Today, I’m running a VERY special edition of ASK ME. It’s been a long time since I’ve run this type of post, and frankly, I’m to blame for it.
I’ve written before about how crazy this summer has been… and if you’ve kept up with this blog, you’ll know that I shared quite the whirlwind of a 2014. Vacations, work travel, fun sales competitions, there’s been so much!
So, confession: I’m quite the workaholic and a major busy-body. Capricorn by birth, it’s what we do… and often times, I can’t make everything happen as I’d like. Wow, I don’t like seeing that in writing. I’m still not taking off my cape! 🙂
Enter my inbox for a moment: I absolutely love getting notes from new products to try, but they’re hard to find between the tons of spam that arrive every day. Ugh! And buried even further within this mix are the absolutely lovely email I get from you guys… which legitimately make my day and should NEVER get lost.
I found a few tonight that got lost in the mix, that I never got back to! (OMG… I know!) So, while I always say my blogging space is no space for apologizing for living life… I truly apologize to each of you that reached out that didn’t get a timely response!
So, tonight I’ve written everyone back… and I found a question in the midst that I thought was a good one to share with all of y’all!
Haley wrote me from the midwest, seeking advice on how to control evening cravings for sweets! This is something I suffer from as well… I mean, who doesn’t love dessert at the end of the night.
Here’s an excerpt from Haley’s email:
Haley –
I completely get where you’re coming from. There is something hugely satisfying about having a sweet treat at the end of the night. There is something about my taste buds that really crave something sweet right before I go to bed. Maybe it’s the fact that most of my dinners are on the savory side, but I definitely can relate to that sweet need.
In my days before joining Jenny Craig, everything I wanted I ate. So, it might have been a Fiber One Bar before bed, or a mini banana bread, or maybe a cookie from Starbucks. I ate it all, but in my own way, I ended up conditioning myself to enjoy something sweet before bed.
So, considering that I’ve built a habit… these are my recommendations.
Don’t Fight the Sweet Craving Completely
When I tell myself I can’t have something… it makes me want it more. Maybe it’s part of the stubborn capricorn in me, but I get to a point where I just HAVE to have it. And with too much deprivation, that can quickly manifest into a binge. That’s not doing me any favors.
My recommendation is to identify treats that you can enjoy that are well within your eating plan, whatever that might be. For example, on my eating plan I put into place last week, I made sure that my evening snack was something sweet… and it helps.
Find Some Frozen Goodness
There’s something decadent and delicious about frozen treats. Whether it’s ice cream or a popsicle, if it comes out of my freezer, I’m in.
I’ve recently found the Yasso Greek Yogurt bars, and I’m a huge fan. This is my go-to at night these days. I rotate between the Peanut Butter Cup and the Mint Chocolate Chip, depending upon what I’m in the mood from. Peanut Butter wins most nights, as I’m a PB-aholic!
I’m also a huge fan of Skinny Cow Ganache Ice Cream Cones and their Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars. There are so many “light” versions out there of your favorite treats, you can really find an appropriate substitute.
Fruit… Naturally Sweet!
On a night where you may not have as many calories/points/macros left to enjoy, you can also look at fruit for a natural sweet treat.
A small bowl of watermelon, some frozen grapes, or even a cup of cherries, any of these sweet juicy fruits can give you that sugar fix that you’re looking for before bed.
Sweet Supplements
A few years back, I had a chance to try Adora calcium supplements. They are CHOCOLATE DISKS, and amazing! If you’re taking calcium every night anyway, what a great way to take it! Note: The Milk Chocolate is my favorite…
When It Doubt, Brush it Out
During a trip at Target where I was just wandering… I found this Mint Chocolate toothpaste.
It is made by Crest and is called BE ADVENTUROUS. As the pickiest human ever, I was a little skeptical about it, but in its own weird way, it’s AWESOME! When I’ve got nothing left for the day, I switch out my regular toothpaste for this stuff. I know your eyebrow is raised, but trust me…
After You Get Your Allotted Sweet Stuff, GO TO BED
The worst thing I can do when I’m having a night of cravings is to stay awake. Assuming the sun has gone down for the night. Do yourself a favor… but away your tablet and your phone, and close those eyes.
Haley, That’s how I do it… now, I’m asking the rest of y’all. How do you handle those late night cravings?
DISCLAIMER: I mention a lot of products above, but they’re just ones that I really like and truly use. No affiliate links, no paid promotion, just good honest LOVE.
Also… Do you have questions that you’d like me to feature here on NTTC as part of my “Ask Me” series? Email me at nothankstocake@gmail.com.