Comfort Foods that Won't Weigh You Down

I have no problem going to the gym and beating the crap out of my pecs, bi's and quads for an hour and a half or reducing myself to a pool of sweat while jammin' out to Chalene Johnson's Turbo Jam DVD's... but stick a slice of pizza under my nose and I can pretty much guarantee you that all self control goes right out the window. Okay maybe that's not entirely true... otherwise I wouldn't have accomplished all that I have in my own quest for a healthier lifestyle and body. But I definitely do have my days... and since I'm not a self-deprivation kind of gal... I've learned to be creative when it comes to dealing with my cravings... and you can too! Hey everyone has their reasons for "cheating" on their diets. Knowing that we do this and why, although important, isn't really the focus of my discussion topic however. What I would like to do is offer you some healthier alternatives that can satisfy your own comfort food cravings without sabotaging your fat burning efforts:

Comfort Food #1 Pizza:

Spoon some all natural pizza sauce (I make my own) onto a Joseph's Oat Bran Pita Bread (although any pita will do... Joseph's Oat Bran Pita's are high in fiber and protein as well as Omega EFA's, while being low carb). Sprinkle with lowfat or skim mozzarella, and garnish with fresh veggies such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc. If you're a meat lover... throw some Hormel Turkey Pepperoni or cooked ground turkey crumbles on top. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees (or throw into a toaster oven) for about 3-5 minutes or just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cool for a minute or two, and enjoy a (healthy) slice of heaven.

Comfort Food #2 Ice Cream: While this alternative is no Ben and Jerry's... it is still sweetly satisfying while being nutritious. Mix frozen, lightly thawed banana, some frozen berries or other fruits of choice with some lowfat milk and ice in a food processor or blender on medium power. This soon produces a fluffy, delicious 'ice cream' type concoction which is best when freshly made. Play with the ingredients to give it the consistency you desire.

Comfort Food #3 Chocolate: Okay there's really no true way around this one... but if you have to indulge... go for the premium, heart healthy, dark chocolate version which you can find at any health food store or at the natural food section in your local grocery store. There is a product that came out a couple of years ago that I've seen at the supermarket and have tried w/ good results. To learn more visit: http://www.cocoavia.com/

One thing I've noticed is that my chocolate cravings are better satisfied with dark chocolate, meaning I eat less of it.

Now if M&M's are your forte... reach for the peanut or almond ones.

Comfort Food #4 Cookies: For those do-it-yourself types... here's a truly awesome recipe for cookies that are loaded with protein, fiber and essential fatty acids: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Health-Nut-Oatmeal-Cookies/Detail.aspx

However, and for those who are way too busy to bake - or the culinary challenged - food manufacturers have come out with bars that are absolutely yummy with cookie and candy bar type taste, yet lower in calories, carbs and fat. Fiber Plus bars are a good choice, as is Nature Valley Sweet-n-Salty bars. You can get them at any supermarket in the cereal/granola bar aisle. If Fig Newtons are more your style... SoyJoy bars are out of this world!!! Get a free sample at http://www.soyjoy.com I also like the Quaker mini rice cake snacks available in cinnamon streusel and chocolatey drizzle for a cookie type snack that's low on carbs, fat and calories.

Comfort Food #5 Chips: If you have to have them, try Cape Cod's Reduced Fat Potato Chips, Baked Lays or Snyder's All Natural Tortillas. TIP: buy them in the mini bags or purchase some snack size ziplocs and pre-portion them yourself. Never, ever, just open up a bag and start mindlessly munching.

Comfort Beverage #1 Wine: A lot of people enjoy having a glass or two of wine after a hard day at the office, or while meeting friends for drinks. Try a wine spritzer instead. A wine spritzer is simply your favorite wine diluted with seltzer water, cutting the calories and sugar in half, without sacrificing taste.

Comfort Beverage #2 Beer: Just about every beer manufacturer out there has a low calorie, low carb beer out on the market... and some are quite tasty. Personally, I enjoy Sam Adams Light, and Michelob Ultra. But there are many more choices available.

Comfort Beverage #3 Milkshake/Frappe: Who doesn't love a thick and creamy chocolatey or strawberry milkshake during the dog days of summer? Try this variation at home... in a blender combine lowfat milk, lowfat vanilla yogurt, some ice cubes and just a smidge of your favorite flavored syrup. Play with the ingredients until you achieve the desired consistency. By replacing the ice cream with ice and lowfat yogurt - you're reducing the calories, carbs, and fat content of this favorite summer concoction.

Have fun with the above tips, and be creative. Also - cut yourself some slack and follow the 80/20 rule... 80% of the time eat how you're supposed to eat. 20% of the time... eat how you want to eat. Reason being? Deprivation 100% of the time can and does lead to diet sabotage.