Imagine my alarm when I discovered I was sweating chocolate through my pores. There I was, collapsed on the sofa, clutching a medicinal glass of wine after treading on Lego, when I noticed chocolate oozing from my arm. For a nerve-wracking few minutes I thought I had actually done it. Eaten so much chocolate that it had to find an alternative means of escape.How was I going to explain that to my kids or my clients? It’s not a good look for anyone, let alone a vegetable-pushing nutritionist mummy.Fortunately, after a minute or two of wine-related confusion, I realised that the thin layer of chocolate covering my skin had, in fact, been layered on by Belle. I have experienced far worse at the hands of my kids, so I wasn’t too concerned. I’ll admit I was fairly tempted to lick it off. However, having just about reached max capacity on the chocolate front, I reached for a baby wipe instead. Easter had taken hold in our house, and it was time to clean up.I have always had a sweet tooth, but over the years I have learned how to tame it. It’s challenging, though, at Christmas and Easter, when one or two treats can easily become six or seven (maybe 11?). Sugar for many people is an addictive, slippery slope. The trick is to recognise when it’s going one step too far, and to nip it in the bud.Now going from lots of chocolate, to absolutely no chocolate is asking a bit much. I wouldn’t have many clients if I was that strict.My one rule is that even when you are treating yourself, you need to try and pick treats that nourish you in some way (otherwise it’s not really a treat, now is it?).Choose something that is going to work in your favour. That’s not as hard as you think, given that dark chocolate can be packed with potent antioxidants especially if it’s raw.Raw cocoa (or cacao) can be hard to find in Bermuda, as it tends to flit in and out of the stores. If you do find it, you can use it in this recipe, although regular cocoa and dark chocolate will do. Either way, these chocolate energy bites are delicious! They are packed full of the protein and fibre that help to prevent the blood sugar blues. Use them to help wean yourself off the Mini Eggs!Chocolate energy bites (makes 10-12)Ingredients:Ÿ ¼ c dried cranberriesŸ ¼ c dried blueberries (or use more cranberries)Ÿ 15 Medjool dates, stonedŸ ¼ c raw sunflower seedsŸ ¼ c raw cacao powderŸ 2 tsp coconut oil (eg Spectrum from Lindo’s)Ÿ 45g raw cacao chocolate bar (eg Ombars from Miles)Method:1. Combine all ingredients (apart from the bar of raw cacao) in a food processor until you get a dough-like consistency. Then roll the mixture into small balls.2. Next, gently melt the raw cacao bar and spoon a small amount on top of each ball. Decorate with an extra dried cranberry on top if you wish.3. Transfer to the fridge until set!The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the managing director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified nutritional therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Please note that she is not a registered dietitian. For details, visit www.natural.bm or call 236-7511. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda