Chocolate chip cookies.
MY homemade chocolate chip cookies.
They are my claim to fame among friends and family and my secret arch-nemesis. Oh, how I adore chocolate chip cookies!
I grew up with them. They are a comfort food for me. But, they are anything but healthy. However, being a good mom involves milk and cookies, right? Well, maybe not, but I’m not about to give up my chocolate chip cookies!
My flavored creamer is another can’t-give-up food. My husband chose to begin drinking his coffee black, but coffee is a treat for me and black coffee IS NOT a treat, folks. Black coffee is an alarm clock. You know, that disturbing electric jolt from asleep to awake. Not a treat. I use a creamer that is made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, but I know that doesn’t exactly make it a health food.
Um…kind of like that Pepsi I drink. (*ducking*)
While I have not managed to walk away from soda altogether like Laura from Heavenly Homemakers (although I do intend to get there…someday…tell me I can do it, Laura…), I have learned to bring it into moderation.
How Do You Handle the Foods That Tempt You?
That’s what I want to share with you today. You CAN lose weight, get fit, and still have some of those foods that tempt you. However, you DO need a bit of a mental adjustment to do so. You have to decide how to “moderate” the foods that aren’t necessarily healthy but are things you would like to have.
Learn to live with less
I drink coffee nearly every day. The way I’ve chosen to deal with my creamer is by learning to do with less. I could have chosen to wean myself slowly or get rid of it altogether, but I decided to cut down instead. Creamer probably adds about 60 calories to my day. That feels reasonable to me.
Eliminate the every day and make it special
I have tried to ditch the soda in the past, but something about an all-or-nothing attitude toward soda makes the temptation worse for me. (it’s a character flaw…I’m working on it) Because of this, my game plan for dealing with the soda was to stop buying soda to keep in the house and stop going to Happy Hour at Sonic.
By the way, marketing schemes work REALLY well on me. Sonic says I can have a HUGE drink for the price of a small drink during Happy Hour and I say, “YES, PLEASE!” I am slowly but surely training myself to stop seeing food/drink in terms of “getting my money’s worth.”
I only grab a soda on rare occasions now, so it is something special and not something I think I HAVE to have.
Now, for those glorious chocolate chip cookies…
Find something that works for you
My moderation of these tasty morsels came quite by accident. My 12 year old daughter decided she wanted to learn how to make them. After the initial cooking-making lesson, I ended up never being in the kitchen as she was making them. I notice I eat far less when SHE makes the cookies. Then, she started putting the cookies in a covered container and I ate even less of them! Something about the work and noise of lifting a heavy glass lid off the cookie jar proved to be a most effective cookie-eating deterrent.
Another great deterrent is to have a large family and never double the recipe! No one ever gets more than their fair share. 😉
I have changed a lot of my habits since starting this weight loss journey. Many of the changes I’ve made have actually helped to curb my cravings, including the cravings of the foods that typically tempt me, but that’s another post!
Now, for the update…
That’s right! 36 pounds!!!
I am only 1 pound away from my next goal!
Sometimes it feels painfully slow until I actually look at the progress as a whole. The weight is coming off 1-2 pounds a week now. There have been a couple of weeks where nothing has come off, but the victory is that it isn’t coming back on!
I’m excited to reach my next goal. I sort of feel like that weight goal is where the real weight loss begins. That weight is the lowest I’ve been able to maintain for years. I want to break past that perceived barrier and keep going!
Cindy says
OK, yay, you’re losing a lot of weight. But you can’t talk about those cookies without even a link or a promise for a recipe or something! That’s cruelty!
(Seriously, though, you look great!)
Amy says
Planning on writing out the recipe soon, but I never do things in the right order! lol
Cindy says
That’s two of us. 🙂
Amy says
And that’s why I love you, Cindy! 😉
Lacey says
You look fantastic! We were living with my FIL and we were purchasing a 35 pack of Pepsi every other day. There were half cans all over the house, and I finally got fed up and refused to purchase soda. And when we purchased our own home, we just never purchased it again. And we don’t miss it now. At first we did a little bit, but even now if we are out and we get a soda with dinner or just because it always goes to waste. I have to have creamer in my coffee, otherwise I cant drink it, but I am not sure I have a particular temptation food. Just food in general. I will pick and pick and pick. So I try to leave healthy stuff around to pick on, celery, carrots, grapes etc.
Amy says
I’ve been noticing that I don’t drink as much as I once did even when we do go out. Great idea on keeping healthy stuff to pick at. 🙂
Melissa says
Congratulations! You look great, and your legs look so skinny!
I had a hard time giving up soda, but I just decided it wasn’t good for me and I was drinking too much, so I just gave it up cold turkey. It was hard at first, but now I don’t even think about it.
Amy says
Thank you! My legs are always the first to thin up (so I end up looking like an egg on legs! lol)
Suanna says
Amy, you are looking great. Thanks for the update to show it can be done. I’ve been thinking I need to be more active, so I’m trying to spend at least once a week doing something more active with my kids. We start today with one on one kickball. I’m thinking I’ll wear the baby so I can actively participate.
Amy says
My activity level has dropped off in the past few weeks…I’ll join you for some outside play today!
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents says
Congratulations! 🙂 When I need a soda fix, I mix club soda with flavored stevia drops. It was hard to get used to at first, but now I really enjoy it! It’s so refreshing.
Amy says
I’ll have to try that! I’ve been drinking kombucha (homemade) and that helps. I also really like my tea (unsweet) w/ oranges. I pretty much only drink soda at certain restaurants now, but working on that too!
AK says
Love following your journey. All your writing this week has been an inspiration– thank you!
