I have a problem and it's called Sugar. I might have mentioned it in a previous post or two...or even updated a Facebook status regarding my obsessive compulsion for sugary items. Some of my weaknesses, Nutella, Ice-Cream, Cupcakes, Cake, Fruit Crisp (a la mode, of course), chocolate chip cookies, brownies (a la mode preferred) and the list can continue. There are rules, however.
1. I don't want candy for dessert...no peanut butter m&m's or Twizzlers or Snickers for dessert. Those aren't evening time treats...those are afternoon, 3:00 pm treats.
2. Fruit doesn't count. I eat a lot of fruit during the day. I eat the fruit during the day to avoid over doing the sugary treats in the afternoon. Or at least that is what I tell myself. I'm sure it's working.
3. The dessert needs some sort of crunch factor. If it doesn't crunch, it doesn't count. I made a peanut butter banana smoothie for dessert the other night. No crunch. I slurped it down only to then eat 4 oreos to satisfy the crunch urge. I think I might have a problem.
The only exception to this rule is cake. Cupcakes or a slice of cake. It doesn't need the crunch, although a few rainbow sprinkles can fill that crunch need if I'm really jonesing.
So, what do I eat? I usually put together a few ingredient type desserts. I don't go overboard. (although I'm sure overboard is a relative term) These aren't recipes per se, or even ingenious ideas, but they will hit the spot.
The Standard:
1/2 cup Vanilla Bean Ice-creamn or Soy Cream
90 Calorie Fiber One Brownie*
2 T wheat germ
1 tsp chocolate syurp
Unwrap 1 brownie, heat in microwave for 10 seconds. Measure out 1/2 cup ice-cream into a small bowl. If you put it in a big bowl it will never be enough! I often exclaim, "NO WAY IS THAT A FREAKIN' SERVING" if I use a big bowl. The small bowl tricks the mind and the stomach. Crumble warm brownie on top. Add wheat germ and chocolate syrup. Enjoy...slowly. A small bowl is still a small bowl.
*I often will substitute the brownie for 1 crumbled Oreo or 1 Ginger Snap or 1 TLC Oatmeal Chocolate Cookie, basically whatever I have on hand. The ginger snap probably has the least amount of calories.
The Treat:
4 Ginger Snaps (Anna's Gingersnaps are best for this dessert. Nice and thin)
2 squares of favorite chocolate (I prefer milk)
1 toaster oven
Place 4 ginger snaps on foil. Top 2 snaps with 1 square of chocolate each. Place in toaster oven and 'toast' until chocolate begins to melt and cookies brown slightly. Remove from toaster oven and top with other snaps, smooshing the chocolate. Let sit for about a minute. Cookie and chocolate should caramelize a bit. Devour. Maybe have husband hide snaps and cookies, because 2nds come ohhh so easily.
The Emotional Eater:
Nutella
Graham Crackers*
This one comes in handy when all you want to do is stuff your feelings. Nutella is an item that must be purchased with caution in my household. It will not last more than 2 days under my watch.
Directions: smear as much Nutella a graham cracker can hold. Stuff it and your troubles down.
*You can substitute any carb you like. I even will frost cupcakes with Nutella.
