"STRATEGERY" for the SWEET TOOTH

The hardest part about "going healthy" for me, is giving up treats, desserts--goodies. My trial by sugar usually hits right after lunch, dinner, and any given weekend evening (when eating chocolate chip cookies seems like the only really right way to spend a Saturday night).

Anywho, there are 3 strategies for curtailing those sugar cravings that have helped me in the past-listed below for your perusal. If any other sweet tooths in the family have additional strategies, please share, I'm all ears.

STRATEGY #1      "Tricking the Tongue"
A while back I read about the ability of some spices and flavorings to mimic the "sweet" sensation on our taste buds, without any actual sugar, calories, or consequences. Vanilla extract, almond extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon are a few of the main players. They are fakers, falsies, pretenders, imposters--but they work! Just try adding some cinnamon to your toast or cereal tomorrow, it's sure to taste sweeter (even though it's actually not!).



STRATEGY #2      "Heat it Up!"
Sometimes when I crave sweets, crunching down on a cold, watery piece of fruit (no matter how fresh and healthy) seems unappetizing and unsatisfying--especially in mid-January. I think food cravings are defined by taste (sweet, salty...etc), AND temperature (for example, ice cream vs. warm brownies). In the chill of winter, if we crave something sweet we often want it warm, right?

So heat it up! Kill two birds with one stone-there are healthy ways to satisfy both aspects of a craving (taste and temperature). We don't have to settle for a cold, bare-naked apple for dessert (unless that's what you're craving), or no dessert at all. Anyone for a rich, warm spinach brownie? Just kidding. Below are a few alternatives to "no dessert" that incorporate sweet imposters and the warm factor.

STUFFED APPLES (pict above)

Delectable! Hollow apple (like a bowl not a tunnel) fill with Quick Oats, Cinnamon, nutmeg (honey-optional). Bake at 350 for approx. 20 min. 

Whole apple w/small scoop of Lite Whip Cream =approx 200 calories

HORCHATA (Lite Version) 

Flavor MILK (steaming hot or ice cold) with cinnamon, nutmeg and almond extract

calories = 130 (1 cup 2%)

 HERBAL TEA 

  Remember "Sleepy Time Tea"? Nothing like a nostalgic end to a day. Over 30 comforting and cozy flavors like Roastaroma, True Blueberry, Peppermint, Acai Mango Zinger...calories = 0

(P.S. Sleepytime Bear is now on facebook and twitter-thought you should know:)

Sugar-Free

HOT CHOCOLATE

Get your chocolatey warm fix with less calories (Swiss Miss has a 60 calorie version and a 25 calorie version)

BAKED PEARS, SLICED &SPICED

Seems too simple to be very good, but hear me now and believe me later, this is a REAL dessert you'll want every night, diet or not.

Sliced pears, sprinkled with nutmeg & cinnamon-bake at 350 for approx.12 min

About 8 slices and a small scoop of Lite Whip Cream =approx. 90 calories.

DESSERT GUM

A little more flavorful than your average stick of gum--I love the "Mint Chocolate Chip" and the "Key Lime" haven't tried "Strawberry Shortcake". Watermelon, and Strawberry Banana are also available. And don't worry, there's no chance of turning into a blueberry while chewing (that flavor isn't currently available), so give it a try.

STRATEGY #3 WAITING

Waiting for a sugar craving to pass is probably the strategy that we're all most familiar with. The "dessert" options above really support my efforts to wait out cravings. 

First, by anticipating pears, or tea after dinner, I am less likely to invest all of my food satisfaction in dinner--and thus, less likely to overeat (cause I know I have the option a little treat later). Plus, much of the time, after an hour or so has passed, the need for sugar is not so URGENT, and dessert isn't necessary.

Now, if none of these strategies appeal to you, there's always STRATEGY 4 "Mind Games" ...imagine biting into your cookie and discovering a hair or tooth hidden there--Mmmm?...Mull it over! GREAT job on week 1 family, and GOOD luck on week 2!