Kid-Friendly Vegan Food: Hummus!

When it comes to feeding my kids, there are certain foods I've played around with quite a bit. They'll eat almost anything if it's in smoothie form, pancake form, dip form, or burger form (last week I made "black bean burgers" my husband lovingly compared to "poop on toast." They really weren't very good, but my kids unknowingly--and happily--gobbled up the pureed mixture of black beans, red peppers, onions, and whatever else I threw in those nasty nuggets). If my kids can dip a chip (or occasionally some raw veggies) in it, they'll probably eat it. I've been a long-time fan of hummus, but have never attempted making my own. Until this week. Maybe it's the fact that I'm in the stage of pregnancy where everything tastes amazing, but this hummus was good! And chock-full of FIBER and protein, hummus fills you up with nothing-but-goodness. I was feeling ambitious, so I photo-documented my first attempt at making this Middle-Eastern staple.

First, I rinsed and drained a (15 oz) can of chickpeas. I dumped them into my second true love: my Blendtec blender.Next, I peeled a few cloves of garlic, and threw them right in with the chickpeas.Before the first round of blending, I added 1/3 cup of lemon juice, and 1/3 cup of tahini. (I actually had no idea what this was...it's a paste made from sesame seeds...it looks a lot like peanut butter. I found it in the health food section at Harmons, for all of you local FitMePeeps.)I gave the blender a whirl, sort of (don't tell my husband) wished my blender had a tamper like the VitaMix so I could push the stuff down, but eventually had a nice, smooth paste to which I added 1/2 cup roasted red peppers,and 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil. I blended away until I got this:with which I promptly did this: (I obviously didn't document the actual first bite...sorry...no one likes "see-food").And I wondered why my house was so quiet until I saw this:What a nice surprise. Whether it was the quiet cooking time, the pregnancy-induced love of all things edible, or my determination to find non-meat-or-dairy items my entire family will consume, the hummus was a success. And yes--my kids and husband loved it!

We've been eating it with chips, raw veggies, as a spread on sandwiches (put some in a pita pocket with cucumbers and tomatoes--yum!), with rice crackers, etc. So versatile, so good, and SO EASY to make! (And so great that my funny husband didn't call it poop-on-a-cracker!)

Have a happy (and healthy) weekend!

The Runner's Diet: 6 Tips

I'm a nervous wreck. My husband is getting ready to run his 9th marathon this week. The fact that he's done this 8 times before should mean NO PROBLEM, right? Well, if you remember his last marathon, I let you in on a little secret...my husband is a wait-until-the-last-possible-second-to-start-training-to-run-a-measly-26.2-miles-kind-a-guy. About a month ago, he came out of hibernation and started running. As a training bonus, he's been riding his bike to work. But the longest run my DH has yet to complete in his latest bout of training is about 8 miles. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8. That's not very many when he has to run 26.2 in a few days! If he acted at all worried about it, then I wouldn't be. But one of us has to worry!!! Why is it always me?

Another aspect of training that my husband waits until the last few hours to worry about, is his diet. This morning, realizing that the race is just days away, he nonchalantly sauntered into the kitchen asking, "So, babe...what do you think I should be eating this week?" Are you kidding me?!?! I didn't have an immediate answer. Can't he hear the echo of my nagging voice? "You really need to eat better if you think you're going to run a marathon in June." NOW he decides to care! So yes...I have tips for the next week. But really, I have tips for what he should have been doing ALL ALONG. I bring you my top diet tips for runners:

1. If you're just a normal runner, don't eat like an elite runner. If you're only running a few miles, you don't need to load up on energy drinks, bars, and gels. Calories still count...even for runners!
2. The Runner's Diet consists of a 50-25-25 plan. 50% of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates, 25% from protein, and 25% from fat.
   
3. I'm not a calorie counter, but if you know how many calories you're aiming for in a given day, half of them should come from carbs. Because carbohydrates provide the fuel you need for a run, plan to eat them just before and just after your runs. Opt for fiber-rich carbs with high water content.
   

