Stop Feeling Deprived & Find Something Delicous

When following a strict diet eating can be a constant reminder of what you cannot eat.  When you are feeling deprived it makes any sort of long term diet unattainable.  I learned with a little planning and effort you can make delicious meals to satisfy just about any craving without feeling you are even on a diet.  The difficult part is training yourself to think outside the box.

If I am craving tacos I buy 95% lean ground beef and instead of tortilla shell I use boston lettuce as a shell (the type of lettuce used for lettuce wraps).  I then pile on taco meat, homemade pico de gallo and drizzle on some fat free sour cream.  The boston lettuce gives it a nice crunch for some added texture. 

I already shared my recipe for Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes for a nice hardy side which is a fantastic substitute for the real thing.  There are amazing substitutes for (almost) every food.  Looking for a dessert?  A pretty decent Dukan Friendly Fat Free Low Carb dessert the cheesecake recipe listed below.

LOW CARB FAT FREE CHEESECAKE (4 Individual Servings)

1 Cup Splenda

2 Packages of Fat Free Cream Cheese (softened)

1 T Vanilla Extract

1 Cup of Egg Whites such as Egg Beaters

Blend all ingredients together at low speed and pour into 4 ramekin dishes.  Place in a 325° preheated oven for 35-45 minutes (or until center is almost set).  Remove from oven and refrigerate for 3 hours. 

Another great idea is stolen from my childhood.  Remember the days of making your own popsicles by freezing Kool-Aid?  A more adult version of this easy treat is frozen greek yogurt pops. 

Greek Yogurt Popsicles

You Favorite Flavor(s) of Fat Free Greek Yogurt

Sugar (Optional – flavored to taste)

Pick your favorite flavors of Greek Yogurt add your favorite no calorie sweetener (optional).  You can even laying it so the top half is one flavor and the bottom half another (we are really getting fancy now).  Throw them in those plastic popsicle kits and freeze!  

Recipes like these let you have fun and enjoy your food and not feel as if you are depriving yourself.  You should still be able to have fun and enjoy your food while you are on a diet.

Do you have a favorite recipe?  Please share!