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Imagine you’ve enjoyed a Valentine’s Day dinner with your special someone. In addition to a romantically funny card, your sweetie pulls out a box of chocolates. Do you keep it or pass it on to someone who isn’t concerned about and ? It may be a hard decision, but if you are more informed about chocolates your decision may be easier to make.

always include chocolate on the limit or avoid list because the potassium and phosphorus in chocolate can add up quickly. If you decide to keep your chocolates, be aware of how much each piece contributes to your daily potassium and phosphorus intake.

Consider these tips:

• Limit chocolate candy to a 1/2 to 1 ounce serving in a day. If you’re too tempted to eat more, it’s probably better to re-gift the chocolates.
• Select dark chocolate-it has more heart protecting flavonoids, and the phosphorus is lower compared to milk chocolate.
• Give the chocolate covered nuts and chocolate covered dried fruit away—too much in a small serving and it’s tempting to eat more!
• Plan a dessert with a small portion of chocolate chips or chocolate dessert topping instead of chocolate candy, cake or pie.
• Chocolate covered candies are lower in potassium and phosphorus than solid chocolates. Compare your favorite chocolates on the chart below.