Sometimes moderation just isn't even worth it..
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I track my calories by the week so I can easily fit a 500 calorie brownie in (and I usually do). Some days I'm over but more days I'm way under and it all balances out at the end of the week.
Also, when I find I'm having a chocolate craving I eat a handful of M&Ms. I keep a large bag hidden out of site and nearly every day (or at least the days I don't have a brownie) I eat a handful of M&Ms. It's under 100 calories and it keeps me in my chocolate
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OP you can always pre log and build your day around the brownies, I do that sometimes..
what is your daily calorie allowance???0 -
The way I look at moderation isn't so much, "can I fit brownies into my day and be satisfied with what's considered a normal serving," as it is, "what kind of impact is a 500 calorie splurge on brownies going to make in my week?"
The answer is usually, "Not much." Now if it's an every day thing, then yeah... it's not going to work out for me. But once a week, once every couple weeks? I'm ok with losing a few ounces less than I would in a week without brownies (or wine, or cookies, or donuts or whatever it is that I really really want.)0 -
We've been having a cheesecake discussion in our house for a number of days now. One slice is 600 calories. How long does that take to eat? I could easily wolf that down in a few minutes. There goes half the days calories. But, I will have cheesecake sometime soon. I am planning and plotting. When I do, I'll enjoy every bite.
Yeah, sometimes a brownie or a piece of cheesecake is just not worth it.
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BrittanyDiesel08 wrote: »Have you tried brownie brittle yet? Very satisfying for only 120 calories per serving. I find the servings to be more than enough to satisfy my craving... Hope it helps.
Amazeballs! Bought this last summer and wanted to eat the entire bag in one sitting. Such a deep, chocolaty flavor that I love.
This. I was used to eating enormous portions and thinking that it was normal. That's how I got fat. When I started basing eating off recommended serving sizes I started losing weight. Sure 6 triscuits sound like barely a nibble but if you chew more and swallow less you can actually get the same amount of enjoyment out of the smaller portion size.I think a big part of this process and moderation is adjusting our mentality of what a portion is.
I agree. This is how I've been working on my portion control.
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Actually Id say you did. I asked a question after several replies.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »What if you have the brownie? I mean, if it's a few times per year, and exercise like a demon that day, will it really matter? You should be able to not torture yourself ALL the time. Then again, I am 30 lbs overweight so maybe don't listen to me! haha
A few times a year? Is that what folks are discussing? A brownie (or other yummy treat) a few times a year? To *me* that's not moderation.
They are saying the 1000+ calorie splurge a few times a year isn't a big deal. If someone wants to moderate normal servings only a few times a year that's their choice as well. At least the 1000+ is relating to waht someone ELSE said re: splurging a few times a year. Which is not the same as daily/regular moderation.
That's not what that post says. it says a brownie. Several times a year. With added exercise. I'm just wondering if everyone is on the same page with "moderation".
then start your on thread and ask fora definition ….
Or I can participate in this one, CTC.
and derail it????
You chimed in to do what you do. But whatever.0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »A brownie, a few times a year, (singled out for comment) just doesn't seem like moderation, to me. But maybe I just don't understand.
The amount of calories plus the amount you are going to want to eat to feel satisfied determines how often it will fit in your calories (or eating plan or whatever), that's how I look at it.
For me, I'm going to want to go to my favorite place for Chicago style pizza (Pequod's) and have a couple of pieces, and that's some insane number of calories, so it fits rarely. (It could fit more--it's no more difficult than some other things--but for some reason for me it works better as a rare splurge. Which, if done rarely, seems like moderation.)
Same with pie. A piece, sure, no biggie, but if I bother baking it I'm going to need to have an event lined up where people will want to eat it and will certainly end up having multiple pieces (over multiple days, probably), so it's a rare occasion (a holiday works).
Ice cream? Eh, it's 200 calories, I don't drink wine anymore, it's not especially hard to fit in.
Dark chocolate? 50 calories, no big deal.
The OP says that to be satisfied with the brownie it's 500+ calories. Harder to fit that in your calories, so moderation might mean it's a rare thing, depending on how much of a priority it is.
