There are two main problems that we Americans face in our battle against the bulge according to Obesity in America (and common sense):
“Weight gain and obesity are caused by consuming more calories than the body needs – most commonly by eating a diet high in fat and calories, being sedentary or both.”
Duh.
So, for those of us who do not have internal mechanisms to tell us to stop stuffing our faces, or who have emotional needs that are often soothed through the consumption of food (I fall into both of thoee categories), portion control and exercise are key.
I can generally get the exercise in. It’s the sweets I cannot give up. I was made to consume chocolate. My mom used to call me her little chocoholic. I have tried and inevitably, I end up returning to the treats I love so much. And, after a period of deprivation, I will admit that I have been known to eat an entire pan of brownies in one day (no, not one sitting). I cannot give up my sweets. I know people who just say, “So, just practice moderation. Eat one brownie, instead of the whole pan.” Yeah, well try being me.
I have a brother (not the funny one who comments on my blog) who just gives up sugar anytime he wants to lose weight. He will just not eat any bread, sugar, whatever…except for the occasional handful of chocolate chips. If only I had that kind of control. If only I could stop at a handful of chocolate chips without returning to the bag over and over again until I’m frustrated with myself and angry at my lack of control.
Enter the 100 Calorie Packs! These are my control. These are treats with limits. These are my little two point wonders that satisfy my sugar needs and keep me sane. Sure, I could eat a lot of them, thereby negating their benefits, but that requires opening a new package…a process that requires thought and gives me time for reflection, “Do I really want this?”
And, as Nabisco has begun the trend, many other companies are following suit. My current favorite (satisfying both my ice-cream and chocolate needs) are chocolate enrobed vanilla ice-cream bars by Klondike (they don’t have a name). They give me what I need in 100 calories. I love them!
existential dilemmas 
I am just the same way, no self control when sugar is involved. I enjoy the 100 calorie packs as well, but I’ve never seen the Klondike bars! Harmons, here I come…
I can relate! I love my treats too, and have realized that I cannot ever go cold turkey cutting out the treats (especially chocolate)! Have you tried the Healthy Choice Fudge Bars? They are sooooooo yummy, and only 100 calories and super low in sugar and fat. In fact, I think they have a good amount of protein in them. Anyways, they are my semi-healthy treat fix these days!
Chocolate is a natural anti-depressant and has anti oxidents so eat it up! I bought carmel rice cakes, 60 calories a serving, only there are 7 servings in the small bag that I just ate all of. Can’t win them all.
i love the 100 calorie packs.the pringles cheese ums are my fave (although i could down 3 of them, no problem ;))
yep- chocolate is also my vice. which reminds me, we should find something chocolate to do in moab.right- back to the point. 100 calorie packs seem like an intuitively good idea…if you don’t eat them ALONG with the other stuff like i would. i don’t know why i can’t do the cookie thing in 100 calorie packs. the ice cream bar- that is something i may be able to live with and must try.
your blog lay out is super cute! I just thought I would tell you. 🙂 I never tried the 100 calorie pack- I just might have to. Sounds good.
I’m with you. Greatest invention, ever! I’m all out, and so am just snacking on leftover holiday goodies (bad, very bad).I haven’t seen the Klondikes, but will have to look for them next time I’m at the store. I could use an alternative to the nightly rootbeer float. 🙂
Yes, yes, YES! I am so there with you. You have no idea! I love how many different packs companies have out now- I mean they are my healthy eating ally and make me feel good that I am choosing to buy/eat those instead of their counterparts.
I have never bought these because I eat more than one package. I need to convert to smarter snacks, because crackers just don’t fill me up. And then, I still find all the wrong reasons to eat. By the way, I’m glad you’re boldly posting about the journey again. I appreciate it.
Yesterday I was at Costco and I saw this really large woman buying a couple huge boxes of various 100 calorie packs. I thought about it – what’s the use in buying those if you’re just going to eat 4 at a time, like I do? I know it requires thought to open each pack, etc., but I just don’t have that kind of self control. I guess the point is that I would rather shovel enormous amounts of sweets into my mouth unaware of the calorie consequences. 100 calorie packs lead to too much guilt.
I was not blessed with the moderation gene either! And eating a whole pan of brownies on my own- can’t even count the number of times I’ve done that.My great uncle is a legend in our family due to his ability to open a bar of chocolate and only eat one tiny square a day until he finished it. Last night I went to bed with a chocolate bar (yes… in bed) and at about 30 of those tiny squares without a thought. Dur!
I pretty much live off of sugar. Last semester I found myself eating PB M&M’s for breakfast…and sometimes lunch! So in Oct. I decided that I’d quit eating refined sugars until the new year. I did it, but it was the hardest thing I ever did AND I hated doing it. It was pure mental agony for 2 months straight. Today, I had PB M&M’s for lunch again. 😛 I can’t wait to try the 100 cal packs.
Mmmmm, I just got the new Oreo candy 100 calorie packs. They are really good, they also have them in Chips Ahoy!. Tannon will even eat them, so you know they have to taste good if a 2 year old will eat them.
I know exactly what you mean! I will eat the entire pan of brownies over the course of the day. When I am happy, down, or frustrated I immediately want a pint of Dulce de Leche from Haagan Daaz! The 100 calorie packs are genius! I would be lost without them.