<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Before you all run out and purchase sport chocolate, as mentioned in a post
this morning, better think again.

If the sport chocolate is bitter chocolate, it is probably better for you,
but even then the chocolate itself is very high in caffeine and will give
you a rush and then a fall.  The sugar in most chocolate will add to that
effect, and there is proportionately more sugar in milk chocolate,  and
then dried milk in milk chocolate will compound the effect with casein -
milk protein - which can cause celiac like symptoms in some celiacs.

Most people, celiac or not, would  be better off to eat plain dried fruit
and nuts, if they are looking for energy, altho there are people who react
negatively to anything, so consider your own body's reactions and then eat
accordingly.

For people with very healthy guts and in balanced bodies, the "sport
chocolate" could be taken in stride.  My husband is one of those.  But for
me, and for many, many people with celiac disease, anything that loaded
with sugar and caffeine would tip the balance, bringing on euphoria,
followed by grumpiness and malaise, and a temporary slowing of mental
acuity.

Look for a book called Brain Allergies by Philpott, or, if you are in the
USA, send for ADVERSE REACTIONS TO FOODS put out by the US Department of
Health and Human Services, NIH publication #84-2442 and take it from there.
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which is an opiate, and caffeine,
which is a stimulant.  That means, in lay language, you get an upper and a
downer in the same food.  So eat a chocolate power bar and you are off on a
nutritional roller coaster ride.

Gayle K