40% of Women Crave Chocolate. Only 15% of Men Do. What?!?

I have written before about my love of Rice Krispies treats and I shared a recipe for a healthier version.

But, my husband is not a fan, because he doesn’t like chocolate. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Who doesn’t crave it?

Well, most men apparently.

Studies have shown that while forty percent of women crave chocolate, only fifteen percent of men do.

The theories vary as to why that is.

Some researchers believe it all connects back to the early days when men were hunters and women were gatherers. They think that is the reason men tend to crave meat and women, well … chocolate.

Others believe that you can blame cultural differences. So many of our advertisements show women turning to chocolate to deal with stress, while men grill and eat meat. The message is that in order to be a woman you need to love chocolate and to be manly you must crave meat. This theory seems to be backed up by the fact that studies have shown that men and women in Spain crave chocolate in equal numbers (because the advertisements there show chocolate enjoyed by everyone). And, in Egypt, people tend to crave savory dishes because that’s what they focus on there.

But, new research seems to at least partially debunk this theory. MRIs have shown differences in women’s brains after consuming chocolate. Their hypothalamus and amygdalas were less active after large amounts of chocolate were eaten. And, other studies show that dopamine is released when a woman eats chocolate. It’s medicine, people!

By the way, no studies have shown that chocolate helps with premenstrual issues. But, they’re talking about physically. The psychological benefit of a good chocolate bar during that time of the month is immeasurable!

Wherever the truth lies, the fact remains that while I could eat chocolate with every meal, my husband takes one bite and then says, “Well, that’s enough to last me for a year.”

So, honey, this recipe is for you. It’s easy, healthier and has no chocolate!

A Healthy Guy’s Rice Krispies Treat

4 cups rice cereal (you can use puffed brown rice cereal)
½ cup honey (I used raw honey)
½ cup peanut butter (I used no added sugar or shortening PB)

Spray a 9×9” pan with cooking spray.

Measure 4 cups of rice cereal into a large bowl and set aside. Measure the peanut butter (remember, if you spray your measuring cup with cooking spray first, the PB will slip right out) and reserve it for later. Measure the honey into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Boil for one minute. Remove from heat and add in the peanut butter. Stir until smooth and pour over the cereal. Stir well. Press firmly into your prepared pan.

These can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge (if they last that long!).

Enjoy!

Do the stereotypes about chocolate stand up in your house?