Load up on these carbs:

Fruits (about 60 calories per serving)
Apple, orange, pear, nectarine
Banana
Peach, plum
Grapefruit
Canteloupe
Berries
Fresh pineapple
Canned fruit (in its own juice)

Low-Starch Vegetables (about 25 calories per serving)
Carrots, celery, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, leeks, onions, green beans
Green pepper
Asparagus
Lettuce/raw greens
100-percent vegetable juice

Carbs to eat a bit more sparingly:

High-Starch Vegetables (about 80 calories per serving)
Beans (lima, navy, pinto)
Corn
Peas/lentils
Baked white or sweet potato with skin

Pasta/Rice (about 80 calories per serving)
Couscous (cooked)
Brown or white rice (cooked)
Noodles/pasta (cooked)
Bulgur (cooked)

Breads/Cereal/Crackers (about 80 calories per serving)
Tortilla (wheat)
100-percent whole-wheat bread
Mini-bagel
English muffin: 1/2
Pretzels: 3/4 ounce or 8 sourdough nuggets
Popcorn (air popped): 3 cups
Saltine crackers: 6
Rice cakes (all varieties, large): 2
High-fiber cereals: 3/4 cup
Oatmeal: 2/3 cup cooked or 1 instant packet

4. Choose lean protein! Not only does protein help with muscle recovery, it also keeps you full longer!

Protein Selections:

Very lean (about 35 calories per serving)
Chicken or turkey breast (skinless)
Fish fillet (all whitefish)
Canned, water-packed tuna
Shellfish
Egg whites
Egg substitute

Lean (about 55 calories per serving)
Chicken or turkey (skinless dark meat)
Salmon, swordfish, herring, trout, bluefish
Lean beef (flank steak, top round, ground sirloin)
Veal or lamb (roast or lean chop)
Pork (tenderloin)
Canadian bacon
Low-fat hot dogs
Low-fat luncheon meats

Dairy Products (about 90 calories per serving)
Fat-free or 1-percent-fat cottage cheese (calcium fortified)
Low-fat, sugar-free yogurt
Fat-free, sugar-free yogurt
Low-fat cheese (all types)

5. Before you cut fat out of your diet, think again! Foods with a little healthy fat help slow digestion, and keep you full longer! 25 percent of a runner's calories should come from heart-healthy vegetable, nut, and fish fat sources.

Try the following fats of choice:

Fat sources (about 50 calories per serving)
All oils: 1 teaspoon
Avocado (medium): 1/8
Almonds, cashews, filberts: 6
Peanuts: 10
Pistachios: 15
Olives (green or black): 8 medium
Peanut butter (creamy or chunky): 1 teaspoon

6. Make sure you know your daily running schedule ahead of time, so you can plan your 50-25-25 eating plan around your runs. The bulk of your carbs should be eaten around your runs. Leave the high calorie energy bars and gels for race day, and fuel up during training with mother nature's choice: food!!!!

For more running tips, check out runner's world! Wish my hubby luck! And wish me, the spectator, luck! Not to give myself all the credit, but hauling two kids around to cheer on daddy is a lot more work than just running from start to finish. I'd trade any day! Well...maybe...just not on Saturday!

St. Patrick's Day...EAT GREEN!!!! (With some green smoothie recipes)

When St. Patrick's Day comes around each year, the "Irish" comes out in all of us! Today I'm sporting some lime green capris that I'm pretty sure won't be seen any other day this year. But on St. Patricks Day, if it's green, it works!

What about food? I'm all for adding a bit of green food coloring to "green" up your morning eggs or waffles. But why not have a GREEN meal without the food coloring?

Here are a few of my favorite green foods...add some to your plate tonight:

Granny Smith Apples
Green Grapes
Avocados (guacamole!)
Asparagus
Broccoli
Green Beans
Spinach
Kale
Cucumber
Zucchini
Sweet Peas
Kiwi Fruit
Limes
Green Peppers
Honeydew Melon

Here are a few GREEN (literally) smoothie/whole juice recipes:

CREAMY CUCUMBER JUICE
1/2 cup lowfat plain yogurt
3 cups green grapes
1/2 cup cucumber (with or without peel, chopped)
1 stalk celery cut into 3-inch pieces
Optional--1 oz. Wheat grass
1/2 cup ice

Blend away! The grapes really make it sweet, and surprisingly good!

GREEN GIANT VEGETABLE JUICE
1/4 cup water
3 cups green grapes
1/2 cucumber--peeled
1/2 cup frozen or fresh sweet peas
1 stalk celery--cut into 3-inch pieces
1/2 cup broccoli

Put all ingredients in blender, and blend! As long as you remember this is a VEGETABLE juice, it's actually really good. The grapes add the needed sweetness.

Lime Kiwi Smoothie
2 kiwis-peeled
1 large pear-seeded
1 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp sugar
1/3 cup water
1 cup ice

Add everything to blender, mix, and enjoy!!!

What are your St. Patty's Day traditions?

