[Smiller264]

I feel like I'm going a bit crazy, but ever since the weather dropped I've been craving nothing but hot foods (it's 15 degrees outside). I tried switching out my salads and sandwhich lunces for hot soups, but it just left me craving something with more substance after 2 weeks of soups for lunch. I fell off the wagon for lunch on Friday, ignored the soup in my lunchbox and went out for spicy chinese food. My weekend diet went a little downhill from there.

I haven't been able to exercise quite as much as I used to due to a issue with my neck, so I have to stay good on diet. My normal breakfast is greek yogurt and fruit, so perhaps a change to oatmeal would help curve this lunch time cravings? Anyone else hit by cold weather cravings and how have you countered it?

[molldoll]

My favorite thing to do is cut an apple into thin slices & put cinnamon & splenda on it.. Wrap in tinfoil & put in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 425! They come out warm & soft & are a delicious snack

[fillupthesky]

breakfast of champions for me (keeps the cravings at bay)

1 light english muffin (or any low cal bread with some fiber) or 2 low fat nurtigrain waffles
1tbsp of reduced fat peanut butter or 1 egg (hard boiled, poached, scrambled)
glass of milk or yogurt
banana or apple

any combination of the carb, protein and dairy does the trick. sometimes i skip the fruit, but the extra fiber helps.

i find that eating a good breakfast like this is a good way to start the day and help keep you full so that you might not crave something else. also- you don't need to have soup! we have a panini press in the office so i'll make a sandwich for lunch and just grill it up, or if i have left over chicken i throw into pita/tortilla with some cheese and condiments/veggies of choice, and heat it up.
and- you can definitely add substance to a sandwich

hope this helps!

[SCraver]

My newest favorite recipe is Butternut Squash Soup

2 lbs butternut squash (peeled and diced)
1 onion diced
2 Cups water
4 bullion cubes (I have done it with either beef or chicken - both yummy)
1/2 t marjoram
some black pepper

Cook in crock pot for 8 hours on low. I use a hand mixer to mix it up good.

Add 8 oz cream cheese. Leave in crock pot for a bit to melt and hand mix again.

It is SO rich and satisfying. I think it is better comfort food than mac 'n' cheese. 1/6th is about 250 - 300 calories (i think) I served it up to a bunch of drunks at a party a few weeks ago and they were gobbling it up!