Sometimes moderation just isn't even worth it..
Francl27
Posts: 26,371 Member
I've been craving a brownie. I had to do some groceries today so I picked Wegmans, as they have a good bakery section, and went and checked the brownies... and I just left empty handed. It's just ridiculous... Two tiny one maybe two bite brownies = 220 calories. A pan of brownie (which was what... 3x10?)... 10 SERVINGS of 170 calories.
Just forget it. I'm all for moderation but it's not even worth it when a serving big enough to actually satisfy me would be 500+ calories (which I could maybe fit in that one week a month when I'm not constantly hungry, and this is not it).
I'm kinda sad now though... This 'healthy eating' thing just sucks at times.
Just forget it. I'm all for moderation but it's not even worth it when a serving big enough to actually satisfy me would be 500+ calories (which I could maybe fit in that one week a month when I'm not constantly hungry, and this is not it).
I'm kinda sad now though... This 'healthy eating' thing just sucks at times.
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Replies
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Yes. Yes, it does kind of suck at times. Perhaps there's something that would satisfy that brownie craving without as many calories. A few squares of good dark chocolate, perhaps.0
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Yeah right! Who wants 4 chicken wings?0
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Ha! I was at the grocery store earlier today, and staring at the cupcakes I thought, "This is why I wish I didn't care about getting fat."
In the annals of calorie:satisfaction ratios, brownies are among the most depressing.
ETA: Also cake frosting. Two frelling tablespoons? That covers what, like one bite of cake? I would pay serious money for a genuinely low-calorie frosting that tastes like frosting and won't kill me in my sleep.0 -
Not when you want a fudgy gooey brownie.1 -
I've had similar experiences and have come to realize that my version of moderation isn't what people mean when they say "enjoy the foods you like, but in moderation." Apparently moderation isn't 5 servings. Who knew?0
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Looking at that stuff just hurts my feelings! My son's birthday is Saturday and all I can think about it avoiding a big slice of cake and the boys eating Pizza...ugh.0
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I've had similar experiences and have come to realize that my version of moderation isn't what people mean when they say "enjoy the foods you like, but in moderation." Apparently moderation isn't 5 servings. Who knew?
Haha I know...
I did have a chocolate yogurt and a square of chocolate but it's not the same thing...0 -
A co-worker brought in homemade carrot cake cupcakes today with real cream cheese frosting. I had one for breakfast. I'm trying to decide if I can justify another one for a mid-afternoon snack and if I reallllly need to eat dinner tonight.0
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:hugs: It's unfortunate that the moderation doesn't work for you. I have found that especially if I am choosing to have only a small amount of something, it helps to make a big deal out of having it. In my perfect world (which doesn't really happen, but I would love for it to), I sit down with a favorite beverage with what I do have on a special dessert plate, and take small bites, slowly savoring the flavor and texture.
More often, I just eat the indulgence slowly, without giving any of my attention to anything else.
I also practice enjoying healthy eating by making notes when dessert is a bowl of berries or piece of fruit, that healthy eating *doesn't* suck when a <100 calorie dessert is 3/4 cup of raspberries w/ 2T 1/2&1/2.
What does suck for me is foods that aren't worth the calorie hit.
Also, if you really want the brownie, the world (or your weight loss goals) won't end if you go over by <500 calories on any given day.
The most challenging way to approach weight loss, in terms of long term success, is to hate the process.0 -
Am relieved to hear that I'm not the only one who struggles to conform to the parameters of "normal moderation"!
I think if you need a brownie hit, and the craving doesn't go away, "plan to cheat". Then when you've gorged, move on! Like Emma said above, the most challenging way to lose weight is if you hate the process. OR try to find a recipe to make your own at a fraction of the calories using smart substitutes, I always feel I'm "cheating" when I find a way to save a load of calories and still enjoy!0 -
Well I've had brownies, to be fair, but they never had a calorie count, and I always used a random MFP entry which was probably way under what the calories actually were...0
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This thread makes me happy, because moderation makes me sad, and misery loves company!0
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I agree... sometimes you gotta go homemade. I tried something that I really like. Its not a brownie, but I'm sure you could adjust the recipe to make it heavier in consistency.
1/2 container of flavored greek yogurt (45 calories for the amount I used and about 50 g of yogurt)
1 tbsp chocolate whey protein powder (30 cals)
1 tbsp chocolate hemp protein powder (30 cals)
1/2 tbsp of flour (15 cals)
1/2 tbsp of cocoa (10 cals)
a bit of baking powder
Mix together and heat in microwave for 1 minutes (130 calories is not to bad if you ask me)
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Well I've tried a bunch of mug cakes or lower calorie substitutions and it just doesn't cut it, lol.0
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There is also a recipe for vegan black bean brownies. They make a sort of adequate substitute, but I'm not sure they're any lighter on the calories. (My roommate wanted flourless chocolate brownies).
