Healthy alternative for my addictions!!
I have some serious love for peanut butter, cheese (cheddar) and crisps (walkers ready salted)
I need some healthy alternatives!
I haven't actually had any crisps so far but as I see this as a new lifestyle so i know that i am going to cave into their yummyness at some point! Until today I hadn’t had peanut butter.. I have heard that Almond butter is good? Has anyone tried it? Preferably anyone that has mega loving for peanut butter like me! lol >.<
As for cheese... I have been eating this… probably nearly every day. I know this is bad. But I used to have nearly half a block a day! (no wonder I am fat) Now, I have only been having about 10grams on my pasta! Which to me, is a massive improvement. If I can find a good alternative than I would to be able to say that I don’t have the extra fat intake from that to worry about.
All suggestions welcome!
I need some healthy alternatives!
I haven't actually had any crisps so far but as I see this as a new lifestyle so i know that i am going to cave into their yummyness at some point! Until today I hadn’t had peanut butter.. I have heard that Almond butter is good? Has anyone tried it? Preferably anyone that has mega loving for peanut butter like me! lol >.<
As for cheese... I have been eating this… probably nearly every day. I know this is bad. But I used to have nearly half a block a day! (no wonder I am fat) Now, I have only been having about 10grams on my pasta! Which to me, is a massive improvement. If I can find a good alternative than I would to be able to say that I don’t have the extra fat intake from that to worry about.
All suggestions welcome!
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Replies
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Do you have PB2 available where you are? It's real peanut butter but in powder form, and 85% lower in calories. You add a bit of water and it's lovely, or you can add it to a protein shake.0
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you can buy a micro-grater for cheese. it grates it really finely so you feel like you're having more than you really are.0
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Do you have PB2 available where you are? It's real peanut butter but in powder form, and 85% lower in calories. You add a bit of water and it's lovely, or you can add it to a protein shake.
I'm not sure but I am defo going to look into that! Thank you for letting me know!!you can buy a micro-grater for cheese. it grates it really finely so you feel like you're having more than you really are.
thats a wicked idea! Thanks0 -
1/2 a block of cheese a day? Girl, I'm with you on that! I just had to quit buying cheese. At first, I just relied on Kraft Grated 100% Parmesan Cheese, and put it on everything. Over time, the obsession with cheese, like my obsession with sweets, soda, etc weakened. And now I can choose to have some grated cheese on my salad (or not) without having the eat the entire block of cheese. Actually, it kinda makes me ill to think about that.0
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I have peanut butter after a workout but only 1 tablespoon, I have had almond butter, it's not AS tasty as peanut butter but it's still a good substitute if you want to completely cut out peanut butter.
I don't cut anything out though, I just have stuff in moderation. I have a weakness for yummy food and can't keep myself away from it :P
Don't torture yourself by not allowing yourself to have what you enjoy, just don't over indulge!
They both have great ideas though, I use fine shredded cheddar and it does help cut down on the intake a lot!
good luck0 -
If it all fits in with your diary allowance and you do not over do it then why cut them out?
I have 2 packs of salt n vinegar squares most evenings. during the day I will have a 10g piece of cheddar.
am not into peanut butter but I have a teaspoon of nutella after lunch and dinner to give me the answer to my sweet cravings.
Everything in moderation is the key.
IMO if you are making this a change for life then don`t cut out things that you enjoy, maybe just restrict them to smaller portions?
Of course, if you prefer to change to healthier options then you can maybe try special K crisps. (Tried them they are awful lol)
Reduced fat cheese (it is OK)
No peanut butter0 -
I have a HUGE addiction to sweets! HUGE! Something I have found that is low in calorie and high in protein and absolutely delicious is Yoplait Greek frozen yogurt bars! They make a vanilla and honey and OMG it is so good and filling very much like an icecream bar but better for you! I tell you on nights when I want to head for the peanut butter or whatever else, just one of these 80 calorie, 10g protein yogurt bar does the trick!0
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Roast lentils instead of chips; they are crunchy, salty, and full of fiber.
>Soak lentils in 4 cups of water in a medium bowl for 4-6 hours. The longer you soak, the less chance the lentils will cause gas or bloating when you eat them.
>When the lentils are ready, preheat oven to 350F, drain and rinse them really well before spreading across a 13×9 rimmed baking sheet and sprinkling with salt.
>Bake in preheated oven on the middle rack for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are crisp and crunchy. When complete, allow to cool to room temperature.
Also look into nutritional yeast for a cheese substitute. It isn't nearly as good, but sprinkled on pasta 1/2 and 1/2 with cheese you might not notice much of a difference. Also, it;s loaded with nutrition.0 -
Important to remember that no food should be completely off limits. If you wish to have these things just be sure you measure your portion and count it in your calories. And if you don't have enough calories you can always workout to get calories to have a bit of what you are craving. If you deny what you truly love to eat, in the end you could go overboard! I love peanut butter, but usually only have 1/2 tablespoon as part of my pre-run breakfast. Cheese I don't eat too much of. But chips (crisps) are a weakness for me so I definitely try to avoid them, but when I have them I have to measure them into a bowl. When I don't, I tend to overeat them! Good luck!0
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I eat cheese every day!
