Why is it then – that almost the minute I know I can’t have sweets, I start wanting them?

Here’s a trick I learned and it’s saved my bacon on many an occasion.  I go to a Sam’s Club or BJ’s and buy the 1-oz. packets of Philly Creme Cheese.  I’ve never found them in a grocery store.  I carry them to work & if I am going to a party.  When a sweet craving hits – I’m prepared.  Mix the creme cheese with a bit of Splenda and it’s like having a bite or two of a no-bake cheesecake.  Ok, ok – so not EXACTLY like cheesecake.  But it’s better than scarfing down carb-loaded chocolate cake or that donut that’s calling my name.

If I’m smart – I’ll make Cream Cheese Muffins.  I found the recipe over on http://www.LowCarbFriends.com.  It’s a great place to find lots of great recipes!

Cream Cheese Muffins

16-oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup Pourable Splenda
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Soften cream cheese about 40 seconds in microwave (or for 1 hour at room temperature). Add other ingredients. Beat with mixer till smooth. Pour into 12 muffin pans lined with the papers. Bake at 350 for 20 min.  Muffins are better after they’ve cooled in the refrigerator (if you can wait that long).

I’ve also made this recipe and then discovered that I have no paper liners.  So I used a silicone loaf pan instead.  It doesn’t seem to matter what type of pan you use – the recipe is practically no-fail!

Induction friendly too!

Enjoy!

I’ve done low carb since 1998 – off and on. I have to admit that it’s the best food plan for me – even if I do stray every once in awhile.

Here’s a few things about low carb that I’ve discovered over the last 11 years.

• It’s NOT a meat diet. I eat more vegetables while doing low carb than I ever eat when I’ve strayed.
• Low carb is based on “real” food and not packaged convenience foods. If it comes in a box or has an ingredient I can’t pronounce or spell – I don’t buy it. Real meat – real vegetables – real dairy.
• If you are like me (female and over 40), it’s the best way to lose weight since I don’t want to starve myself and exercise every day.
• I can find something to eat in any restaurant – anywhere. You can’t tell me you don’t get to eat out while low-carb’ing … unless the reason is your will power and not the menu.
• While it’s difficult to be frugal while on low carb, it can be done. It just takes more work.
• It’s the only food plan I know of that expects you to continue using it after you reach your goal weight. Meaning … IT’S NOT A DIET that you quit when you get where you are going.
• Don’t try to force your low carb food plan into becoming a packaged food substitute of your old way of eating.
• Finding a group of people who believe the way I do helps when the going gets tough or I need help with meal planning, etc.

I’m hoping that we can have some fun with this blog! It’s intended to be a place where those that low carb as well as those who are thinking about it can read about someone who’s doing it from Day 1 of Induction and see what types of roadblocks there are out there. They exist and I’ve probably hit all of them before.

I look forward to my journey – you are welcome to tag along!