Hey guys,

So I "accidentally" came across a recipe for thick italian hot chocolate . then I started thinking about making my own now. I almost went for it and then I added up the calories - it would be over 300!

I just really want to make and drink a cup of hot chocolate without worrying about the calories.

I feel like saying screw a diet that won't even let me have a nice cup of hot chocolate! but i know i'll just regret it tomorrow morning...

sigh...

before you suggest it - I could go for a low calorie version but right nowI feel like I'd rather not drink any hot chocolate if all I'll get is a watered down version.

I think there is a nice medium between low-cal watered down hot chocolate and the 300-calorie stuff you're talking about. I usually do 1 c milk + 1-2 tsp sugar + 1-2 tsp unsweetened coco powder + 1 tbs vanilla. You can also use Monin's Hazelnut syrup, or Irish Cream syrup, etc, instead.

It runs around 130 calories and takes deliciously rich. Plus it has a punch of protein as well with the milk. Add a bit more sugar if you want, it will still be less than the 300 cal stuff you're looking at.

Good for you for trying to intervene before a craving takes over! Good luck.

Whenever I have the urge for a sweet I imagine myself eating that sweet, and then tons more until I get slightly sick to my stomach and don't want any. It probably won't work for everyone but it's worked well for me.

Yikes!
For me, I'd probably go to Starbucks and get a short hot chocolate and see if a few sips gets rid of the craving. It is rich and creamy, but even if you drink the whole thing, it isn't horrible because it is so small.
Hang in there! Those cravings stink.

Usually cravings pass if you wait. I would just sit on my hands because I never quite make up for the cals, I end up saying "yes" for a few more things. I do recover a lot better now, but even so, it takes about a week - and thats a week to get back to my last week's weight. But some people can handle moderation better than I and will be able to get back on track tomorrow, so it depends on the person.

I seem to be different from most people here in that I often cater to my food desires, while trying to stay within my calorie allotment. My usual solution is to have the craved food INSTEAD of a meal (or part of a meal).

This morning, for example, I had a piece of pie and frozen yoghurt for breakfast. It's definitely not my usual breakfast, but we had leftover pie from last night and it's what I most felt like eating. Total caloric damage was only 400, well within my breakfast allowance.

As others have said, it all depends on how you handle portion control. These days I have a pretty good handle on it, so I allow myself any treat I want. If my control starts slipping (as it has in the past), I'll revisit my strategy.

Freelance

i'm with freelance.

to me, nothing is off limits, but really i will just have to eat much less to fit it in. for example, at my 1270 a day i would make the hot chocolate, and drink it, enjoy it, and then have 970 for the rest of my day. however, that mindset does lead me to eventually discern what things are worth it to me, like I won't choose the calorie bomb fries at red robin if i'm not prepared to have little to no calories left for the day. however, if i'm super craving it, I would eat them knowing that my dinner might be 300 calories or less.

Depends on where your mindset is and how easily you get derailed, I agree. If you have a treat and enjoy it without guilt, and simply move on with undoing the extra calories ... that's one thing. If it will send you into guilty hysterics and misery ten seconds after you finish it, and it's April before you get back on track, then don't go there.

I usually deal with cravings by finding myself something to do, organize my books, do a bit of cleaning, call a friend, anything to get my mind off food. Sometimes I think it's a good idea to indulge and satisfy your cravings, as long as you put a little bit more effort into your workout afterwards, or reduce the number of calories for your next meal. I believe that if I wouldn't be able to eat caramel ice cream from time to time (it's my favorite treat, but packed with calories), I would probably get too frustrated and call it quits on my weight loss plan.

When I have an intense craving I have it ! If you keep trying to not give in I truely believe that when you do you will consume even more.

I leave saturday's openfor any cravings. So if I crave during the week. I hold off till saturday and if I still want it I have it and in moderation.

and dear saying screw it and having one cup isn't going to destroy all you've been working for. JUST ONLY HAVE THE ONE CUP and from this point on look for a better way to have a healthier less calorie hot chocolate

Thanks guys!

I was just venting. Unfortunately, it was midnight and I had hit my caloric limit. If it were a 100 calories, I would have gone for it but in this case I just sat on my hands until the craving passed.

Thanks again!