3 Things To Ask Before You Reach

Ahhh! , to be a kid again. No worrying about the choices we make because we are still learning right from wrong and we have a little wiggle room. To be able to open up our mom’s pantry or fridge and choose from a plethora of goodies she always seemed to have around.

I think that’s what got me in trouble in the first place but now that I’m an adult I have the power to say no and think about my decisions.

Yesterday was a rough day for me. It has been rainy in Michigan, gray skies and not being able to get outside for my walks is wearing me down. I haven’t been able to adjust to the fact that my kids are about to either move out or get busier with new jobs and college. My husband works awful hours and I am continuously doing mundane chores.

My daughter had a day of studying and decided to tantalize me with brownies in the oven and my husband seeing my sluggishness (how dare he) offered to go and get me some chocolate, the bad kind. I knew if I gave into the sabotage I’d hate myself even more in the morning. I’m still not feeling great today but I’m at least conscious of my moodiness and weaknesses at the moment. No one is in the house and the brownies are sitting on the counter calling me.

It’s never easy. You’re hungry but you don’t know for what. Everything looks better than an apple at the moment and your fridge and pantry is the picture of the good, the bad, and the ugly. What does one do?

Here are 3 questions to ask yourself before you reach:

1. Am I hungry? Really! Is it thirst, boredom, tiredness? I give myself a few minutes to decide.

2. Is what I’m about to reach for even remotely healthy? You do have choices other than an apple and deciding what you’re craving can be the key. Chocolate, how about some tea and a piece or two of dark chocolate, a chocolate pudding cup. Salty, how about an ounce of chips not a whole bag, a couple of pickles. Grab something that will fill your craving and still watch your portions.

3. What’s my backup plan? I know if I start eating a certain kind of cookie I’m not going to stop at two. Having a plan like buying a smaller portion size at a convenience store might do the trick so I don’t have an entire bag in my house. Maybe I’ll exercise a few minutes more or take pleasure in something else besides the food if dinner is my next meal. Sometimes a bigger meal is on its way and I can keep busy until it’s time.

If you ask yourself these questions it may help you make wiser choices. You’ll do it. You’ll get through another day of tantalizing decisions with your food. Today is my day to remind myself to do just that.

Craving Chocolate? Alternatives For The Chocolate Addict

Craving Chocolate?  Who isn't!  First of all this time of year, Easter conjures up nothing but chocolate.  chocolate eggs, chocolate bunnies, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!  Aargh!  O.k. get a grip.  Even though we crave it there are ways to control ourselves and enjoy the healthier side of this indulgence.  Yes, chocolate can be healthy. 

Dark chocolate - not white chocolate - lowers high blood pressure but mild high blood pressure.  Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant according to Mauro Serafini, PhD, of Italy's National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome, and colleagues. However, don't wash it down with milk since this will negate the potential health benefits.  

Of course, lucky us, women crave chocolate the most.  Chocolate releases serotonin making us feel happier.  I can vouch for that! I crave it once a month, when I'm sad, depressed, bored.  It's definitely an emotional addiction. 

How do you curb this craving?  First I have to decide what my emotions are and if the reason for eating the chocolate is solely based on this fact.  To change my way of thinking I take out my list of things to do instead of eating this guilty pleasure.  The best thing to do if you need a chocolate fix is to find alternatives or eat it in moderation.  I rarely keep large quantities of the stuff in my house.  If it's there I'll eat it.  I go out and purchase a small candy bar on occasion or a great alternative is that most restaurants now serve up desserts in shot glasses.  This satisfies my desire and I get to enjoy an evening out with my husband.

If it's boredom, take a walk, call a friend, read a book.  Make sure you have healthy food nearby.  If you do cave in and indulge remember to increase your exercise routine for the week.

Make sure that the reason you're craving isn't because you haven't eaten enough throughout the day.  Make sure you're taking in the right calories and not starving yourself.

My goal is to always incorporate some chocolate foods into my plan so I don't feel deprived.  My favorite dessert of all time is one I bake, slice, and freeze so I have something ready at a moments notice.  It's a Fudge Brownie Recipe from Eating Well. 

Here are some other healthy ideas to get you started:

1. No Pudge Fudge Brownie Mix

2. Sugar Free Pudding both the Cook n' Serve and pre-made

3. VitaMuffins Deep Chocolate Muffin (100 Calories)

4. Sugar Free Dove Chocolate Creme Silky Smooth Dark Chocolates (3 for 114 calories)

5. Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries (1.1oz is 30 calories)

6. Dark Chocolate Raisinets ( One 1.6 oz. package is 180 calories)

7. Chocolate Flavored Coffees

8. Dark Chocolate Hershey Kisses (4 pieces are 102 calories)

9. 86% Dark Chocolate - The most decadent of chocolates in my opinion, less sugar, high cocoa content, and although it's an acquired taste, one piece will keep you satisfied once you continue eating this kind of chocolate.

10. Here are more wonderful, Healthy Chocolate Recipes To Try.

For me, moderation is key. Finding healthy alternatives that keep me satisfied is the reason chocolate remains a permanent part of my life.  Let me know if you try any of these recipes or if you have any ideas to share.  Chocolate Lovers Unite!  Life is sweeter with chocolate, the right chocolate that is.