Thrive Boldly: Guilty Pleasures? Not So Guilty After All: Dark Chocolate & Cheese Through the Three Brain Lens

Everyone has their indulgences, and for me, it’s two things: dark chocolate and cheese—in every variety I can find. From spicy cayenne and cinnamon dark chocolate to nut-studded bars, and from smelly, creamy brie to sharp cheddar, I love exploring their flavors, textures, and even their languages. (Try ordering cheese in multiple languages—from fromage to queso to formaggio—it’s practically a world tour on a plate!)

And while I don’t drink, I cheese.

But here’s the best part: these so-called "guilty" pleasures aren’t really guilty at all. They actually nourish my three brains—head, heart, and gut.

1. Head Brain: Cognitive Fuel & Mood Boosting

• Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which improve cognitive function, focus, and memory—perfect for a little brain boost when writing, coaching, or just getting through a long day.

• Cheese (especially aged varieties like Parmesan) contains tyrosine, an amino acid that converts into dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and pleasure. Basically, cheese can help you stay sharp and happy.

  
  

2. Heart Brain: Emotional Comfort & Connection

• Chocolate is famous for stimulating oxytocin release, also known as the love hormone. That’s why we gift chocolate to people we care about—it literally makes us feel closer.

• Cheese, rich in healthy fats, provides a sense of comfort and warmth. Sharing a cheese board with friends or family? That’s a heart brain win for fostering connection.

3. Gut Brain: Microbiome & Stress Reduction

• Fermented cheeses (like Gouda and blue cheese) contain probiotics, which support gut health and digestion. Since the gut brain plays a huge role in mood regulation, this means a little cheese can actually help keep stress levels in check.

• Dark chocolate contains prebiotics, feeding good gut bacteria and helping to maintain a balanced microbiome—which, in turn, improves overall well-being.

Pairing Pleasures: A Three Brain Snack to Savor

Want to indulge while nourishing all three brains? Try this:

• Aged cheddar or manchego with dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) and a drizzle of raw honey. 

• Goat cheese with chili-infused dark chocolate—the spice wakes up the senses while the creamy cheese balances the heat.

• Brie with fig and dark chocolate shavings—decadent, creamy, and full of gut-friendly benefits.

Drink Pairing: A cup of matcha or an herbal tea with cinnamon and cacao nibs—both support brain function and digestion.

Mantra for Indulgence Without Guilt:

"Pleasure is nourishment. I savor, I enjoy, I receive the gift of food without guilt."

Music Pairing:

• For a luxurious chocolate moment: Édith Piaf – “La Vie en Rose”

• For a cheese and wine night (or a "cheese and tea" night in my case!): Instrumental jazz or a classical guitar playlist

Guilt? Not here. Pleasure and nourishment? Absolutely.