Chocolate chips, chocolate candy, chocolate bars, chocolate ice cream – you name it, if it has chocolate in it, I want it (and so do my kids)! But for 40 days I am avoiding the tasty temptation. I gave it up for Lent and I’m not even Catholic. You may be asking yourself the same question I’ve asked myself: Why give up chocolate when I don’t have to?
The reason is simple – the more I eat, the more I gain. There are several mental games that a chocoholic like me plays. My favorite is convincing myself that if I exercise enough I can work off the calories I just ate. I also remind myself that everything is ok in moderation. But during Lent – a season of reflection and taking stock, I decided it was time to take stock of my eating habits and make some changes. Giving up chocolate just might be the thing to help me lose those last five pounds (at least that’s what I’m hoping).
I have found a few substitutes that I’m really enjoying – and welcome any suggestions you may have. I still crave the chocolate, but until April 3 I’m not going to indulge.
- Fruit Smoothie: Bolthouse Farms makes great, easy to grab and drink fruit smoothies. Berry Boost, which has become one of my favorite treats is 3 ¾ of fruit per serving (a bonus for this FitCity Mom who struggles to get in the recommended daily fruit and vegetable servings per day).
- Popcorn: Jolly Time makes a great snack bag. The 100 calorie Healthy Pop is just 1 point for those who count Weight Watcher points.
- Nuts: Emerald has a number of 100 calorie snack packs. I’m a fan of the natural almonds.
- Flavored drinks: Fuze makes tasty “slenderized” drinks. The Blueberry Raspberry is sweet and is only 10 calories per serving and low in carbs.
Honestly, I think I’m using the season of Lent to cut out a really unhealthy habit and to start looking at healthier alternatives. I should just do this year-round, but I haven’t yet, so here’s hoping Lent is what it takes to help me curb the craving.
Did you give something unhealthy up for Lent? If so, what are you doing instead?
Tags: healthy snacks, healthy substitutions, Lent
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