Working through guilt

Give in to Cravings Without Guilt!
Posted Thu, Dec 04, 2008, 4:23 pm PST
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Post a Comment View All 62 Comments Even if you eat healthy all the time, you're bound to experience the occasional hankering for something that's not exactly waistline-friendly. The fact is, you can and should indulge every so often. I know when I ignore my need for chocolate, I end up settling on a second-rate substitute--and then the chocolate wins me over later anyway, sometimes in quantities I'm not exactly proud of.

The good news is you can treat yourself to smarter, more sensible options that taste equally delicious. Next time you have a yen for something yummy, try these healthy swaps to keep you satisfied morning, noon or night.

YOU CRAVE: A chocolate cream-filled doughnut (307 calories, 20.8 grams fat)
TRY INSTEAD: A plain glazed doughnut (239 calories, 11.5 g fat) or a raised sugar doughnut (205 calories, 11 g fat)

You'll save 60 to 100 calories and nearly 10 g fat but still get a sweet treat to go with your morning joe. (Also, try cutting it in half or quarters and slowly eat it in bits to see if you even want the whole thing!)

YOU CRAVE: Bacon and eggs (461 calories, 35.4 g fat)
TRY INSTEAD: Two slices of bacon with two small whole-grain pancakes and 2 tablespoons syrup (364 calories, 12.4 g fat)

This sensible substitute allows you to eat breakfast like a champ without chomping a third of your fat for the day. Or be even more virtuous and opt for an egg-white omelet instead of the pancakes.

YOU CRAVE: Potato chips (155 calories, 10.6 g fat per ounce, about 15 chips)
TRY INSTEAD: Lighter baked chips (84 calories, 3.2 g fat)

The same crunch as you munch with about half the calories and a third of the fat.

YOU CRAVE: French fries (537 calories, 28 g fat per 6-oz order)
TRY INSTEAD: Baked frozen fries (260 calories, 7 g fat per 6 oz)

Skip the drive-thru and hightail it to your freezer--you'll save calories, fat and cash. Try sweet potato varieties for a dose of skin-smoothing and vision-helping vitamin A. If you're out and ordering a burger, ask for salad instead of fries on the side, and try to retrain your brain to not need a side of fries with that burger meal.

YOU CRAVE: Chocolate milk shake (544 calories, 12.3 g fat per 16 oz)
TRY INSTEAD: Chocolate smoothie (372 calories, 5.4 g fat)

Whip up this calcium rich alternative at home: Blend 2 cups lowfat milk, 1 frozen banana, 1 tbsp chocolate syrup and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a blender. Delicious! You can also try simply having a cup of skim milk with 1 tbsp of chocolate syrup for 141 calories and just over 1/2 gram of fat!

To find more smart eating advice, check out expert answers to all kinds of nutrition queries at Self.com's Food & Diet Q&A.