When the beast comes calling (or a quick chocolatey snack)

So I know that I have just started this whole Pura Vida thing, and so some people are going to call foul on this.  But I know my body and tastes and I've learned a few things from the times I've tried to "diet."

1. I still have cravings for chocolate.
2. They get bigger the more I ignore them.
3. I WILL give in to them.
4. When I do, I'll overindulge and blow my morale and any advances I've made.

So today (after a day tainted with some really bad emotions), I really wanted some chocolate.  But I wanted something small.  After searching the internet for a bit, I came across the following recipe for the Improved 5-Minute Chocolate Cake.  I played around with it a little and ended up with this:

In a large, microwavable coffee mug, mix:

• 5 tbs flour
• 3 tbs cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 tbs sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt

Mix thoroughly, then add

• 5 tbs milk
• 1 tbs oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

 Microwave for about a minute (will still be some liquid-y batter, if you don't like this, cook for 20-30 seconds more).  Add a small spoonful of peanut butter on the top.

It was the perfect amount to satisfy my sweet tooth.  It's certainly not healthy, but it's better than the kind of splurge I have usually.

What small (healthyish) snacks do you use as your standby?

ADDENDUM:
So the other night, I went to make this, only to find out we had no milk.  But we had heavy whipping cream...which made this 10 million times better. Seriously.  You might need to add a little water, because it makes the batter super thick.

Getting back on the wagon

Based in part on my recent trip to Costa Rica and learning about the motto "Pura Vida" (pure life) and reading my friend Casey's fully honest and hilarious blog about his struggle with weight, the husband and I have decided to get back on the wagon of healthy living.

Once upon a time, I wrote a post about called Easing into Shape about the Couch to 5k program.  Well, living in the south the whole jogging outside thing would only work from 3am to 5am.  And as much as I want to be healthy, I don't think I could make myself do that.  It would be a job and something I resented as opposed to enjoyed.

So while the hubby is making himself job in the afternoons, this delicate southern blossom can't handle that yet.  (Maybe by the time next summer rolls around my heat tolerance will be higher).  So instead I'm doing the dreaded work out video at home.

Luckily, I've found one that's actually pretty fun, so I thought I'd share it with you.

10 Minute Solution is a series of DVDs that include ten minute workouts.  Now, I 'm not stupid enough to think that ten minutes a day is going to change my life; I know it takes more than that.

One of the things that I really like about the series is that each DVD has several workouts and that you can then select which ones you like the best and build your own routine.

Currently, I'm using Dance Off Fat Fast: a collection of basic dance/aerobics. 

The dances are pretty easy to follow, even for someone as dance-handicapped as myself.  And they're actually enjoyable.  And I know that if I was doing the routines in a roomful of women, I wouldn't enjoy myself nearly as much.  Self-consciousness would keep me from rolling my hips or shaking my butt too much.

The workouts also range from medium to high intensity (and of course are as intense as you want to make them), so it's good for big girls like me that are just getting started.

The series is enjoyable (and inexpensive enough) that I plan on getting several other DVDs in the series.  It's nice to have an alternative when the weather doesn't cooperate with a walk.