MY PEANUT BUTTER OBSESSION (with a freebie)

I love peanut butter!
Let me count the ways.
I honestly eat it
every. single. darn. day.
Unlike other condiments,
spread it on as you please.
Hold the mayo. Hold the ketchup.
But not the PB!
When I'm pregnant,
can't resist it. It's the one thing I crave.
I go through it like water.
Addicted? It's my fave.
What about when I'm training
for a long, long, long run?
Forget gu! Me want sandwich!
PB & J gets it done!
Full of protein, good fats, vitamins B3 & E,
Not to mention loads of fiber. That alone pleases me!
Magnesium, folate,
antioxidants, time to say it...woo hoo!
Guilt-free pleasure full 'o flavor.
I really heart it. Do you?
High in fat, so yes...
moderation is best.
A little goes a long way.
I eat too much, I'll attest.
Have to say, I have tried
ev'ry brand in the store.
A PB connoisseur.
An expert. Hard core!
I always go for "all-natural,"
don't like the trans fat
in hydrogenated oil.
'Nuff said about that!
As for brands, have some thoughts.
Don't mind if I share!
Adams Natural PB?
Not my favorite out there.
The taste? Sure...it's fine.
It just ends up real dry.
By the end, hard to spread.
Nope, just doesn't fly.
Skippy natural? Love the taste.
Prob'ly cuz they add sugar!
On that count alone,
have to pass, sugar boogars!
Kirkland brand found at Costco
is actually one of the best
It's organic, spreads great,
tastes superb, passed my test!
But my number one favorite
(let the drum roll begin)
is the Smart Balance Peanut Butter!
It win-win-win-wins!
Besides spreading well, being natural,
tasting great,
Omega 3's have me screaming,
Yep! They raise my heart rate!
Love this PB so much,
with you, want to share!
TO THE WINNER, I will send
a FREE 16 oz. jar!
To be entered,
all I need is a comment below.
A random number will be chosen.
Act now, don't be slow!
A winner I'll announce on Wednesday, March 11th.
"SPREAD" the word. Tell your friends!
Two extra entries I'll grant.
Leave a comment for one entry.
Link on your blog for two more!
Then add two more wee comments,
and I'll tally the score.
What would you do with P-Butter?
Eat with chocolate on a spoon?
Spread on celery? Eat in oatmeal?
Fill up a balloon?
Let us know in the comments.
I hope you all win!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Peanut Butter!
Sure makes my face grin!

Oat-tastic Smoothie and More...

I've already established my love for all things smoothie...including my fabulous blender. And I REALLY love that so many of you share my love! I've received some reader mail with more amazing smoothie creations that I'm passing on to you....you'll thank me later! (Thanks, Mindy, Aly, and Laura!) One of these days, I'll be really organized and will take pictures. But for now, blend away!

Sugar-Free Oat Smoothie

1 1/4 cups strawberries, halved

1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt

1/4 teaspoon sugar substitute

2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

1 1/2 tablespoons oat bran

1 tablespoon sugar-free pancake syrup

1/4 cup ice cubes

Combine the strawberries, yogurt, sugar substitute, dry milk, walnuts, oat bran, syrup, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pure heaven, people!

Protein Smoothie

1/2 cup skim milk

1/2 cup orange juice

4 frozen strawberries

1/2 packet of single serving size crystal light lemonade powder

1 large heaping scoop of vanilla protein powder (it doesn't matter which brand...just look for low sugar)

Blend until thick and smooth! This is a great post-workout drink!

Green Smoothie (Kale Apple Grape)

1/3- 1/2 bunch of Kale (any variety)
1-2 Apples: fuji, jonagold, golden, red- as long as they are ripe
1 cup Grapes: red or green, as long as they are sweet.
1 cup water

1 Banana &/or a squeeze of lemon to balance the flavor.

Blend well. Great way to get you green, leafy veggies in!

Thanks, ladies! Have a recipe you want to share? Leave it here, or e-mail us! (FitMePink at gmail dot com). And come back tomorrow for a PB giveaway!

Guest Post...10 Tips for Going Sugar Free

Today's guest post is by Jen. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 20, and has great tips and info on going sugar free. Enjoy!!!!

