How to Stop Sweet Cravings and to Lose Weight (Fun Way)

No, it's not another "drink more water" advice. I know it doesn't work, just like many other popular diet tips and tricks. Been there, done that.



Do you love coffee? Who doesn't! I usually drink 1-2 cups a day. I don't put sugar in my coffee and drink it unsweetened hoping that this little sacrifice helps me in my weight struggle. And if you're a chocoholic like me, you know how difficult this struggle can be when you're trying to eat only healthy food.

After reading this article in National Geographic I thought that my "chocoholism" may actually be a form of "caffeine mania" plus craving for sweet. So I decided to make an experiment. When I felt like eating some chocolate (and when I say "some chocolate" I don't mean 1-2 cubes), I made myself a cup of coffee with one-half teaspoon honey (I also add milk). To my surprise, it worked! That evening I didn't have any more cravings. The same thing happened next day. Today is the day 3 and I don't want any sweets at all, so coffee is not needed.

It doesn't mean that I consume more caffeine now - I just move my daily cup of joe to the hour when I need it the most.

Yes, it's not healthy in the same way as drinking carrot juice or eating apples. But can carrot juice or apples reduce one's appetite and stop cravings? No, they actually do the opposite. So I choose drinking coffee instead of stuffing myself with sweets.

And what about the calories? Let's check it out:

Cup of coffee with milk contains about 16 calories.
White sugar (1 tsp) - 15
Honey - 20
Brown sugar - 15
We get 35-40 calories per cup!

Comparing to calories in chocolate (100 g):
Milk chocolate: 588
Dark chocolate: 544

What will you choose?

Are You Exhausted? 5 Healthy Energy Boosters for Tired Moms and Dads

If you're a parent, I'm sure you sometimes feel weary and tired, maybe even frustrated. I do. And I hate when it affects my child.

So, here are some great ways to fight fatigue and get some extra energy.



1) Coffee
This quite controversial beverage appears to be an ultimate source of energy for many of us. Angelina Jolie, for example, prefers to have a cup of coffee instead of eating a breakfast.
But is the habit of drinking coffee is good or bad for our health?
Recent studies indicate that coffee may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancer, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
On the other side, coffee is obviously not good for everyone and can be harmful for some of us.

* If you're pregnant or suffer from heart disease, try to limit or avoid coffee.

* If you're a coffee addict on a diet, don't put milk and/or sugar in your coffee.
* If you're a green person, look for organic types of coffee.

2) Dark Chocolate
Good news for chocoholics like me - dark chocolate is not only delicious and stimulating, it's also good for health! Researchers believe that the dark chocolate helps to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. It also contains antioxidants, which protect the body from aging.
Be careful: chocolate is still full of calories, so eat a little. OK, I know that "a little" is not really possible, so eat as little as you can :)

3) Good Shower
I love water, and water loves me. My morning must begin with a good hot shower, then I can forget about a sleepless night I had because my baby was teething and be ready for a new day. Others prefer to take a cold shower in the morning.
Anyway, good shower works wonders for your energy.

4) Aromatherapy
Essential oils with fresh citrus and peppermint scents can easily wake you up. You may want to use aroma candles and vaporizers to fill your space with revitalizing fragrances. (Don't forget about the dosage recommendations to avoid any bad reactions).
As for me, I adore roses, their divine aroma always makes me feel happy.

5) Cuddle up with your kids
Sometimes when I feel tired, I just need to hold my baby in my arms and to smell his gentle hair, which immediately fills me up with joy and energy.

Hope these ideas help you to feel more fresh and energized throughout the day and have more fun with your kids.