I don't care that much about brownies, but I'd consider it more like a restaurant dessert, which I'd have rarely, like a splurge, and consider that moderation.
I guess I think of moderation as meaning you don't cut things out, but you focus on meeting nutrition goals first and are careful with portion size and don't overeat except on rare occasion (although you might avoid overeating by having days you eat less and days you eat more over a week).0 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »A brownie, a few times a year, (singled out for comment) just doesn't seem like moderation, to me. But maybe I just don't understand.
The amount of calories plus the amount you are going to want to eat to feel satisfied determines how often it will fit in your calories (or eating plan or whatever), that's how I look at it.
For me, I'm going to want to go to my favorite place for Chicago style pizza (Pequod's) and have a couple of pieces, and that's some insane number of calories, so it fits rarely. (It could fit more--it's no more difficult than some other things--but for some reason for me it works better as a rare splurge. Which, if done rarely, seems like moderation.)
Same with pie. A piece, sure, no biggie, but if I bother baking it I'm going to need to have an event lined up where people will want to eat it and will certainly end up having multiple pieces (over multiple days, probably), so it's a rare occasion (a holiday works).
Ice cream? Eh, it's 200 calories, I don't drink wine anymore, it's not especially hard to fit in.
Dark chocolate? 50 calories, no big deal.
The OP says that to be satisfied with the brownie it's 500+ calories. Harder to fit that in your calories, so moderation might mean it's a rare thing, depending on how much of a priority it is.
I don't care that much about brownies, but I'd consider it more like a restaurant dessert, which I'd have rarely, like a splurge, and consider that moderation.
I guess I think of moderation as meaning you don't cut things out, but you focus on meeting nutrition goals first and are careful with portion size and don't overeat except on rare occasion (although you might avoid overeating by having days you eat less and days you eat more over a week).
Thanks. This helps. This would
Be closer to how I would consider it. Just like to have it articulated as we discuss it.0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
Actually Id say you did. I asked a question after several replies.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »What if you have the brownie? I mean, if it's a few times per year, and exercise like a demon that day, will it really matter? You should be able to not torture yourself ALL the time. Then again, I am 30 lbs overweight so maybe don't listen to me! haha
A few times a year? Is that what folks are discussing? A brownie (or other yummy treat) a few times a year? To *me* that's not moderation.
They are saying the 1000+ calorie splurge a few times a year isn't a big deal. If someone wants to moderate normal servings only a few times a year that's their choice as well. At least the 1000+ is relating to waht someone ELSE said re: splurging a few times a year. Which is not the same as daily/regular moderation.
That's not what that post says. it says a brownie. Several times a year. With added exercise. I'm just wondering if everyone is on the same page with "moderation".
then start your on thread and ask fora definition ….
Or I can participate in this one, CTC.
and derail it????
You chimed in to do what you do. But whatever.
I don't think OP was asking for a definition of moderation …
but keep on keep on ...-1 -
100 calories brownies (or less if you don't add the nuts!) http://www.thelondoner.me/2013/04/100-cal-chocofudge-brownies.html
I might make those tonight. Thanks for sharing
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
Actually Id say you did. I asked a question after several replies.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »What if you have the brownie? I mean, if it's a few times per year, and exercise like a demon that day, will it really matter? You should be able to not torture yourself ALL the time. Then again, I am 30 lbs overweight so maybe don't listen to me! haha
A few times a year? Is that what folks are discussing? A brownie (or other yummy treat) a few times a year? To *me* that's not moderation.
They are saying the 1000+ calorie splurge a few times a year isn't a big deal. If someone wants to moderate normal servings only a few times a year that's their choice as well. At least the 1000+ is relating to waht someone ELSE said re: splurging a few times a year. Which is not the same as daily/regular moderation.
That's not what that post says. it says a brownie. Several times a year. With added exercise. I'm just wondering if everyone is on the same page with "moderation".
then start your on thread and ask fora definition ….
Or I can participate in this one, CTC.
and derail it????
You chimed in to do what you do. But whatever.
I don't think OP was asking for a definition of moderation …
but keep on keep on ...
