Happy&Healthy: Moderation

With my mom being a personal trainer, we try our hardest to maintain a healthy diet! However, I have an extreme sweet tooth! Meaning, I CRAVE something sweet immediately after something sultry and salty. I blame it on my mom, who blames it on her mom, who just so happens to blame it on her mom...must run in the family. Unfortunately, as I prepare for Miss Spokane that particular tooth seems to be kicking into overdrive.

Now, most people think that with a pageant just around the corner, contestants resort to chicken and celery. This, I am pleased to inform you, is not the case. Or it shouldn't be the case. Recently, I have heard that completely cutting out your cravings may actually be the unhealthy choice. Yes, you may look great for the pageant, beach or party, but the aftermath is going to be worse than ever imagined. Take this from a personal experience. After the event, you will eat whatever comes into sight and may gain more weight than you had originally lost.

While preparing for Miss Washington last summer, I cut out all fats and sweets, which is ok to an extent. I, unfortunately, didn't give in to anything. I was happy for the time being and had felt the best I ever had. The pageant came and I was blessed to win lifestyle and fitness in swimwear. Then the pageant was over and literally all I wanted was desserts, a Cinnabon and pizza. Lucky for me, I had my mom on my side. I was able to give into my sweet tooth and stop before going overboard. Though, going down that road made me realize how bad things could have been.

Instead, indulge...in moderation. When your roommates make brownies, have a small square. Your body and mind are both going to be happier, resulting in a healthier body. On another note, I have also recently heard that just three bites can curb your craving. In the end, what will three bites really hurt? This, however, does not mean taking three bites of every cookies, cake, or pizza you see. Again, we go back to the brownies. Take three bites and move on with your life!

So once you've indulged on that cookie you have been eyeing, make sure the rest of your diet is balanced as well.  For example, too many grains, wheat, and carbs will make you bloat and ultimately defeat your purpose of weight loss.

People will ask me, "what is your diet?" I can't reiterate it enough! A healthy regime is a lifestyle, not a "diet". A healthy regime is all about balance and moderation.

Sweet snacks I recommend:

• Dark chocolate covered strawberries
• Why? dark chocolate is good for you and your brain and strawberries obtain Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants.  (http://www.canadianliving.com/blogs/health/2011/06/15/5-reasons-strawberries-are-good-for-you-plus-5-strawberry-recipes/)
• I also heard a rumor that the acid in strawberries can make teeth whiter!
• Raisins
• Why? Raisins acquire zinc, which is great for people who don't eat a lot of red meat and/or are anemic. (http://rehanastormme.hubpages.com/hub/Are-Raisins-Good-For-You-Raisins-Health-Benefits)
• Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters
•  Why? creamy chocolate and carmel at only 120 calories per pouch. (http://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/skinny-cow/dreamy-clusters---milk-chocolate)
• Any fruit!