Squash the Sugar Demons!

Written by Kaytee Weaver Monday, 14 November 2011 16:39

Squash the Sugar Demons!

If you’re like me you can do great with eating healthy meals all day long but at the end of the day, you just need something sweet to feel as though the day is complete.  This is when so many of us go in search of the hidden chocolate stash after dinner, something, anything, to satisfy the craving.  And as much as I wish I could just change that part of how my brain operates I’ve come to just accept it.  Now this doesn’t mean I give myself the go-ahead to dive into a pint of Ben and Jerry’s; but I have started figuring out ways to hit my sweet tooth without damaging all my healthy eating habits for the day.  I’ve also found that if I deny the feeling I just think about it more and more and end up devouring something later on.

So embrace the need for something sweet and use one of these ideas for getting that sugar fix without destroying those sought after abs ☺

1)    Protein Brownie - Combine ingredients and microwave for 15-20 seconds
•    ½ scoop your favorite protein powder
•    1-2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s unsweetened)
•    Stevia/Splenda/your choice of Calorie free sweetener
*Add a Tbsp of nut butter for more satiety and to keep you from waking up hungry in the middle of the night.

2)    Protein Ice-cream - Combine ingredients and blend until smooth
•    1 Scoop of protein powder
•     1 tbsp flaxseeds or handful of almonds
•    Almond milk or water
•     Stick back in the freezer for 30 minutes and say hello to your protein packed ice-cream

*Artic Zero also makes a protein ice-cream;  Approx. 40 calories per ½ cup, 4 grams protein. It doesn’t get much better than that. Sugar free popsicles are another option.

3)    Cup of Tea - Celestial Seasonings Sleepy-time Vanilla is a great one to help you unwind and relax. They also make some great holiday teas- Sugar Cooke Sleigh Ride is one of my favorites! Add stevia, almond milk, cocoa powder, or all three for a sweet treat!

4)    Sugar Free Jello - a whole box has 20 calories!! Make sure you get versions with 5 calories per serving (most boxes have 4 servings)

5)    Chocolate covered fruit  - Strawberries and raspberries both have about 50 calories per cup.  Microwave the fruit to bring out the sweetness and drizzle with sugar free chocolate syrup.  You can even crush up a piece of dark chocolate (1 PIECE! NOT THE WHOLE BAG ☺) and sprinkle it on top.

Personally I try to stay away from things that are carbohydrate heavy right before bed.  I’m not saying carbs don’t have their place in a healthy diet.  I would just recommend these items earlier in the day when you’ll be more likely burn them for energy.  

Use these tips or check out the Nutrition section of the FitnessRX for Women Forums for even more great ideas and recipes for healthy living!

Kaytee Rae
FitnessRx for Women Forum Member!