health

By starting this blog and being more open about my fitness lifestyle, I’ve come to the realization that I’m not only passionate about fitness, but for helping people reach their goals. I love love love when friends ask me for advice and hope I can make a difference in their lives even in the slightest bit. I wanted to share a question a friend messaged me, because with the holidays I know how hard it can be when it comes to indulgences.

Q: Hey girl, so I need “diet” advice and you’re the first person I thought of to ask. Ever since Halloween, (or let’s be honest…it started before then…) I’ve been having trouble getting rid of the sweets! It’s almost like I *have* to have chocolate every day. I’ve been having the hardest time giving up junk food. I know you just went on a challenge that required you to give up treats during the week–how did you do this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

A: Trust me when I say this- I feel the need to have sweets everyday as well!! It’s hard to avoid temptation, but here’s my advice:

First of all, give yourself a little challenge. Try to cut down sugar intake by allowing yourself 1 sweet per day, 3 days a week. Then go from 3 days to 2 days, then finally to one. It’s hard but really challenge yourself and see how you do. Keep yourself accountable. I usually allow myself a treat on Saturdays that way I look forward to it the whole week. And on Saturday I definitely don’t skimp. Go all out, as long as you can get back to clean eating right after your indulgence. It’s really something I look forward to each week and totally worth holding out and working extra hard that week to get there.

Once you cut out the chocolate or eat it much less you will want it much less! This is a fact. Chocolate is addicting so once you break the habit you wont crave it. Make the craving go away and stay away. 🙂

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe in total restriction of all sugar. During the week it’s ok to allow a piece of dark chocolate here and there, but just grab one small piece and avoid going back for more. Each night before bed I have herbal tea, which is really satisfying in place of something sweeter. So give try giving that a go.

I also found SO many good alternatives and different recipes containing healthy substitute ingredients. Some contain chocolate or vanilla protein powder or if you don’t drink protein there are so many other alternatives out there. You will notice what is most swapped out to make a healthier recipe as you take a look below. Quest bars are my absolute favorite quick fix for a craving. Pop them in the microwave for 15 seconds and they are ooey gooey heaven. Here are a few other alternatives:

The Dashing Dish – my absolute FAVE website for healthy recipes, including this peppermint fudge at only 52 calories per serving!!

Great alternative to ice cream! Non-dairy, almond milk ice cream by Almond Dream.

Healthier banana nut muffin recipe found here and here.

Other recipe ideas:

• Happy Walnut Cookies
• Homemade Almond Butter– SO good on rice cakes, topped with a mixture of water and chocolate protein powder!
• Protein Balls
• Chocolate Almond Sludge– I make this at least once a week!
• Pumpkin muffins

Trust me, you are not alone with sweet cravings. It’s just the way you manage those cravings is what counts. Make it a lifestyle change and go for the healthy alternative. You want your body to change? Then you need to take action! Remember, its all about moderation. No need to give up the sweets for good, but make it more of a treat once in awhile so you have something to look forward to! 🙂

Do you share the same problem with sweet cravings? What is your favorite healthier treat?