An important component of food': Why a dietitian says some chocolate is OK

A dietitian cited in the article argues that chocolate can fit into a nutritious approach, emphasizing that an overall pattern matters more than eliminating every treat. Using an example day—chicken soup with jasmine rice cooked in bone broth, a homemade trail mix “bikkie” for kids’ lunches, and chamomile tea—Dr. Joanna McMillan says her “top marks” go to making most meals and snacks from whole foods. She adds that the “forgotten chocolate bunny” can provide a meaningful component of food: joy. The piece also cautions that breastfeeding increases energy and nutrient needs, and notes that the described diet may lack substantial meals, vegetables and omega-3-rich seafood. It warns that Celtic salt contains little iodine, and without iodized salt or a supplement, thyroid and baby brain development could be short on iodine.