Don't Take Me Over To The Dark Side

I am writing this blog because my mind is doing silly things like thinking about walking over to the nearest store and buying some junk food.  If you..like me...are thinking this right now...PLEASE STOP!!!

I get asked on a regular basis what I normally do to curb cravings of sweets, treats and other delectable things.  So without further ado:

Tea

Now this is my go-to curb craver.  There are a vast amount of teas found that can be found at your nearest grocery store or at specialized retailers like David's Tea (my fav) or Teaopia.  Whether you have got a sweet tooth or just want something to soothe you & make you "feel full", tea's are a fun, calorie-free (most) way to tip toeing around eating junk food.   My Current Favs: Grocery Store - "Very Cherry Berry" by Celestial, Teaopia - "S'more's Tea", David's Tea - "Forever Nuts"

Sugar Free Jello

Only finding out about this amazing treasure a couple of month's ago, Sugar Free Jello (from the refrigerated section of the grocery store) is a trip back into childhood.  You have to be careful with this one as there is sugar free pudding BUT those contain sugar alcohols, which is still a form of sugar/carb.  Be careful!!!  The regular sugar free jiggly Jello on its nutritional label only contains protein..YIPPEE!

Shirataki Noodles

WHAT?  Did you say calorie free?  These are truly miracle noodles.  Calorically, this jem is guilt-free.  Only Dietary Fiber is displayed on the nutritional label - something that we all need to make bowel movements, as well as trim our waist lines.  There are two kinds of these noodles: Traditional "zero-net carb" Noodles (found at Asian Food Stores) and Tofu Shirataki Noodles (found at Safeway & Muscles By Meyers).  The tofu ones have more calories due to the protein extracted from the tofu with very minimal carbs.  Most common ways to cook these is to heat them on a frying pan or boil them for a soup.  

Pickles

Crunchy, sour and satisfying are the words that come to mind when I bite into a pickle.  I am sure most can attest to eating 5-10 in one sitting (points to chest).  So instead of grabbing that bag of chips, search for the pickle jar all the way in the back of the fridge.  Watch out though - some pickles have added sugar/carbs.  Always look at the labels before you buy :D

Seaweed Snacks

If there is one thing I love, it's salty snacks.  These do the job.  Both crunchy and salty, these babies are a sure-fire way to curb any chip cravings.  Mind you, seaweed is an acquired taste, so PLEASE just buy a small bag first and see if you like it.  If you bought a big bag and don't like it...GIVE IT TO ME!!  You can buy these individually seaweed snack packs at Asian Food Stores near the sushi products.

Vegetables

Mostly high in fiber, these treats are a great curb craver.  One of the great benefits of fiber is the "satisfied" or "filling" feeling you have after consuming.  So if you are in between meals and just aching for something to eat, vegetables are your best friend.  Again, just be careful as not all vegetables are created equal.  Some contain carbs such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, tomatoes, carrots, beets, and squash - these are just examples.

Extra's "Dessert Delights"

Fitness friends alike are flocking to the stores and stocking up on this truly fantastic dessert gum.  The flavours are just unreal and unlike anything we have seen on the market in a long time.  With a little bit of sugar alcohols, these are not doing to be too damaging as compared to eating a big slice of a "real" apple pie.  My fav flavours: Apple Pie, Key Lime Pie, and Orange Creamsicle.



So now, go get in your car to the nearest grocery store and STOCK UP on all of the above.  When you are prepared and ready for whatever temptations you have...you will be set.  Hello World...here I am...my willpower is ironclad.

The only person stopping you from being your optimal self...is YOU.

Think about it and ENJOY this BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY.

Happy & Healthy Eating :D