Lol0 -
I have never been a fan of moderation. Ever. Because the mindset is usually "If I can only have this much than I may as well not have any!" And I have always thought that that kind of deprivation is not healthy, but then again I am not competing to be the next IFBB Bikini Pro or anything...
However, I will say that over the years I have learned to adjust my eating habits. I love sweets and I also love looking good- I don't treat those things as mutually exclusive. I try to balance out my "splurges" and I always think about how I am going to feel once I inhale whatever I am craving. Like today my mom and I went to Costco, we were both eye-balling the frozen yogurt and I thought to myself, "Yes, I love froyo, but do I really need an ENTIRE Costco serving of it?" The answer was no, and I split one with my mom. Turns out we could only eat half it between the two of us! I got to satisfy a craving with only a quarter of [nonexistent] guilt!
I think the more you learn to listen to your body, the easier moderation can be. It may not be the ideal amount you want to eat, but better some than none. And if you need a cupcake or a cookie or a slice of pizza- eat it. Just eat it... preferably not the whole thing, but enough to feel like you've done something. I like being happy. Yes I hate when MFP tells me that I have overindulged on some daily goal that has been set for me, but overall I am ok.
This is probably not the best advice, but the way I see it, if you are eating and exercising consistently, then you are allowed to splurge every once in a while. It truly is the little things.
Be blessed!
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Another idea. You can buy/make brownies, keep a couple for yourself, and bring the rest to work/school/ect. I love to bake, but having a whole batch of cookies in the house with just me is a binge disaster waiting to happen! However, if I'm really getting the urge, I'll be "that coworker" and leave most of them in the break room the next day.0
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OP, I so totally agree with you. I love the 2 bite brownies from Costco. They are so good but at 140 cals each...ouch. I just can't afford them. I can hardly wait to be in maintenance. I may have to pay for them for a month but at least I'll get the 10 I want.0
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when i am craving chocolate, a plate of vegetables wont do it. i will still crave the chocolate. fruit wont even work. what i do though is have a cup of real hot chocolate.. 89 calories, and it satisfies my craving for chocolate. im shocked but it really works for me. Another thing, Valentines Day is coming soon and i really will be craving some chocolate to celebrate. tomorrow our office is going to have some kind of valentines treats. probably those really decadent cupcakes with the inch of frosting. but i will have one. and saturday i might even go get me three chocolate cream candies from the very expensive candy store. so in other words, if i want chocolate, i will have THE best and it may satisfy me. i will allow myself a splurge once a week or once every two weeks.0
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This is why I have a cheat day where I eat 1700 calories of whatever I crave. Sooo, 3 brownies for breakfast, cupcakes for lunch, and for dinner a snicker ice cream waffle :P (and no I don't have a recipe, it's on the menu of a local restaurant.)0
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »What if you have the brownie? I mean, if it's a few times per year, and exercise like a demon that day, will it really matter? You should be able to not torture yourself ALL the time. Then again, I am 30 lbs overweight so maybe don't listen to me! haha
A few times a year? Is that what folks are discussing? A brownie (or other yummy treat) a few times a year? To *me* that's not moderation.
They are saying the 1000+ calorie splurge a few times a year isn't a big deal. If someone wants to moderate normal servings only a few times a year that's their choice as well. At least the 1000+ is relating to waht someone ELSE said re: splurging a few times a year. Which is not the same as daily/regular moderation.
That's not what that post says. it says a brownie. Several times a year. With added exercise. I'm just wondering if everyone is on the same page with "moderation".
Moderation, to me, means moderating what one eats. Don't eat 1000 cal over your goal every day or you will gain weight. OR it means, you can eat anything within reason by eating a smaller portion, exercising more that day etc. Basically, my post was just a bit jokey and trying to say going over by 1000 calories very rarely, will be ok. I didn't mean have a brownie a few times a year, but going over a few times a year by that much shouldn't impact overall weight loss. I could be wrong though!
