 Substitutions for your holiday treats
Now that the holiday treats are gone, are you feeling empty and unfulfilled with your food? It's a hard time of year. You know you need to get back on your food plan, but you are missing those wonderful foods.
Consider substitutions. You still need to watch your calories, but sometimes you can wean yourself from cravings by substituting a healthier choice.
Instead of ice-cream, try frozen yogurt, but be sure to skip the toppings. Take the family out for a treat to one of the soft-serve frozen yogurt parlors in town. I advise going to one that serves it for you rather than the self-serve type. It's too easy to overload that cup.
Are you looking for chocolate? Have you tried the really dark chocolate? You can buy some that is 85 percent cacao. The sugar content is very low, but the flavor is off the scale. Just two squares will satisfy even the most persistent chocolate craving at a little more than 100 calories and a couple of grams of sugar.
Another substitution my family enjoys are oven "fried" foods. Cut chicken breasts or fish filets into small pieces. You can also use zucchini or onions to make an appetizer. Cover with bread crumbs or cornflake crumbs as a coating. Spray the food with non-stick spray and bake in the oven.
Mashed sweet potatoes can also help with sweet cravings. They are healthy carbohydrates that are very sweet but are actually easier on your blood sugar than regular potatoes. Go easy on the butter; if possible, leave it off.
Remember, taper yourself. It can be hard on you as well as those around you if you try to go "cold turkey." You're more likely to be successful in the long run if you take it slow.
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