Is Chocolate GAPS Legal?

{photo credit: oskay}

I make my obsession over chocolate no secret on this site. I LOVE chocolate. It was one of the biggest “issues” I had with starting GAPS–how could I live without chocolate? Pre-GAPS, I always had a stash of Cadbury Mini Eggs. Yes. I would bulk-buy at Easter. I know they make them at Christmas time, too, but for some reason I though that the pastel colored ones must be healthier than the bright red and green ones. To think that any of those things would be healthy in the slightest…well that is another story!

We were on GAPS for at least 6 months when I read this:

“Cocoa is SCD illegal. However, I find that many people can start having it occasionally on the Full GAPS Diet, once the digestive symptoms are gone. Find pure organic cocoa powder. Mixing the powder with some honey and sour cream makes a delicious dessert, and you can add it to your homemade ice cream or cakes. After trying it for the first time, observe your patient for any reactions. Cocoa is very rich in magnesium and some essential amino acids and, unless your digestive system is not ready for it, there is no need to avoid it.” 

I found it in Dr. Natasha’s FAQ’s. You can read it for yourself on GAPS.com or on GAPS.me.

I think this is another situation where everyone needs to listen to their own body. If you’re having diarrhea from chocolate, it’s probably best to stay away from it. Pre-GAPS, I had diarrhea from chocolate. I think that being on GAPS for 6 months or so is probably a good idea, personally, before trying to introduce chocolate. See how the diet makes you feel–get your gut healing–and then see how it works for you.

The cool thing about GAPS is that it’s healed my chocolate addiction. I’m still obsessed and love chocolate, yes. But I don’t need it every day anymore. I will always choose chocolate over a fruity dessert or over any other choice….but I’m not addicted. I don’t need it.

So do you want to know my favorite chocolate recipes? Here they are:

Chocolate Covered Caramel Dates

Extra Chocolatey Chocolate Cupcakes

The Healthiest Fudge on the Planet

Chocolate Peppermint Love

Fudgy Coconut Flour Brownies

Snowflake Peppermint Fudge

Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Clusters

Are you on GAPS? Do you eat chocolate? If not, are you going to now? 🙂