Xyngular 90-Day Body Transformation Challenge Commitment #6: I will find healthy substitutions for what I crave most

---

It isn't realistic to think that we won't be tempted to binge on our personal favorite salty, sugary, or fatty snack foods. But we can locate healthy substitutions. Even on Valentine's Day.

We can replace addictive foods with other options. Sometimes it's just the crunch or a texture we're after. If it's crunchy chips and dip that trigger our binges, we can try crunchy celery or sweet pepper slices with hummus or an all-natural, low-fat dressing. Maybe chewing something will take the edge off like sunflower seeds or almonds. If we're in a candy mood, we can try fruit with some string cheese or peanut butter to take the edge off our cravings. A delicious berry and LEAN smoothie with a drizzle of healthy fat like flaxseed or olive oil can do the trick. These healthy substitutions can save the day...even Valentine's Day.

Healthier Valentine "I love you" treats
 
1. Make an extra rich LEAN Shake with strawberries or cocoa powder and freeze it in heart-shaped molds.
2. Make the same shake, freeze in an ice-cube tray, and blend it for an easy sorbet. Add strawberries or other
berries on top and sprinkle with cocoa powder
3. Dark chocolate-covered strawberries or blueberries
4. Angel food cake with sugar-free icing 
5. A fruit bouquet with dark chocolate dipping sauce 
6. Dark cocoa over raspberries and nuts
7. Melt dark chocolate with a nut butter and dip apples or other fruit slices into it! 

Live the 10 percent rule

Once we've reached a goal weight, we can make a plan that uses healthier substitutes for our cravings 90 percent of the time, but lets us indulge in our favorite foods the other 10 percent. No food is totally bad and total deprivation can lead to hidden resentments and then binges. It is all in how much we eat. If we choose to eat...say...chocolate occasionally, then we can make it a rule to only eat it when we're away from home or at our special restaurant. If it's in the kitchen, it may be too much temptation.

After we've reached our 90-Day Body Transformation, we'll be ready to allow for occasional small portions of our favorite foods, and we'll know when to make a substitution instead.

Valentine ideas that say "I love you" without unhealthy treats
Sometimes it's best to find other ways of saying "I love you" without food. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. A hand-made card
2. Tickets to a hockey game
3. Jewelry
4. Flowers
5. A coupon book with things like movie tickets, a video game, a message, a bed-and-breakfast, a ski trip, a hike, etc.
6. Bubble bath, scented candles, and other spa supplies
7. Something active you can do together (bikes, dance lessons, etc.)
8. A healthy recipe cookbook
9. Get out Valentines Cards saved from former years and read them together

ACTION STEPS:
1. Make a list of the most notorious treats and snacks that you tend to binge on the most. Find substitutions and put them on your shopping list. Then purge your pantry of the most notorious treats and snacks. 

2. Circle the healthy treat ideas from this article you want to try. 

3. It's last-minute planning that sometimes gets us into trouble. Plan ahead for special events—anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, etc. and use some of these treat/gift ideas that help you stay clear of unhealthy treats. 

Visit:
http://www.xyngular.com/lrivera

Start Today!