I used to think I NEEDED chocolate too... but I bought an 88% cocoa dark chocolate bar (OMG it's GOOD) and just knowing it's there has helped a lot... I only eat a square every few days (about 40 cals worth) and it's enough :). Maybe try something like that and have some fruit for dessert?

Well, my point wasn't really about omitting the chocolate...but having the chocolate, and the two processed cereal bars in one day is too much "junk". I would consider that three treats a day, rather than one.

I am all for having a small treat each day if it helps to keep you on track, but having more than that on a regular basis is too much, since you are eating a reduced calorie diet. I used the 90%-10% rule on another thread.

Eat 90% healthy, and save 10% for the treats. This creates a treat allowance, but you don't end up eating 40% of your daily intake in "crap". :lol:

So, if you are on a 1500 calorie a day plan, then 10% of that is 150 calories a day...not 400, 500, or 600.

For around 150 calories or LESS you could have:

~6 Hershey Kisses (25 cals each.)
~a serving of light chocolate ice cream (1/2 cup)
~a couple of the Popsicle brand Fat Free Fudgesicles
~diet hot cocoa
~you could have a SMALL sized Starbucks mocha IF you order it nonfat with no whipped cream (my personal favorite-because you are also getting some calcium and protein...)

There are a lot of treats that you can have in moderation, that don't have to take up so much of your daily calorie intake. 300 calories may not sound like much dessert, but when you are eating 1500 a day, then you are eating 20% of your daily intake in junk.

Guys, guys, 380 calories is all of my dinner, not just the chocolate dessert! The chocolate dessert has 90 calories! Haha! No wonder you're so unimpressed with my menu!

And I ended up at 1500 yesterday. I don't think I can eat only 1300, at least not right now.

And to whoever suggested a square of chocolate once in a while (sorry, I forgot who it was), I do that too. Years ago I used to *not* eat chocolate for weeks and then suddenly binge on it. Then I decided to buy it regularly and eat it every day. I maintained my weight while doing that, so I guess it worked. But now I've found this dessert I really like too, so I've been eating it.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the ideas! :D