "chocolate," we really mean cocoa. Cocoa is the brown power which results from grinding the fermented cacao bean and removing most of the fat or cocoa butter. Cocoa contains potent alkaloids such as theobromide along with useful carbohydrates, vitamins, a few minerals and effective stimulants. It also contains a certain amount of fats and oils. It must be used with care, moderation and discretion. Where properly prepared and used, it will help to control weight and increase metabolism. Weight loss with the use of chocolate is gradual and steady. It's an easy diet which demands little concern. Because of chocolate's effect on the mind and emotions, the diet helps one be less concerned and stressed by her/his weight. More importantly, it helps make the individual "happy" or contented and much more pleasant to be around. A diet containing cocoa prepared as we describe also seems to slowly modify the person's pheromones. That slightly alters her or his natural odor. The change may make the person more appealing to the opposite sex. However that is not the aim of the diet. Cocoa or the chunks of "baking chocolate" used in cooking may both be used. Baking chocolate may contain more fat, however. The aim should be to use the least fat possible. When buying cocoa and/or baking chocolate, one should read the label. Buy the most natural, "organic" and least fatty product. There are several varieties of cacao beans and so, several varieties of cocoa. The darker, the better. Originally, chocolate was a stimulating, but bitter drink. When the Spanish invaded and conquered the New World, the Aztecs were making a drink called xocoatl from fermented cacao beans. The "x" is pronounced as "ch," heavens only knows why. That was about 1519, almost 500 years ago. The brew which we describe is somewhat similar to ancient xocoatl. It works in a similar way. It's strong and bitter, but it will help you shed pounds. Preparing Our Xocoatl To prepare our xocoatl, use neither sugar or milk. If you must sweeten the drink, add a little natural honey at the end, but only a little. Put a cup and a half of cold water in a small saucepan. Under low heat, add two heaping teaspoons of cocoa powder or an equivalent amount of baking chocolate. It will float. It will not dissolve. Briskly mix the cocoa into the simmering water to make a suspension, or as close to a suspension as possible. A little organic lecithin will help a lot. It's available is some health food stores. To the simmering mixture add a drop of real vanilla extract, a tiny pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Women should also add a little dried rosemary. Remove the drink from the heat. Allow to cool to a temperature where it may be consumed. Keep the brew well stirred. Drink it slowly, preferably at midmorning. A few persons seem to be sensitive to xocoatl. If it should upset your stomach, quit drinking it and take an antacid. One cup a day or three to five cups a week should have the desired effect more than that is unadvisable. Xocoatl may also be mixed with or added to other things and foods, but for weight loss, it is probably best to drink it separately. Feedback We are very interested in everyone's experiences with this diet and with xocoatl. Please write about your experiences to G.G. Stoctay. We are interested in how you respond, how much you lose and how you feel emotionally and psychologically. Rebecca's Bargain Antiques Collectible Vintage Photos Fine Prints - Old Maps Sheet Music - Old Books Elegant Antiques and Collectibles "Sometimes I think it's harder to raise a husband than a baby." Penny Singleton in Blondie, 1938 You are welcome to use or republish any of our material. Please give www.prisoners.com credit as the source. Return to the New and Interesting Items Menu. Return to the Works by Prisoner Authors and Others Menu. Return to the Main Menu. Go to our site's Search Engine. Send us Your Comments, Questions or Input.