I’m excited that Robyn is having me guest post on Fit Me Pink. What a great website with relevant information for staying fit and healthy as busy mommies. (Thanks, Jen...you didn't have to say that! Hee hee...) My name is Jen and I’m posting mostly because I’m diabetic and I thought I’d offer a few tips for how to go sugar-free, or low-carb. A little about me to introduce myself to the readers… I’m 28 and have 2 kids. I’ve had diabetes for coming up on 8 years. I have type 1 diabetes which means that I am insulin resistant (ie, I have to take insulin to control my sugars and essentially stay alive). Because I was diagnosed as an adult (20 years old) I was basically expected to figure things out for myself. At the time of my diagnosis, I pretty much went information crazy. I looked up everything I could find about diabetes and learned a lot. I continue to read a lot about the condition and find it very fascinating. I love to talk about diabetes and how it affects my life. I also blog about my diabetes occasionally. You can check out those posts on my blog by clicking on the diabetes label link.

Life post-diagnosis has changed in some ways greatly and in other ways very minimally. I can still eat like pretty much every one else, I just have to monitor all of my carbohydrates. As a diabetic, I’m concerned with all sugars: glucose, fructose, and lactose. But what I have to pay attention to most on a food label or food item that I’m eating is the total number of carbohydrates. I count carbs in everything I eat and drink so that I know how much insulin to take. My diet is not completely carbohydrate-free and I don’t really recommend that sort of an approach.

Having children is one way that diabetes greatly impacted my life. I have to monitor my sugars extremely carefully and work really hard at keeping them within a very normal range. I’ve had two healthy baby boys and they both weighed about 8.5 pounds. Their lungs were fully developed and neither boy suffered any post-birth effects from my diabetes. These are my greatest diabetic accomplishments. While living with diabetes can be difficult, there are even days when I forget that I am diabetic, and for that, I am very thankful. It wouldn’t be possible without the help of all of the wonderful diabetic advancements and improvements science has brought us.

Here are my tips for going sugar free! (Very timely for me, with my not-very-successful-so-far-sugar-fast!)

1. Decide what kind of carbs you want to cut, and then set some goals.
2. Cut the unnecessary carbs. Desserts and things high in sugar often have an alternative. Be aware that some things that say "sugar-free" or "no sugar added" on the labels actually do have some carbs, so you’ll want to check the label to find out how many. If you compare it with a regular product, you usually notice at least a 20% decrease in total carbohydrates.
3. Just because it’s "sugar free" doesn’t mean it tastes like cardboard! There are a lot of really good "sugar-free," or "no-sugar-added" products that taste pretty good. Some of my favorites are: Jell-O sugar free pudding, light Dannon yogurt, Smuckers no sugar added jelly, light maple syrup, and Dryer’s slow-churned no-sugar-added ice-cream.
4. Choose a favorite sugar-free treat...and stock up! There are actually treats out there that have very few carbs, and some have none. 7-11 has a great Crystal Light Slurpee with only 5 calories per 8 ounces and zero carbs. The Cheese Cake Factory sells a "Carb Free" cheesecake that only has 6 carbs! My suggestion is to take it home and add some sugar free cherry pie filling on top!
5. Eat the good carbs! Fruit and fruit juices are good carbohydrate choices that often satisfy your sweet-tooth!
6. Try to never drink carbs or calories! There are so many great diet drinks out there…drinking empty calories or carbs really doesn’t make sense. My one exception to this rule is while working out…a good sports drink with some electrolytes can be an excellent choice.
7. Keep a back up for when you’re feeling you may cave! Gum works really well. Apparently the ever-so-obvious people from product placement at the Biggest Loser think so too!
8. Choose a day to cheat. Sometimes it’s okay to cheat. Set aside a cheat-day for yourself. One day a week (or less, if you’re brave) is good enough. A friend of mine eats whatever she pleases on Sundays. She doesn’t count calories or carbs on this day, and she’s been able to maintain an 80 pound weigh-loss for 8 years!
9. Remember how good you feel. Going low-carb can be a difficult thing to do. However, it does make you feel great. My sugars get much more level, and overall I feel so much better. Remember that when you’re about have some leftover birthday cake.
10. Do it with a buddy. Having support makes things much easier!

THANK YOU, JEN!!!! Leave Jen a comment here, or check out her blog for more good info! And by the way, the more I think about it...or try to fast from sugar...the more I realize that I need a designated "cheat day" to get me through the week. Good tips!

Sugar Fast Failure!

Ummm....errrr....uhhhh....I don't QUITE know how to break it to you, fit me peeps. Did I, or did I not commit myself to a sugar fast? My memory is sort of failing me, so I can't remember. You see, there I was, chugging along. If I remember correctly, I went a whole week (probably the first in my life) without chocolate. I caved for a cinnamon roll, but was right back on track.

