OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY!!!!!
We can do this......right???

I am currently sitting at a house. Looking out the window, watching it snow. Did I say SNOW? yep. It is freeze your butt off cold. Two weeks ago, this would have warranted some warm baked goods or something....but not today. Ha I have had my own little pity party (or two) about this never ending winter ..... (while you two enjoy 70 degree weather) .... but I guess I should be grateful to know that I won't be burying myself in chocolate while I just sit and wait for the sun to come out!

It seems overwhelming whenever I see an awesome treat and I think....'dang, it will be at least a year until I can have that. ' But in reality, I am hoping that along with this year challenge, I will really be able to lessen my need and cravings for the food that I know doesn't really serve my best interest.

This last week, the hardest nights have been when I am out babysitting. Because every house has a stash. I don't care how healthy the family is, EVERY house has that stash of sugar that only the grownups know exists. Makes me wonder what my Mom was hiding from me growing up....Anyway, I am learning that the key is preparation. Having enough healthy, satisfying foods on hand that allow me to pass up the crap. Cuz really..... tootsie rolls are crap!


This week the 'treat' that has gotten me through the ups and downs is this: fruit with chocolate sauce...healthy rich chocolate sauce. This is how it goes...


1 spoonful of coconut oil (melted)
2-3 spoonfuls cocoa powder
splash of real maple syrup or honey
dash of vanilla
sprinkle of salt

Mix and YUMMMM!! it is so silky and perfect with a banana!

also...when the oil hardens, it becomes a perfect fudge.  You will feel like a big cheater when you taste this, but no shame with this treat! Enjoy!

Enjoy the simplicity of saying no to everyone else's crap!
hehehehe

Hillary

So I had a dream last night that I ate a ton of candy and pastries!  Mostly I was enjoying a variety of eclairs.  I do not remember what I was doing exactly or where I was exactly, all I know is I was eating what I was not supposed to be.  I felt like I was sinning.  haha!  Woke up this morning and had to make sure it was all a dream because it felt so real.  :)

My temptations this week:

Today, I taught Relief Society.  And of course, I always bring treats to share with the class.  (It would have been weird had I not)
Today's treats in Relief Society consisted of:
rolos
recess peanut butter cups
hershey's mini bars

It was very tempting not to just take one or maybe two, three perhaps, okay 20 pieces and eat it.  But I resisted the urge!  Go me!

Also, earlier this week, I judged a piano festival.  They always have goodies for the judges to snack on and they had my favorite healthy snack:  CHOCOLATE CHIP cookies.  Did I resist? Well, let's just say I drank a 20oz water bottle in 3 seconds or less to fill me up instead.  Although I did add some Grape Crystal Light Powder.  Does that count?

On St. Patrick's Day of this fine year of 2014, we decided to commit to 365 days of no sweet treats.  This includes anything with sugar.  If we reach this goal, the reward is that we get to go on a cruise!!  And after six months, a shopping spree.  The thing is; if one of us caves, it ruins it for the rest.

The rules are:

Exercise at least 3 times a week
Birthdays-allowed ONE piece of cake.  (Only for your own and family members)
Holidays-allowed to have treats (Only on the day of the holiday! Not the whole week, Jen.)  :)
Allowed to consume sugar if an older lady says that you must try her pie!
Jamba Juice is allowed

Wish us luck!  (Some of us will really need it.)