Chocoholics Anonymous

Hello, and happy hump day to ya!

My Tuesday was pretty terrific! Nothing too out of the ordinary.  School, work, and then I had to do my run without my running buddy, which kinda stunk.

We had Chicken Parm-a-mazing for dinner (told ya I make it a lot) with some make-shift garlic bread (see the another new post for the mini recipe).  It was all it is cracked up to be, a-mazing.  I am working on setting up a "Recipe" page on the blog (and maybe some other fun pages) for easy navigating, so stay tuned! :) 

So, I have a confession to make...

I get cray-zee cravings for chocolate, and it is becoming a daily phenomenon.  

What is my "secret" for fighting off chocolate cravings? The short answer is: I don't!

Fighting off a chocolate craving is like holding in a good sneeze. It's just no fun! ;)

Instead of depriving myself, I simply prepare for battle. You know what they say, the best offense is a good defense!

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So, here is the game plan {hopefully it is better than the one Butler went with on Monday night...eeee!}

Step #1: Figure out what time of the day you typically get the chocolate urge.

Do you crave chocolate when you first wake up? Around mid-morning snack time? After lunch? Or at night?

The most common time of the day when I, personally, go into a chocoholic frenzy, is shortly after finishing my lunch.

Step #2: Have reasonably-portioned, "smart" chocolate options on hand.

Often, the best strategy when it comes to healthy eating is simply to be prepared.

Since I know that I crave chocolate after lunch, I usually throw a small chocolate treat into my lunch box. Otherwise, I will be stranded, and forced to grab multiple handfuls of peanut M&Ms from the community candy bowl (aka germ city) @ work. 

Some options that work well for me are:

1) Dark Chocolate Dove Promises (2 at most per time!)

Not all chocolate is created equal. Dark chocolate is the best choice, from a nutrition standpoint, because it is a potent antioxidant. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the better. 

I love the Dove Promises because they are SO creamy and the wrappers have cute sayings on the inside that make the experience just a little more enjoyable than it already is.

Do it!! :) 

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2) Vita Tops: I talked about my love for this brownie-inspired baked good here.  Pop one in the microwave for a bit, sip on a little skim milk, and try NOT to smile (I betcha can't). 

3) Nabisco's 100 Calorie Pack Mint Fudge Petites: 

These are tasty, but it is very clear, as with other 100 calorie packs, that they only have 100 calories. They are gone in about 3 bites. Sometimes (but not ALWAYS) that's all it takes to get your chocolate fix.

4) Chocolate Peppermint Stick LUNA Bars: 

Bring out your inner Girl Scout! This flavor tastes just like a Thin Mint. You will NOT be sorry you gave these bad boys a try. 

5) If your forgot to pack an afternoon chocolate treat, head on over to a Starbucks and grab one of their new Petites, like the Salted Carmel Sweet Square: 

The "petites" are bite sized, and all under 200 calories a piece.

If you're more of a morning-craver, try:

1) Chocolate Granola mixed with Greek Yogurt: 

I also just stumbled upon this combo. Yummmmy!

I got some Simply Suzanne Lotsa Chocolate Granola from the Eastern Market in Detroit.

I only bought a small, 2 ounce package, and I am kicking myself for it! I was literally scraping the bottom of the bag, hoping for a secret extra compartment.  I will definitely be ordering some online soon. Chocolate granola is so delicious mixed with CHOBANI Vanilla Greek Yogurt.

2) Justin's Chocolate Almond Butter on Whole Wheat Toast, a Whole Wheat English Muffin, or, my current favorite, mixed in with your morning Oats! The only brand I can find (so far) that doesn't taste like tree bark.

If you're more of an evening-craver, try:

1) Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars: 

These are a nice frozen treat, and only 2 points a piece for your counters! 

2) Chocolate-Covered Banana Bites: 

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This is BA-nanas! 

I am DYING to give these a try. I think these would make the perfect post-workout, after-dinner treat. They are sold at Trader Joe's, a store I need to get back to faster than you can say MONKEY! ;)

Step #3: Before you indulge, check your symptoms.

When I have any craving, I always take a second to think whether I REALLY want the food that is on my mind, or whether I am just bored or thirsty. Be true to your body. If you think it might just be boredom or thirst, try switching gears by getting up to fill yourself a glass of water. This can be an effective way to kick that fake craving, and it will also keep you hydrated!  

My chocolate cravings, for some reason, are pretty serious business.  When that bell starts ringing for me, it's rarely a false alarm. So, I usually reach into my tool box, pull out one of the above options, enjoy, and put the craving to bed. It's really that easy.

Something to talk about: What time of the day do you find yourself craving chocolate? What tips do you have for dealing with chocolate cravings? What's your favorite "healthy" chocolate snack? 

Have a good one, everyone! If you haven't already left for the day, throw a little something small & sweet in your lunch today, you deserve it! :)

xoxo

Jess