Now that I have the attention of every chocolate lover—and you know who you are!—it’s time to get serious. Is it possible to eat what may be the most loved food in the world and effectively lose weight and keep it off? According to Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology and author of The Diet Myth: The Real Science Behind What We Eat, the answer begins in the gut.
That’s where you typically host about 4 pounds of microbes on a regular basis, and these are 4 pounds you don’t want to lose, because they are involved in constant efforts to keep your physical and mental health on track. A balance between the beneficial and disease-causing bacteria and other microbes in your gut is critical for maintaining optimal function of your immune system.
