I agree, but only in reference to most US chocolate which has a very low
percentage of cocoa solids. The way 60% (and higher) DARK chocolate is
metabolized, it has a very low glycemic impact, and thus will not cause
weight gain if consumed in moderation. It's actually classified as a health
food because of its all-around positive health benefits. I made the switch
myself last year, and have come to dislike anything BUT dark chocolate now!

As for milk chocolate and candy bars coated with it...well, in my opinion
that's not REAL chocolate. There's a lot of junk chocolate out there where
the cocoa is processed with alkali ("Dutch processed"), neutralizing its
acids and making it more candylike (but a lot less chocolate-tasting). Add
hydrogenated vegetable oils, and you have a recipe for a contributor to poor
health.

"Tea" > wrote in message
...
> I think it's a good idea. I love chocolate, but it's not a healthy
> substitute for real food, which is how many children use it.
>
> I'm in the US where many of our children are dangerously overweight from
> eating sweets and fast food. Many schools here are now putting healthy
> drinks and snack in vending machines because of this.
> Chocolate can be bought pretty much anywhere near a school, so children
> won't stop eating it if they want it. Changing the items sold in school
> vending machines just restricts access during school hours, and that's a
> good thing. Chocolate should be a treat anyway, not a meal substitute.