Thursday, August 19, 2010

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.

2 comments:

  1. When I find I am getting like that, I go out and buy one of those Reese Peanut Butter bars (the new ones that are built like a caramilk bar) and freeze it. Whenever I get the craving, I'll break off one square and eat it, then pig out on a bunch of cucumber slices.

    I find the more I snack on healthy-ish stuff, the more I crave Celery. No idea why.

    When I need to satisfy my sweet or salty tooth, I find a good little trail-mix works. I usually throw in about 8 almonds, a few peanuts, a teaspoon of chocolate chips, craisins, raisins, and if I need REALLY sweet, a little bit of shredded coconut. Hits the spot, and 1 - 1 1/2 cups is usually more than enough.

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  2. You're so lucky! Not many people crave something that's actually good for you.

    I'll have to try the freezer trick. Now's the time for cold treats. Have you ever tried freezing grapes?

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