I don't do vegan cooking, so I used eggs instead of the flax seeds, but I think this is the recipe I started with.
Google "Black Bean Brownies" and you will find several recipes.
http://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-gluten-free-black-bean-brownies/
Whole Foods also have a vegan (I think), gluten free brownie bite. My roommate loves those. Again, I'm not sure about the calorie hit, because I don't eat them.
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moderation ≠ splurges
i try and eat certain things in moderation, and then some stuff i know i can't and therefore splurge. for instance, when i make it out to the bar for trivia night, i know i'm gonna have two beers... i can't just have one. and some kind of junk bar food like bacon ranch fries. so i splurge. i log it, but i'm definitely splurging.0 -
I agree- all the people on here who are like "fit the food you love into your goals" if you're happy to eat a sliver of pizza and a teaspoon of ice cream, well done, but I find it hard to work in a reasonable amount to satisfy, given how unfilling these foods generally are. I find it easier to avoid them altogether because I am just not a person who does anything by halfs.0
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I'm all for moderation but it's not even worth it when a serving big enough to actually satisfy me would be 500+ calories
My favorite way to really, properly enjoy a small portion of an indulgent food is this:
Wait until you are alone: No kids, no husband, no beggars, moochers or critics allowed. Turn of the tv and computer (music is acceptable). No distractions. Take small bites (or sips), smell the chocolatey goodness, explore every nuance of flavor, have a sip of water between tastes (this helps clear your palate so that you can enjoy each bite as much as the first one). Savor the experience.
When I take the time to do that, even the smallest piece of cake can be more than enough.0 -
I tend to average about a 300 to 500 cal deficit and day. I allow myself one, hearty dessert a week. Lately I have been having half of a muffin (the BIG ones from costco) with a half cup of ice cream. Come out to 400 to 500 calories. It is really satisfying and gives me something to look forward to each week. I have zero guilt about the calories. I am at a deficit for the week and the pounds are coming off, so why fret?
If, on the super rare occasion, I find myself confronted with an astoundingly calorific treat, say at a restaurant or party. I WILL go for it. Eat till content. I might consume almost 1000 cals, who knows? And who cares? If it is a one off thing that happens only a couple times a year, it will hardly affect the yearly weight goal. Plus you did not deprive yourself and then come to hate your eating style. HAVE FUN some of the time. And the rest of the time be good, and eat foods that you enjoy but are on the plan!0 -
*shrug* I love the tiny cupcakes and am happy with one or two for the calorie count. I will also be making room in my day for a blueberry turnover this evening for dessert.0
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Agree with you OP and +1 for dark chocolate.0 -
And the older you get, the smaller that sliver gets lol.I agree- all the people on here who are like "fit the food you love into your goals" if you're happy to eat a sliver of pizza and a teaspoon of ice cream, well done, but I find it hard to work in a reasonable amount to satisfy, given how unfilling these foods generally are. I find it easier to avoid them altogether because I am just not a person who does anything by halfs.
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I totally have foods that i figure if i can't eat as much add i want, i won't bother eating at all! Moderation is all well and good in theory, but sometimes it's easier to just avoid.0
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Except for the sadness part, I see your story as a victory. You came, you saw, you put it back down. Not worth the spend. This is a conscious choice, evidence of frontal lobe activity.
Compare that to the story of a dieter who is completely overcome by the siren call of the brownie, can't stop at one, has no idea how many were consumed in the past five seconds, and doesn't want to count them either. Might as well weep in a jug of beer with a side of chicken wings.0 -
140 calories for eight. I know, not the same.
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Except for the sadness part, I see your story as a victory. You came, you saw, you put it back down. Not worth the spend. This is a conscious choice, evidence of frontal lobe activity.
Compare that to the story of a dieter who is completely overcome by the siren call of the brownie, can't stop at one, has no idea how many were consumed in the past five seconds, and doesn't want to count them either. Might as well weep in a jug of beer with a side of chicken wings.
heh. Nicely put!0 -
Kind of agree with the OP. Nothing is off limits for me, but many times I dont bother with moderation because the amount is just too small and I just choose not to bother and eat an alternative. If you exercise, then you can earn some calories to eat.
I admire the ones on the long journeys that have kept the weight loss up for 2 years+.0 -
I think a big part of this process and moderation is adjusting our mentality of what a portion is. Sure, a small piece is not nearly as satisfying as a large piece. To me a small piece is better than nothing. Two slices of pizza is not nearly as satisfying as an entire pizza, but two slices is better than nothing. Planning those treats in advance helps you prepare for the amount you will be eating and it will make it more satisfying.0
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