Over the years, we’ve been told to cut down on chocolates should we want to lose weight—something most of us have come to believe as the way forward.

Shockingly, a new Survey says dieters have got it all wrong – cutting out chocolate is likely to make you put on weight rather than lose it.

The Survey found that 86 per cent of slimmers who carried on enjoying their favourite treats successfully lost weight…

And interestingly, out of the 2,100 men and women who were questioned, those who lost the most weight had – in 91 per cent of cases – continued to eat the same amount of chocolate they normally ate before going on a weight-loss plan.

According to MailOnline;

Janet Aylott, a nutrition scientist with  online calorie counting plan Nutracheck, commissioned the YouGov survey, which is published today.

She said: ‘Extensive research has proven that diets centred around food elimination are much more likely to fail.

‘The key is to take a more relaxed approach and to have a little of what you like.’

Previous research has shown that  dieters who completely eliminate treats  such as chocolate, wine and biscuits  are often more likely to put on weight as  they ‘compensate’ by eating more of  other foods.

One study even showed that  as many as 65 per cent of those who give  up all treats actually end up ballooning in weight.

And there’s more good news for chocoholics, as separate research has also suggested that eating chocolate may help you live longer.