Until Valentine's Week happened.

Why is it that holidays are no longer JUST on the actual holi-DAY anymore? They last all WEEK and even all MONTH long! After the cinnamon-roll-of-gooey-goodness was consumed last Sunday, everything sort of became a blur as the week unfolded.

First, I went to singing group on Tuesday night. After being in a grumpy, sugar-free funk all week, I went and sang. And talked. And laughed. And almost cried when my friend Michelle gave me this sweet Valentine. Cried because of the nice gesture, AND because I really wanted to eat what was inside! I gave it to my husband, but vaguely remember sneaking a bite of the last remaining bar the following morning. But I can't be held accountable...I wasn't thinking clearly.

I also have a vague memory of a church party Friday night. It was a chili and chocolate cook-off. I'm not sure, but I think I entered the chocolate competition (by mistake) with this amazing recipe from Stie. I may have tasted the brownie batter. And the cream cheese frosting. And the peanut-butter-chocolate rice crispies. I know, right?

I also may have nibbled at a few of the competing entries. Just to make sure mine was the best. And it was...I won!

So I'm almost scared to say it, because I'm a rebel against my own rules. But I'm going to say it anyway. My sugar fast continues today. Last week? Erased from memory! Gone! Did you survive sugar cookie week?

Sugar Fast Shout Out

**ATTENTION FIT-ME-READERS...BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION GOING ON HERE!**

OK...it's time for a SHOUT OUT to a few of those going through (and surviving) a major breakup right now...with sugar!

First, Tina. On the fourth day of her sugar fast, she was "ready to lick her kids' faces clean from the sugar they were consuming." (Ha ha...me, too!) But now, she feels great! And has lost 8 pounds! YAY TINA!!!!

And here's another WOO-HOO for Sarah! Not only has she lost 7 pounds, but she is also considering the long term benefits of a sugar-in-moderation type life. She's steering herself away from the fate of many women in her family...diabetes! YAY SARAH!!!

Anyone else want to give yourself a shout out? Do it in the comments!

Here's mine...I haven't had chocolate in over a week! I Did It!

I NEED SUGAR!!!!!! Should I cave?

I've made it an entire week without sugar. (Well...without dessert, anyway). Our weekend has been FULL of family parties. And I have resisted the temptations. At a pre-wedding "money-tree-dinner" for my husband's cousin last night, I spoon fed Danish Dessert to my baby. I inhaled it, but differently than I normally would have. I really just smelled it. I wanted it. I resisted.

Tonight, the my-side-of-the-family party had plates full of cookies, cherry bars, and more yummy goodness. My mouth watered. I got a second helping of spinach salad, and pretended the dried cranberries were just as satisfying as that cookie would have been. They were really good, but not exactly "cookie good". But somehow I resisted. We left. And my first weekend? A success. Woo hoo!

I was feeling pretty proud of myself. We got home, and as luck would have it, the doorbell rang. One of my favorite neighbors brought us a plate of yummy, gooey, warm, homemade cinnamon rolls.

And there they still sit. On the counter, calling to me.

And I REALLY want one! Should I change my commitment to ONCE a week? Or should I hold strong through the month of February? I don't want to be such a "spur-of-the-moment-snacker." That's the reason for the sugar fast...to plan my indulgences...and to really enjoy them. I'm pretty sure I would really enjoy a cinnamon roll, though. Should I give in?

I'll let you know what happens...

Let the wild sugar fast start!

Well, I loaded up yesterday on cookies, cake, and frosting. As I was preparing for my daughter's 1st birthday party, I'm pretty sure that's ALL I ate. So right now I'm feeling pretty motivated for the big fast. We'll see how I feel by the end of the week!

Here's my goal. I'm going to make it through the month of February with NO dessert (even on Valentine's Day...eeeeeek!) If, by the end of the month I decide it was too hard, I'll switch to allowing dessert once a week. Or I may decide to allow it once a month. We'll see. This sugar fast is great, because...you make your own rules! As you join in (in your own way), let us know what's working for you!

Don't forget to go out and find a readable copy of You! Being Beautiful: The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty. I'll start reading today, so get ready to discuss in the coming weeks/days!

And stay tuned...I have a killer LEG move to post...either later today, or later this week.

Also, if you're interested in guest posting, let me know!

The EIGHTH Day Of Fitness...diet resolutions!

Happy Saturday morning! It's the last weekend for holiday shopping...eeeeeek! Are you ready? Ready or not, Christmas will be here in a few days!!!!! So I'll keep this short and sweet.

