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A Year Without Chocolate

My 2017 Resolution

By Giulia DLPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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As a pastry chef, part of the job is taste-testing. I know, such sacrifice.

But there came a point where I was no longer just "taste-testing", and cake had become part of my daily diet. Which is all well and good when you're on your feet all day running between the kitchen and the walk-in fridge, but not so good when you're on the early shift and are mostly walking to the bench from the oven. I think on an average morning shift I did about 800 steps in the whole day — or so my pedometer said.

So, I came to a realisation around this time last year (January 2017), and made it a resolution to go without chocolate for a year. And I meant all chocolate — cocoa powder and cocoa butter included.

And I stuck to it, because I'm one of those majorly stubborn people. The more people told me there was no way I could do it, the more determined I was to do it.

Here are the things I learnt during this very long journey:

1. Everyone is a critic.

This is true whether you're pregnant or dieting or moving abroad. Those people who tell you, "Oh, wow, I couldn't do that," or, "are you sure you should?" or, "Just this once won't kill you".

2. Withdrawal is real.

You know how they say that chocolate is a drug? Because it's addictive and releases endorphins or something. It is true. I was cranky and craving and totally compensated with increased consumption of croissants.

3. Chocolate is everywhere.

Like, I knew this, but I didn't know it until I experienced it first-hand. Like an Egg-less Easter. Chocolate-less Valentines. And there's chocolate chips or cocoa butter or white chocolate in things you wouldn't expect, like white Oreos—which was kind of the point of me doing this, the detox. It didn't make it any easier, though.

4. I cheated twice and it was okay.

I had the honour of working with some of the finest pastry chefs in the world during 2017. But you can't really turn down world-champion chocolate without insulting the people who made it. So I cheated, and it was okay. I didn't beat myself up over it, because it was a special occasion. And twice in 12 months wasn't bad at all. My goal for 2018 is to get my hands on some Ruby Chocolate.

5. Everyone is supportive.

See point 1. For everyone in Point 1, there is someone in Point 5. Those people who actively want to know how it's going, suggesting replacement snacks, spamming you with recipes for chocolate-less treats. Those who will comfort you when it's that time of the month and you just want chocolate, and make you a cup of tea because even though it's not the same it's something.

Will I be doing it again in 2018? Hell no.

Does it satisfy me as much as it did? No. A lot of commercial chocolate (I'm looking at you, Cadburys) is way too sweet for me now. So I'm having chocolate about once a week, when I could really use that something to nibble on while typing away. I will admit that it is nice to not have to worry about insulting a friend or coworker when they offer you that cookie, or watching your father’s face when he brings home those special cakes you can’t find anywhere and you have to turn them down.

So, it's been a journey of self-discovery, as much as a journey in health. I didn't do it to lose weight, I just wanted to feel healthier, and I did that.

I'm proud.

humanity
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About the Creator

Giulia DL

Pastry chef but not only, I write a bunch of unrelated things from recipes to product reviews to day-in-the-life whenever the mood strikes.

instagram @cosedolcissime

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