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NOURISH: Eat THIS not THAT! Savory & Sweet Substitutes That BEAT My Cravings….


5.9-You've put on a little weight..

Last January, during my annual checkup, my doctor voiced her concerns after reviewing my annual Lab Test results. 

“Something is really weird…your levels have always been pretty good but this time you’re really high in your cholesterol and your A1c (blood glucose) levels.  I know you’re a health nut and I’m suspecting that this is probably genetic but we still have to do something about it.” 

This was a complete surprise to me. 

I’ve always been pretty active and tried to eat well but years of eating cookies for breakfast and the mindset of running five miles and being able to eat anything I wanted has failed me at this point of my life.  Further more, now that I’ve transitioned into being a Health Coach, I need to “Walk the Talk.”    

I was determined.   

I only allowed myself one “treat” a day.  I tried to eat healthy meals most of the week and would only allow myself a “splurge day” one day a week.   

Note: I would never advocate a strict diet without foods that gave me some pleasure.  It may work for some people, but it has never worked for me.  My usual pattern is to be good for 2 weeks and then binge on whatever I was trying to eliminate from my diet. 

I’d also be cranky and very hard to be around. 

In my mind, I was doing the best that I could.  I was making an effort to change my diet a little at a time.  I was moving every day and felt like I was making good choices. 

Three months later, I was very hopeful.  I took the tests again and went in for the results.  This visit, my doctor was running late and had her partner step in.   (Let’s just say, he needs to work on his Bedside Manner.)

“If you keep going in this direction, I’m going to put you on medication.” 

YIKES! 

Although, my feelings were a little hurt... the lab tests don’t lie.  Even though I thought I was “trying,” in reality, I really had only made small adjustments. I still had bad eating habits but for some reason, I thought if I did this less, it would make a difference. 

“Hey Mom…do you know the definition of insanity?"

Now, I had to come up with a new eating plan while I daydreamed about what I would say on the day my daughter comes to me with this same issue.   

But I digress…back to my new plan… 

I’ve eliminated added sugar and white flour from my diet and been sticking with lean proteins (fish) and veggies (non starchy) for most of my meals.  And, I’ve been feeling good and mostly satisfied. 

Until that time of the month…    

Please let me know that you go through this too!  You know...when your hormones are ruling your brain and stomach and your cravings make you an obsessive maniac. 

“Hello, my name is Allie and I’m an Obsessive Maniac who needs a sweet or savory snack right now…. seriously… NOW! 

Talk about being between a rock and a hard place… 

If I give into these cravings, I’ll have to start taking medicine.  What’s makes it worse is I might do lasting harm on my body and develop heart and diabetes-related diseases.  This would be worse than denying my cravings. 

But, what’s a girl to do?… 

I decided to experiment.  I’m going to try to train my body (and my hormones) to accept a healthier “treat” when those craving hits. 

Here's what I've come up with, so far.  The following ideas should take you less than 10 minutes to make …  

Savory Snacks

When I want something salty…
5.8-bbq chips









   like BBQ Chips, 

I'll make THIS instead...

5.8-BBQ Popcorn   It's really easy!

Air pop some popcorn, sprinkle some olive oil, sprinkle some BBQ seasonings and some sea salt and there you go! 

Another savory (and healthy) treat is

5.8-Rosemary Garlic Almonds  Rosemary Garlic Roasted Almonds...


These are also easy to make!  Melt some ghee or olive oil.  Use 1 tsp of chopped garlic and let it cook in the oil for about 1 minute.  Add 2 cups of natural raw almonds and brown for about 5 minutes (watch it carefully…it can burn fast!).  Sprinkle dried rosemary along with sea salt.  Spread out hot almonds on foil and let it cool. 

Sweet Treats 

Everyone who knows me knows I have the biggest sweet tooth ever!  These are my “go-to’s when I’m craving something sweet!.    

When I’m craving a milkshake…  I make this instead!     

5.9-my peanut butter shake

This is my version of the Peanut Butter Shake that I used to get with my daughter all the time.   I loved it but after drinking it, I’d feel weighed down and really lethargic.  Plus, the dairy didn’t help me either  (I curse my lactose intolerance almost every day!) 

So, I made a healthier version…here’s how… 

Get the glass that you want to serve it in, fill it up halfway with coconut/almond milk.   Put 1 Tb of Peanut Butter (natural & crunchy is the best) as well as frozen banana pieces (I cut up bananas ahead of time and keep them in the freezer every week).   We use our Single Serving Ninja blender (which I highly recommend to have) which makes it fast and easy clean up. 

You can also add chia and flax seeds for more fiber as well as any protein powder to give it more nutritional punch.  It’s fun to change it up too…I’ve made matcha (with a little of vanilla extract) , chocolate (using Chocolate flavored coconut/almond milk) and a variety of fruit flavors.  Just remember, coconut milk and bananas will be your base.   

Sometimes, you might just want a bite of something sweet.  I used to have chocolate kisses on hand all the time.    

5.9-ALmond-Kisses-nice-11.jpg

After all, one wouldn’t hurt, right? 

The big issue was one would turn into two or five (depending on the day I had)… 

Now, I reach for these instead… 
 
5.9-Dates
These are dates filled with nuts and so easy to make!

Take a date, slice it open, remove the pit and insert your favorite nut in it’s place.  I used almonds, walnuts and pecans. 

This really has done the trick and has train my taste buds.  I actually had a leftover Almond Kiss (waste not want not) and it was TOO sweet! 

Can you imagine?

 I’m going to be honest…

I will never give up BBQ Chips, Milkshakes or Hershey’s Almond Kisses. 

Life is way too short.  

However, what I've learned from this experience is that I don’t have to eat them all the time and these substitutions have done wonders for my body and my will power!   

I hope you try these and let me know what you think.  If you have other ideas, please feel free to share them…I need all the help I can get...

5.9-glasbergen-crouton on your sundae.jpg   
Till next time!  

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