ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Florida Board of Education is considering expelling chocolate milk from schools in an effort to fight childhood obesity.
If implemented, Florida would become the first state in the country to ban the sweetened milk from public schools. Though chocolate milk is a childhood favorite for many, parents like Maria Foster said they'd rather have their children drinking regular milk or water while in school -- instead of guzzling sugary drinks. "I think it's a good idea, you know, to get more discipline in the schools ... as far as what the kids are eating," Foster said. "We live in an obese nation. (Banning chocolate milk) is a start." On Tuesday, the state board agreed to move forward on the plan, but not everyone is keen on the idea. Former students, like David Elliot, said there's still nutritional value in chocolate milk -- unlike soft drinks. "If I had to go through school again and they banned it, I would never have made it," Elliot said. "I'd have been asleep most of the time in class. Stacy Yahrmatter said all of her children had chocolate milk in school, and she said it should stay that way.
"The kids love it," she said.
If implemented, Florida would become the first state in the country to ban the sweetened milk from public schools. Though chocolate milk is a childhood favorite for many, parents like Maria Foster said they'd rather have their children drinking regular milk or water while in school -- instead of guzzling sugary drinks. "I think it's a good idea, you know, to get more discipline in the schools ... as far as what the kids are eating," Foster said. "We live in an obese nation. (Banning chocolate milk) is a start." On Tuesday, the state board agreed to move forward on the plan, but not everyone is keen on the idea. Former students, like David Elliot, said there's still nutritional value in chocolate milk -- unlike soft drinks. "If I had to go through school again and they banned it, I would never have made it," Elliot said. "I'd have been asleep most of the time in class. Stacy Yahrmatter said all of her children had chocolate milk in school, and she said it should stay that way.
"The kids love it," she said.
It’s long been revered as a great tonic for a sweet tooth. And now scientists are discovering that it also may be good for your health. New studies show that dark chocolate produces antioxidants, which protects the body against cardiovascular disease, lowers blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol. Besides its heart-healthy benefits, dark chocolate also acts as a mild antidepressant.
Chocolate lovers beware: Only chocolate with a 65 percent or higher cocoa content confer these health benefits. And even then, don’t go overboard. Chocolate is still a high-calorie food and eating too much will outweigh the beneficial effects. A well-balanced diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein. And an occasional sweet treat is fine. So given the choice, why not try one of these dark chocolate dessert recipes for your next special occasion!