Liz's Top Craving Busters [BONUS]

I try not to overload you with blog posts but few people have reached out to me asking for more ideas to help with cravings. And as I am an eager beaver, willing to please I’ve put together a few ideas you can try [relatively] guilt free. I bet that you will love these so much you will be tempted to want to eat too much at one sitting…DON’T! They are not all exactly low fat options. They are just meant to satisfy your sweet tooth, sooth cravings, and the boredom that presents as cravings. The added plus is that you can easily take them to work and enjoy.

• Cut up some fresh fruit (watermelon, apple, pear, 1/2 banana) and put 1-2 tsp of natural nut (peanut, almond, hazelnut) spread on top (optional) I use peanut butter. One teaspoon goes along way and gives your already sweet fruit a bit of a kick. For an abridged version of this is leave out the nut spread and just have the mixed fresh fruit, like a fruit salad. 

• Simply cut up one apple (or pear), spread hazelnut spread or peanut butter on top and chow. Easy pizzie… fruity spreadie!

• Make your own healthy vegetable chips. Shred brussel sprouts (by shred, I mean separate the leaves) and/or sweet potatoes and coat them with olive oil. Add some salt and or spices (like some dried red pepper) and bake in the oven for 20 – 30 minutes at 250˚ – 300˚ C. You really have to watch these, especially the brussel sprouts, because you don’t want it to burn. You’ll want to get them crispy but if you’re not paying attention, they can easily become burnt and too crunchy. (if you don’t have brussel sprouts, use spinach - the picture below is the brussel sprouts option).

 

 

• Make your favorite hot tea add some fruit (eg lemon) and ice. Essentially it is herbal tea sweetened naturally. If that isn’t enough sweet for you, add your choice of sweetener. This is a great cold drink. This really hits the spot at 3pm when I “think” I want a sweet treat but this naturally sweetened beverage is enough to calm my cravings. An alternative is my Green tea slushy (check out my slushy recipe from last week’s post for an alternative version). Sometimes at work, I don't have access to ice, you I just take it hot! Just go with the flow...

• Take some trail mix to work and nibble on this when your cravings show up. I usually make my trail mix by throwing some of my favorite nuts (almond, peanut, pistachio, melon and cashew etc) into a plastic container with some dried fruit (I usually use raisins and sultanas). A handful (or three) of this by midday always works like magic. You don’t have to stick to my choices in nuts & fruits, make yours! (Please feel free to share your idea for trail mix, by placing a comment below)

• And my personal “GO TO” for after dark cravings (coz my danger zone is that time between when I just get home from work, and when I go to sleep) - a cup of caffeine free tea! I am partial to Green Tea, Chamomile Tea or Peppermint herbal tea (a fantastic digestive aid). My teas help to calm me after a busy day. There are other great options out there like Thyme tea, Lemon tea, Hibiscus tea (aka Zobo) etc. Go ahead..don't knock it till you've tried it.

Meanwhile, I recently made a priceless new find: the 'STASH' Premium Caffeine free herbal tea available in various flavors, but my two favorites are the Acai Berry [picture below] and Hazelnut & Chocolate flavors. The added benefit are that they are all caffeine free!

 

 

Give any or all of these a try and tell me how it goes. Simply drop a comment (below) and share with everyone let’s all learn from you. But most of all ENJOY!!!

 

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