Stickin’ to the Challenge + Healthy Snacks

I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to blog for several days; we’ve been so crazy.

I officially started my “100 Days without Sugar Challenge” last Thursday (August 1st) along with many of y’all.  I am so happy to have some of you guys join me in this challenge!  Yay.

I hope each of you who joined me are 100% committed!  If you are someone who feels addicted to sugar (like me), I know it’s absolutely necessary to be strong and fully committed.  I’m sorry to say that if you’re not 100% determined to succeed, you will FAIL.

Sounds harsh, I know.

However, I’m speaking from experience and am very aware of how strong the addiction to sugar can be.  I know it’s vital to plan ahead and to not cheat at all.  I’ve found that if I allow myself small little bites or licks of things, I eventually cave in and before ya know it, my goal is completely obliterated.

I am determined not to quit and I know that all of us can be 100% successful in this challenge!

It’s only 100 measly days…heck, only 95 now.  Oh, and in case you’re wondering, this challenge will end on November 9th.  November 8th is the 100th day, so as of November 9th; it will be over!  Wahoo!

I know this challenge isn’t easy; but it does get easier with time.  The first week is always the hardest, but then it seems like the MEGA cravings subside a bit after that.

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I’ve enjoyed a lot of quick, easy and yummy snacks lately.  Here are some of the things I’ve been enjoying…

Bananas with peanut/almond butter.

I love this snack and could eat it every day.  It also satisfies the sweet tooth.  Justin’s Maple Almond Butter is seriously awesome too.

Greek yogurt.

I love Greek yogurt and Chobani raspberry is my favorite of all time.  It’s so yummy, filling and tastes like a treat.  Yum!

Kettle Corn and Popcorn.

I LOVE kettle corn and popcorn.  It’s such an easy, yummy and low-cal snack (just make sure it’s not loaded with butter, oil, sugar, etc.)  I love Skinny Pop and Popcorn, Indiana products!

Fresh Fruit, especially berries!

I hate it when people say to “just eat fruit” when you’re craving sugar.  I’m sorry to say, but it’s just not quite as yummy as chocolate and decadent treats.

However, I have found that when I’m eating really healthy and clean, fresh fruit tastes SO MUCH BETTER.  In fact, it tastes awesome.  I love it.  I think when I’m eating sugar and treats, my taste buds become accustomed to extremely sweet and rich things.  AND when I get those “extremely sweet and rich things” out of my system, I can fully enjoy the yummy sweetness nature has to offer.

Chocolate-ish Almonds.

There are a bunch of healthy, high-flavor nuts out there.  I especially love these dark chocolate almonds from Blue Diamond.  They are filling, flavorful and only 4 grams of sugar per serving.  Yay.  Blue Diamond has a bunch of other flavors I want to try too.

Low-fat Cottage Cheese with crackers.

I love this combo so much and I really love these Food Should Taste Good crackers!  I use all different types of crackers and chips too.

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I’ve also been enjoying a lot of yummy, healthy meals too.  I’ve been having my Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal and Chocolate Protein Pancakes most mornings (can ya tell I love chocoalte??)

I actually experimented with my new Chocolate Veggie Protein in both of these recipes and they both turned out great!

I did have to to add quite a bit more liquid when I used this protein powder, but it still turned out yummy.  AND, I love that it’s all natural, has nothing artificial and packs an awesome dose of veggies and antioxidants.  Yay.

I’ve been having random snacks and leftovers for lunch.  Here’s an example…

Ham, carrots with Laughing Cow cheese, an apple (it was brown because I cut it a couple days before), and some Food Should Taste Good crackers.  Weird and random, but good.

Here are a couple things I’ve been making for dinner….

A big ol’ “Scooby Doo” hoagie sandwich.  This is such a easy, fast, yummy dinner AND all my kids eat it!

I just buy a loaf of french bread (our family usually needs two) and I top it with Olive Oil mayo, mustard, deli meat, cheese (we used Swiss) and pickles.  I cut the sandwich into ~3-4″ segments and everyone takes a piece (and most go back for seconds!)  I also serve lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, olives, etc. on the side and everyone just adds the extras they like.

When I’m feeling extra healthy, I’ll make myself my own wrap on a Flatout or something.  However, I decided to enjoy the “Scooby Doo” sandwich this time and it was heavenly.  I only had a small piece though; maybe 3 inches.

I also served some Pirate’s Booty, carrots with yogurt veggie dip and grapes on the side.  Yum!

I also made a very yummy dinner the other night that I think you all will LOVE!  I made zucchini noodles (mixed with some whole wheat spaghetti) and topped it with homemade alfredo sauce and homemade spaghetti sauce (that I canned last summer.)  I also made some (not healthy) homemade breadsticks on the side.  They are the best breadsticks ever!

I will share all the recipes tomorrow since this post is already long enough…and I’m out of time!

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday night!  xoxo

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