How many of you have started a "diet" and failed? I actually really love reading diet books (not to mention the non-diet-yummy-bad-for-you-cook-books). Actually following a "DIET," however, is a different story! I once tried the first phase of the South Beach Diet. I was miserable. All I could think about was food...the food I wasn't allowed to have! I actually did lose some weight, but was much happier when I stopped "being on a diet" and started just "eating healthy" (and let's be honest...sometimes not so healthily...).

I get lots of good info. from MizFit. Including a link to this diet-related contest.

Have you made a New Year resolution to achieve long-term wellness and weight loss but never achieved your goal? You’re not alone. According to a recent study conducted by Zone Diet, more than half of Americans have made a similar diet proclamation with 3 in 4 of those who failed, blaming it on a lack of willpower.

Zone Diet wants to help you achieve your weight loss goals and would love to hear your story! Simply submit a 300-word essay on upcoming New Year's resolutions, past challenges with New Year’s resolutions and dieting, and why Zone Diet will offer you the best wellness and weight-loss solution.

You and a guest will be automatically entered to win a trip on the Zone Cruise to the Caribbean with Dr. Barry Sears, creator of the Zone Diet. Your Caribbean adventure will include fun and relaxation, three tropical ports of call and exquisite gourmet Zone cuisine every day of the cruise. Most importantly, the seven-day cruise will help you embark on your new Zone Lifestyle with unforgettable presentations and personal weight loss consultations all aboard the new, ultra-luxurious Celebrity Solstice, the latest addition to Celebrity Cruises’ fleet.

Submit your story by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 10, 2009.

WOULDN'T IT BE COOL IF ONE OF US WON THIS???? Maybe I'm wrongly assuming here, but I don't think I'm the only one who's ever fallen off the dieting wagon. I don't know that the ZONE DIET is necessarily the way to go, but hey--it's a free cruise, with lots of free fun (and a few dieting tips along the way!)

If you're interested, check it out! And happy Saturday shopping! (Unless you're one of those amazing/annoying people who's already done)! And if anyone decides to enter the zone contest, I'm sure all of us (including our fit-a-licious readers) would love to give feedback on your essay! What would you do if you won a cruise? I personally would SLEEP and enjoy the kid-free quietness!

Halloween Survival Guide

Well, it's here. The day every year that we love and dread. The day we lose the eat-your-dinner-before-you-get-any-treats battle with our kids, because well, they've already been eating candy all. day. long.

It's also the day we beat ourselves up for eating too much dang candy. I'm totally speaking for myself here. I'm pretty sure I'll be going through my toddler's trick-or-treat bag and sneaking as many Reese's Peanut Butter Cups into my pockets as I can. Or I'll give each little goblin a nasty sucker while I jam 5 Twix Bars in my mouth.

I know myself. I have a major weakness--chocolate! Add peanut butter, and I'm like Pavlov's dogs...my mouth waters at the very thought. So guess what? I'm totally giving myself permission to indulge. And if you want it, I'm giving you permission, too. That way, we won't be beating ourselves up over every little lick of candy, bite of sugar cookie, dab of frosting. It's OK.

I've never been an official "dieter." I tried the South Beach Diet for a few weeks. It drove me crazy! I craved things I'd never even eaten before...just because I couldn't have them. So I try not to obsess over food. Especially on days where I'd be setting myself up for failure. Like Halloween, for example. I'm generally a healthy eater, but I allow for indulgences (probably more often than I should admit). Halloween is one of the occasions where I just know I'm going to eat candy.

But guess what? I haven't bought any yet. I will go to the store tomorrow AM to stock up. And probably on candy I don't like. [Well, I like it all, but am less tempted by fruity varieties.] Suckers, gum balls, life savers, etc. Like I said--chocolate is my weakness. I'm banking on my own little trick-or-treater-dressed-as-Mickey-Mouse bringing me home what I really want.

So I will have chocolate, but not all day long. And I won't eat three pieces of candy each time the doorbell rings...cuz I won't really like the kind we give out. I will work out in the morning. I will eat some of my MIL's homemade goodness that is her Chili to help stave off major cravings. But I will indulge. And it probably won't be pretty. But I'm OK with that. For tomorrow.

Other survival ideas include giving away non-food items. Tattoo stickers. Pencils. Sugar-free Gum. Why is the focus of so many celebrations on the food anyway?

What are your Halloween/holiday survival tips? You know what to do. Leave a comment!