Hot Cocoa - Go Ahead, Indulge

Pour yourself a piping hot cup of cocoa if you get the chance today. There's nothing better for warming your spirits on what might be a chilly day in your neck of the woods. Just two rules: Make it sugar-free, and go easy on the creamy toppings.

The great thing about hot cocoa is that while you sip your way to a toastier spirit, you'll also be helping your heart. Just ask researchers from Yale, who say that downing a cup of the chocolate stuff causes blood vessels to temporarily dilate so the heart doesn't need to pump as hard. The end result, says the crew at Ladies Home Journal: A blood pressure drop to the tune of six points (only three points if your cup contains sugar). Opt for naturally-processed cocoa powder over the Dutch-processed variety, and you'll get even more antioxidants for even better blood flow.

Go ahead -- indulge. It's Christmas. You deserve a treat. And a healthy heart too.