Healthy Alternatives

The hardest part about making life changes is changing what I eat. I LOVE FOOD! So, I have been trying really hard to find healthier alternatives to some of my favorite things.

I love ice cream. LOVE IT! Unfortunately, it has a ton of calories. I found a recipe on Pinterest for an ice cream substitute that only had 3 ingredients: frozen bananas, peanut butter and cocoa powder. I wondered how that could taste like ice cream and didn't think it had a chance in hell of being as good as real ice dream, but I had to try it though, because it's only 230 calories per serving and has no sugar or dairy.

To prepare, I peeled ripe bananas and put them in a plastic baggy in my freezer. When I was ready to make the "ice cream", I took them out and ran them under some cold water. I sliced them up and put them in the blender with the peanut butter cocoa and a little almond milk, then blended till smooth and creamy.

Believe it or not, it was delicious and SO much like ice cream, it definitely fulfills that craving. The last time I made it, I added some fresh strawberries. It thinned it out more than I would have liked, but it still tasted delicious.

You can definitely play with the recipe too. You don't have to use cocoa powder and could just do bananas and peanut butter. You could use coconut, soy or rice milk instead of almond milk. You could add other things, just be aware that will change the consistency.

Another food I love is cheese and there really is no substitute for that. I have been eating less, but I've also discovered Laughing Cow Wedges: http://www.thelaughingcow.com/products/the-laughing-cow-wedges/

They come in a variety of flavors. My favorites are Blue Cheese, French onion and Queso Fresco and Chipotle. The great thing is, they are only 35 calories per wedge. I've been using a wedge of cheese instead of butter or margarine when I eat my baked potato. That saves me 55 calories! I also use the cheese wedges as a substitute for mayonnaise, which saves me 45 calories. I also like to pair the wedges with carrots, cucumbers or pretzels and use them like a dip.

Oh and if cake or bread is your thing, there are some great recipes to be found that don't use sugar or eggs. It's amazing what you can substitute for sugar and eggs and still make something delicious!

Losing weight when you love food and love to eat is the hardest thing, but I am trying so hard to find good healthy foods that I also love and won't feel guilty about eating. Stay tuned, I will keep posting about my successes in finding great for you foods, that are guilt free!