I eat PB a few times a week...used to eat it more but I go through phases of getting tired of certain foods.
As far as crispy stuff, I like to bake chick peas for a crunchy snack. Lentil Crisps or Snap Pea Crisps are somewhat processed but healthier than potato chips. Pretzels would also be a better option.0 -
As far as crisps go, popcorn may be a healthier alternative. Also, I find celery to have a salty taste and it satisfies my munchies0
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Do you have PB2 available where you are? It's real peanut butter but in powder form, and 85% lower in calories. You add a bit of water and it's lovely, or you can add it to a protein shake.
No!!!!
Please OP don't resort to this.
Just stick with the regular peanut butter.
It's good for you. If you go down this route next thing you know you're getting fat free mayo and drinking light beer. And then you'll be thin. Thin and friendless because nobody wants to hang out with a PB2 eating, fat free mayo consuming, light beer drinking food snob who can't figure out that moderation is the key to weight loss.0 -
I keep my mind off food by drinking crazy amounts of alcohol and abusing prescription drugs. I got to keep all my friends too. No one stops calling you when you owe them money.0
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I know someone who tastes like peanut butter...pm me and ill tell you0
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I find almond butter (with a little bit of honey) more satisfying than peanut butter so I switched to that and have better luck with portion control. PB2 with chocolate is ok but doesn't give me my peanut butter fix.
For crunchy snacks, try veggie chips (I especially like beet chips and green bean chips). They're crunchy and salty but less calories than potato chips and a few vitamins.
For cheese, I agree that shredding it can make it seem like more. I also use Laughing cow wedges (more like cream cheese) and low calorie string cheese (but that's mozzarella not cheddar)0 -
Do you have PB2 available where you are? It's real peanut butter but in powder form, and 85% lower in calories. You add a bit of water and it's lovely, or you can add it to a protein shake.
No!!!!
Please OP don't resort to this.
Just stick with the regular peanut butter.
It's good for you. If you go down this route next thing you know you're getting fat free mayo and drinking light beer. And then you'll be thin. Thin and friendless because nobody wants to hang out with a PB2 eating, fat free mayo consuming, light beer drinking food snob who can't figure out that moderation is the key to weight loss.
I have to say I agree...
Substitutes will never satisfy you like the real thing, and it's important to learn moderation, anyway. The foods you describe are not unhealthy, but they are calorie-dense so you need to control portion size.
More specifically re: cheese and peanut butter. If you increase the sources of lean protein in your diet, your need for huge amounts of cheese and peanut butter should go down. Don't cut them altogether--just eat more fat-free Greek yogurt, lentils, chicken breasts (if you're not a vegetarian), etc.
If you really want to give up potato chips, try making kale chips at home. They are easy and quite tasty, though not entirely free of fat and salt (not that you have to avoid either of those things, but it's something to keep an eye on).0 -
I switched to a Natural Peanut butter and have 1 tablespoon on my english muffin for breakfast almost every day. It's no less calories, but heard its better for me. I agree with those who say in moderation is the best! I would have normally put at least 2 tablespoons on my muffin, but cut it back and I'm just as happy.0
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I like the laughing cow cheese wedges when I want cheese on things. They are really pretty tasty! I like almond butter more than regular peanut butter, but it has the same number of calories.
I've NEVER found anything I like as much as Blue Bell ice cream, though
For chips (crisps), I like popcorn chips, but you have to find a good brand. I like popcorners but have trouble finding them anywhere. They are like 120 calories per bag and delicious.0 -
Thank you all for replying!
Every reply has helped me in its own way. Haha!
It does make me feel better that I dont have to completely cut these things out!
Good shout about working out more so I can cover it. I am going to use them to motivate me to do more. If i feel like i have earnt them, I will enjoy them more too!
I was feeling rather down in the dumps thinking about having to give them up. But I feel so much better now!
The Chick peas and lentals sound lovely, too!
Very excited to try these.
I defo dont want to be a skinny food snob!!!! lol! :laugh:
I can not stand fat free mayo!0 -
Do you have PB2 available where you are? It's real peanut butter but in powder form, and 85% lower in calories. You add a bit of water and it's lovely, or you can add it to a protein shake.
I love PB2. Some amazing stuff. I wouldn't consider it a substitute bc it's real peanuts, just the oil extracted. it's 45 calories for 2tbsp comapred to average 190 calories for 2 tbsp of regular peanut butter. For me at least, it's great if I want something sweet w/o adding almost 200 calories. I have it w/ either apples, bananas, or strawberries.
Yum!!0 -
I have some serious love for peanut butter, cheese (cheddar) and crisps (walkers ready salted)
I need some healthy alternatives!