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Thanks for posting this. This makes more sense to me.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »What if you have the brownie? I mean, if it's a few times per year, and exercise like a demon that day, will it really matter? You should be able to not torture yourself ALL the time. Then again, I am 30 lbs overweight so maybe don't listen to me! haha
A few times a year? Is that what folks are discussing? A brownie (or other yummy treat) a few times a year? To *me* that's not moderation.
They are saying the 1000+ calorie splurge a few times a year isn't a big deal. If someone wants to moderate normal servings only a few times a year that's their choice as well. At least the 1000+ is relating to waht someone ELSE said re: splurging a few times a year. Which is not the same as daily/regular moderation.
That's not what that post says. it says a brownie. Several times a year. With added exercise. I'm just wondering if everyone is on the same page with "moderation".
Moderation, to me, means moderating what one eats. Don't eat 1000 cal over your goal every day or you will gain weight. OR it means, you can eat anything within reason by eating a smaller portion, exercising more that day etc. Basically, my post was just a bit jokey and trying to say going over by 1000 calories very rarely, will be ok. I didn't mean have a brownie a few times a year, but going over a few times a year by that much shouldn't impact overall weight loss. I could be wrong though!
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Eat the brownie and go to the gym and work it off!!!0
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100 calories brownies (or less if you don't add the nuts!) http://www.thelondoner.me/2013/04/100-cal-chocofudge-brownies.html
Might try those with sugar... I hate Truvia. I'd have to buy yogurt though... I've been scared of trying the bean brownies too... Maybe I'll bite the bullet one of these days.
Cheesecake is worth it though, with all the fat from the cream cheese in there it's actually filling. Same for pizza, or burgers etc... Brownies? Not so much
But for now the craving is actually gone, thankfully... but we'll see what the week end brings. I haven't managed to keep a big deficit so far this week though so I need to try not to overdo it...
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »Why would that not be moderation?
I just don't think everyone is using the word the same way. (assuming this is a reply to my question).
My version of moderation is once I'm close to my protein and fat macro I can have the other 1200 calories of mderated ice cream or brownies or whatever.
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What about a brownie quest protein bar?0
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I agree. I know I can easily eat less of a tasty thing but then I still want more of something else and I go over my allotment. If I just eat the thing (and more of it) that I should have eaten, I'll have more energy and I'll feel better.
I don't bake anymore. I don't plan anything sandwichy anymore. I even eat chicken fajita mixture without the wrap. I'd rather have more of the filling and less of the carby thing.0 -
I am still in the early stages of losing weight but what I have found (in my mind anyhow) is that my weigh in day is Friday morning so if I choose to splurge on Friday night or Saturday I tell myself I have all week to "work it off". Only problem is I now find it hard to splurge lol although now I am "seriously" craving brownies!0
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killerqueen21 wrote: »I lol'd at this post. And not because I'm hateful. But because i'm having the same problem with girl scout cookies. I really want to just slam them against the wall. But then I also want to eat them. Samoas, Thin Mints, and Tagalongs are my favorite. I am short and thin (I lost 20lbs using MFP), so I get to hardly have any unless I want to work my butt off later for them. And I don't always feel like doing that lol. And since they don't have very much nutritional value it just ends up being a waste eating two cookies with no satisfaction lol. The struggle is real. And it's a pain in the butt.
HATE girl scout cookie season, because my daughter sells them and has super high goals for sales. So, that relates to us having cases upon cases of every kind of cookie lined up in my basement. Makes me sad that I know I shouldn't eat them all!0 -
Another idea. You can buy/make brownies, keep a couple for yourself, and bring the rest to work/school/ect. I love to bake, but having a whole batch of cookies in the house with just me is a binge disaster waiting to happen! However, if I'm really getting the urge, I'll be "that coworker" and leave most of them in the break room the next day.
I do this. When I'm invited to a party or dinner, I bring dessert. Usually, I make peanut butter pretzel brownies. I'll have a couple while I'm there, and leave the rest behind. Otherwise, my husband and I will polish off an entire pan in two days or less.0 -
EmmaFitzwilliam wrote: »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.
Chocolate covered Katie dot com has a black bean brownie recipe. The pan equals 12 brownies and they are 115 calories each.0
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