Become an expert at substituting flavor types: a.k.a the Cinnabon experiment.
I'm quite sure that Cinnabon makes about 80% of their money because of THAT SMELL. You know that smell. The one that calls you from blocks away to enjoy a butter-drenched, cinnamon and pecan covered taste of heaven. In fact, you're probably hungry just thinking about it. I know I am!
I was near a Cinnabon store recently and decided that I had to have one. I WAS able to escape, though, never fear! I went straight home and decided to create a healthy Cinnabon. You're probably laughing at me by now, but friends, I've done it. Well...close, anyway. I cooked up a bowl of steel cut, organic oatmeal. I added some Smart Balance, cholesterol lowering spread (tastes like butter), some Splenda, some cinnamon and some pecans. My Cinnabon craving was satisfied!
Since then, I've become the master of creating food substitutions. With the advent of no calorie sweeteners, healthy fat substitutes and other healthy food options available today, you can usually find a healthy food that will satisfy your craving.
Here are some other favorites of mine:
I want: chocolate pudding. I make: no sugar added chocolate mousse from whipped cream (made of heavy whipping cream), with Splenda, and baking cocoa.
I want: pizza. I make: Triscuit crackers with tomato paste, pepperoni and mozzerella cheese in the microwave.
I want: ice cream. I eat: no sugar added ice cream.
I want: Lasagna. I make: lasagna, substituting slightly undercooked cabbage leaves for noodles.
I want: blueberry crisp. I make: a bowl of blueberries with toasted oats, Splenda and cinnamon.
There are limitless substitutions. You just need to figure them out.
