Knack for Snacks

Might as well get this out of the way now. No, this isn’t a review, it’s not an advertorial, I don’t even have the contact info for any of the brands I am about to mention. It’s just a fat chick rambling about how to get skinny. Here we go….

Two quick facts about me.

I have an obsession with sweets.

My obsession with sweets resulted in having to lose 75 pounds.

 

You may have heard me tweeting about wanting to lose 65 pounds by the time BlogHer ‘10 rolls around. Whether you have or you haven’t, now you know. I’m on a diet learning how to eat right for the first time in 25 years. (Ok, I’m 30, but I won’t take responsibility for anything prior to having the ability to rationalize) For some people dieting means eating less, cutting down on fats and calories, lowering carb intake, exercising more, going to meetings, etc. For me, it means eating smaller portions and cutting out my snacks. Since becoming a mother two years ago I’ve become the Queen of Snackland. I pick all day and wind up eating a huge dinner (at 11:00pm) because nothing throughout the day was real food. It’s was killing me, literally.

After shedding the 47 pounds I put on during my pregnancy within a month, I’ve somehow managed to put it all back plus another 20 or so.

Enough about my weight problems though because really, that’s not what I started this post for. I started it because since I started dieting watching what I eat, I’ve had to figure out ways to curb my sweet tooth without OD’ing on useless calories, sugars, and fats. Believe it or not, I’ve been doing a really good job! I’ve lost ten pounds in the last two weeks all while still satisfying my need for snacks (I’ll give myself a pat on the back as soon as I’m done typing). And since I know that so many moms are in the same boat as me, I just wanted to share some of the healthier (yet sinful tasting) snack options I’ve found.

1. Trader Joe’s Lime Fruit Floes – Fruity ice pops. I know they come in different flavors, I’ve tried the strawberry but not sure which other ones are available. Calories: 60 (and it’s a HUGE bar) Fat: 0 – If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s close by, I checked out the numbers on the Edy’s Fruit Bars and they seem pretty similar, except that they contain 80 calories per bar.

2. NoPudge! Fudge Brownies – Fat free fudge brownie mix. Simple does not explain it well enough. All you need to add is non-fat vanilla yogurt and bake them. They taste pretty close to regular brownies too, just not as sweet, which is fine. What do I really love about them? You can make single servings! Why is that good? Because it stops me from eating an entire tray of brownies. Check this out, you put 2 tablespoons of the mix in a small container (we used a small tupperware) plus 1 tablespoon of the yogurt, microwave it for 1 minute and voila! It’s like having those expensive “Warm Delights” at a fraction of the price and fat. Calories: 120 Fat: 0

3. Black Cherry Baked Apples – This one has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. You peel and core a couple of Delicious Red apples. Place them on a cookie sheet, pour some diet black cherry soda in the “cored” part of the apples and let it overflow so there is a thin layer of soda on the bottom of the cookie sheet. Pop them in the oven until they are soft and bubbly. Sweetness to the core, literally. Calories: around 100, depending on the size of the apple. My favorite soda for this recipe has always been Diet Rite Black Cherry, but any brand will work.

4. Trader Joe’s Mini Mint Ice Cream Mouthfuls – Itty bitty ice cream sandwiches. They aren’t diet per say, but they won’t wreck one either. Basically they’re two chocolate cookies (think Oreos) with a layer of mint chocolate chip ice cream in the middle. The suggested serving is two sandwiches, but I suggest one if you’re trying to cut down since they aren’t extremely low in fat. Are they tasty? Of course! Oreos and ice cream, come on. Calories: (for 1) 85 Fat: 3  -  Alternative: Skinny Cow Mint Ice Cream Sandwiches – these are a bit more in calories but lower in fat and are available at most supermarkets.

5. Weight Watchers Candy Bar Ice Cream – Delish! I’ve always loved weight watchers desserts, but this one blew me away. They remind me of the Milky Way Ice Cream bars you see in the grocery store but with about a third of the calories. For me, playing mind games like that works. I feel like I am eating something a skinny balink can, so I’m not crying on the inside with every bite. They’re satisfying and if you’re following the Weight Watchers “point system”, they’re only 3 points. Calories: 150 Fat: 9

6. Special K Chocolate Delight Cereal – Yes, I know this is a breakfast food, but I’m addicted. It’s so good that I wind up eating as my snack some nights. Just be careful not to go over the recommended serving size and use skim or reduced fat milk if possible. The chocolate flavor in this cereal is perfect for grown-up palettes as well, not overly sweet like other chocolate cereals. Calories: 120 Fat: 2 (without milk)

7. Cool Whip Dips – Chocolate – This flavored whipped dessert topping makes the perfect dessert alone when you need a quick choco-fix. I keep mine in the freezer and take a couple of spoonfuls when I need a treat. It’s kind of like a frozen mousse, only not as rich.  The serving size is 2 tablespoons, so even if you need a bit more, say 4 spoonfuls, you’re still ahead of the game. Calories: 25 Fat: 2 – Alternative: Cool Whip original dessert topping. Same nutritional value, but easier to find in local supermarkets.

That’s it. Those are my naughty little secrets. Now before I get email after email about how fruits, veggies and other natural food choices would be better, I am aware of that. But every once in a while we need to feel like we are indulging. Also, I have no known food allergies, so these foods may not be a healthy choice for everyone. Please read all labels before trying any of the above products.