I haven't actually had any crisps so far but as I see this as a new lifestyle so i know that i am going to cave into their yummyness at some point! Until today I hadn’t had peanut butter.. I have heard that Almond butter is good? Has anyone tried it? Preferably anyone that has mega loving for peanut butter like me! lol >.<
As for cheese... I have been eating this… probably nearly every day. I know this is bad. But I used to have nearly half a block a day! (no wonder I am fat) Now, I have only been having about 10grams on my pasta! Which to me, is a massive improvement. If I can find a good alternative than I would to be able to say that I don’t have the extra fat intake from that to worry about.
All suggestions welcome!
Why eliminate Peanut Butter? I love the stuff, and frequently eat PB. I have it with honey off a spoon when I am close with my carbs. I had a Peanut Butter and Honey sandwich for lunch today. Sometimes, I will just grab a spoonful of peanut butter right before bed.. Yummy.0 -
eat PB, eat cheese...but eat less of each.0
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eat PB, eat cheese...but eat less of each.
Yes. that way there is more for me. Hahahhah! I will soon rule all the peanut butterz!!!0 -
It's all about finding what's "worth it" to you, only go for substitutes if they actually satisfy your craving (For me, low-sodium seltzer water is just as good as a Coke, but chocolate has to be the real thing, any chocolate-flavored low-fat low-cal healthy crap will only cause me to feel unsatisfied). If you find you like one of these substitutes, you probably won't find the original "worth it" in your calorie budget as often, but if you really just want the real thing, trying to distract yourself with something that doesn't measure up can actually lead to eating more calories, since the craving will likely still be there later. For me at least, this has been the case.0
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For the crisps- try Red Cabbage! It's crunchy and satisfying! I eat it raw but you can dip it in Hummus for a healthy snack! And the consistency of Hummus replaces the peanut butter...although I'm totally guilty of noshing on that. I just make sure I portion my Almond Butter for each day. No more than 2T and put it on Rice Cakes.0
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I have some serious love for peanut butter, cheese (cheddar) and crisps (walkers ready salted)
I need some healthy alternatives!
I haven't actually had any crisps so far but as I see this as a new lifestyle so i know that i am going to cave into their yummyness at some point! Until today I hadn’t had peanut butter.. I have heard that Almond butter is good? Has anyone tried it? Preferably anyone that has mega loving for peanut butter like me! lol >.<
As for cheese... I have been eating this… probably nearly every day. I know this is bad. But I used to have nearly half a block a day! (no wonder I am fat) Now, I have only been having about 10grams on my pasta! Which to me, is a massive improvement. If I can find a good alternative than I would to be able to say that I don’t have the extra fat intake from that to worry about.
All suggestions welcome!
Have you been tested for a yeast/mold allergy/intolerance? PB and cheese both contain yeast and crisps are a high gi food which feeds yeast.0 -
I think you'll find that when you've been logging your food for a while, you'll figure out what stuff is "worth" eating on a regular basis. Things that you think are healthy, and may actually be in small portions, may turn out to be very high in calories. If you are going to try to stay within your calorie limit, you will naturally start to budget, and eat lower calorie foods so that you can eat all day and not be hungry. You CAN have cheese, peanut butter, and chips, but probably not regularly. It'll take some time to figure all that out. Then, when you put cheese on your salad, you may decide that it really wasn't worth all those calories after all. But don't cut them out of your life, or you'll just crave them ALL the time.
You can also eat what ever you want as long as you exercise enough to burn all those calories. Personally, I don't have enough hours in the day to exercise off what I'd really like to eat!
Good luck!0 -
Do you have PB2 available where you are? It's real peanut butter but in powder form, and 85% lower in calories. You add a bit of water and it's lovely, or you can add it to a protein shake.
No!!!!
Please OP don't resort to this.
Just stick with the regular peanut butter.
It's good for you. If you go down this route next thing you know you're getting fat free mayo and drinking light beer. And then you'll be thin. Thin and friendless because nobody wants to hang out with a PB2 eating, fat free mayo consuming, light beer drinking food snob who can't figure out that moderation is the key to weight loss.
I like PB2, and don't eat fat free mayo. POINT DISPROVEN. PB2 is actually good, yo. Light beer is not!0 -
I think you'll find that when you've been logging your food for a while, you'll figure out what stuff is "worth" eating on a regular basis. Things that you think are healthy, and may actually be in small portions, may turn out to be very high in calories. If you are going to try to stay within your calorie limit, you will naturally start to budget, and eat lower calorie foods so that you can eat all day and not be hungry. You CAN have cheese, peanut butter, and chips, but probably not regularly. It'll take some time to figure all that out. Then, when you put cheese on your salad, you may decide that it really wasn't worth all those calories after all. But don't cut them out of your life, or you'll just crave them ALL the time.
You can also eat what ever you want as long as you exercise enough to burn all those calories. Personally, I don't have enough hours in the day to exercise off what I'd really like to eat!
Good luck!
Wise words here.0 -
I buy organic peanut butter0
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