Conquering Cravings for Candy

As a child, I absolutely adored and longed for candy. My father, however, was a determined “health nut,” as he called himself. Sugary foods, in particular candy, were NOT allowed in the house.

“They’re bad for you,” he said firmly. Trying to “be good” on holidays like my beloved Halloween, though, was impossible.

I’d sneak some of the candy from my trick-or-treat bag into my jacket pockets, then give the rest to my parents. Upstairs in my room, with the door safely closed, I’d guiltily and greedily gobble down my forbidden sweets.

Today, as an adult, I still crave candy. Spicy gumdrops, malted milk balls, dark chocolate bars, toasted marshmallows squished between graham crackers with milk chocolate melted in between…ah, those delightful delicacies! Unfortunately, as an adult, I know better. My childish ignorance has been replaced by that inner voice that says: “Don’t eat that – you’ll regret it” when I gaze longingly at the candy aisles in the grocery.
Here’s what works for me when it comes to conquering those candy cravings:

1. Keep the candy out of the house, especially the big bags full of candy bars that are always on sale. If you don’t buy it, it won’t go into your mouth. And it’s not such a deal when it comes to money if it adds so many pounds to your “bottom line” that you have to buy new clothes.
2. Choose substitutes. My favorites include sugar-free chocolate pudding cups, at 60 calories per cup; individually packaged sugar-free chocolate ice cream or fudge bars, and miniature dark chocolate bars. The key: choose ones that are individually wrapped. That way, you can’t fool yourself about a “real” serving.
3. Distract yourself with something fun: go for a walk with your dog, call a friend, or head to the bookstore and browse in the magazine aisle.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkspleen/2031581651/

May 27th, 2009 by Joanne Eglash | Posted in Desserts, General, Low Cholesterol Cooking, Low Fat Cooking, Tips | (0)