Congratulations on the weight loss. I love coffee creamer and soda, too. 🙂 Like you, I’m attempting to harness the calorie-burning power of breastfeeding (!) to achieve some weight loss goals. I, too, am learning about moderation. Most interestingly, if I tell myself, “Not now, but later,” then I don’t feel deprived. So, I can have soda “later” and have less creamer, etc. Drinking a big glass of water and handling the cravings gently– with myself– has been helpful.
I laughed about your Sonic Happy Hour story. My husband and I became a bit addicted to dollar-Cokes at McDonald’s. (Blush) We both admit that the fizz and the perfect syrup-to-carbonated water ratio did not help matters. Ha. We weren’t keeping soda in the house, but had a three-day-a-week drive-thru habit. Ahem. (On LARGE Cokes…oh mercy.)
Praying for your continued success! You look GREAT!
Amy says
LOL – I’ve stopped buying soda before only to spend a ton of money going out to get one every day! Can totally relate!
Samantha says
My name is Samantha Hatcher and I have a sugar addiction. I was losing weight, but Lucy started nursing more and now I eat more. I did purchase Lose Your Mummy Tummy and have been reading it. I’m looking forward to starting that.
Amy says
Sweets are definitely my issue. I didn’t get overweight eating meat or fats…it was sugar. Nursing doesn’t up my appetite, but my appetite wasn’t small to begin with.
Dawn @ Guiding Light says
YAY mama!
Lorie S says
You look great! I love the ways you’ve found to moderate your eating. This post was very encouraging to me – thank you!
stephanie says
Horray!
homeschoolfarmmama says
OK, girls, here’s a GREAT recipe so we can have our Chocolate Chip Cookies and eat them too! It’s from Cooking with the Horse and Buggy People II, and it’s called Esther’s Emergency Chocolate Chip Cookies. It makes at least 8 dozen cookies.
2 c butter (or margarine)
2 c white sugar, 2 c brown sugar
4 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla
4 c flour, 5 cups ground rolled oats (I have used them without grinding, but quick oats are easier and give a nicer texture than whole un-ground oats)
1 tsp salt, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp soda
24 oz semisweet chocolate chips, 6 oz milk chocolate (I usually omit the extra 6 oz)
Using a cookie scoop, form balls and freeze. Bake, frozen, at 350 for about 8 minutes. Do not overbake. These are really good and are always ready for any emergency when you want to serve chocolate chip cookies. (I like to roll the dough into logs in wax paper and then just slice when ready to bake. 4 “logs” will fit in a 1-gal zip-top bag.)
There ya go. AND you can substitute 2 cups whole wheat or other whole grain flour for 2 cups of the white flour for added nutrition. You almost don’t even have to apologize for eating a couple of these cookies, they are so packed with good stuff! LOL
Amy says
That is really close to my recipe except for the oats. 🙂
Blessed Mama says
Looking great!!
For budget reasons, we stopped buying soda and juice to keep stocked at home… it also has the added bonus of making me drink more water 😀
Gotta have my coffee! My hubby also took to having his black… I switched from flavored creamers with Splenda to half & half with Stevia in the raw. When I need the extra flavor, I sprinkle some cinnamon in with the coffee grounds before brewing… or add a drop of vanilla with the half & half.
We’ve learned that all those ‘food additives’ are soooo bad for us & are being intentional about eating more naturally… it must be working for weight control too… I’m 21 wks pregnant with #6 and I have only gained about 10 lbs! A HUGE change for me!! 😀
Amy says
That’s fantastic!
erin_brianne says
I am 1month post partum and have almost lost the baby weight but I am drinking too much pop. It’s my go-to when I’m stressed. So, my question is what do you mostly drink now? And, I love your Fit Mom posts. It is such an encouragement to me and out reminds me that slow and steady is the best. And, you look GREAT!
Amy says
I used to use soda like that too. I now buy huge bags of crushed ice and make a lot of tea or water with lemon. And of course, coffee. 😉 I’m trying to keep from using sugar to get through the day.
Michelle says
We like a tea called Sports Tea. You can order it online. Has a very yummy flavor with lemon and ginsing in it. Very refreshing on a hot day and doesn’t have the caffine, but still gives a pick me up. We also mix it half and half with iced tea to help stretch the cost as it is kinda spendy. As you well know with 8 kids a gallon of tea in one lickety split!!
kelly says
I think that is AWESOME your almost to your goal!! i applaud anyone who sets out and continues to achieve their goals!! I am also a pepsi-ohlic…and a coffee addict..i HAVE to have my 3-4 “decent” size cups every day with two-three scoops of cocoa and milk(@ least its skim) so i understand where you are coming from and your adujsting slowly but surely and that GREAT!!
KEEP IT UP!!
Angela says
Way to go! You are looking great and doing amazing! If you are interested, I found a great homemade creamer recipe. This way you can modify it to make it healthier for you. Here’s the link. http://cookinwithsuperpickle.blogspot.ca/2010/07/homemade-coffee-creamer.html?m=1
Amy says
Thanks!
Melinda says
You look fantastic, Amy! You are such an encouragement and blessing to all of us!
Amy says
Thank you!!
Tonya says
WOW! You look awesome! Great job. It is so important that you know who you are, know what works for you and do that. I’m so like you in the eating world – have to do things slowly and in moderation. If I decide “I will not have sugar” and try to not have any, ever, I will fail and then I will quit. If I decide “I will try to limit the amount of sugar I have”, I do great! Mind games!
Susan Jensen says
Wow you look great.
Raechel says
You look great! Are you breastfeeding while on this diet? Has it affected your milk? And lastly is the book what did it? I was looking at getting the book but I read from many people they didn’t like it because of the recipes inside.
Amy says
I am exclusively breastfeeding. I have never had my milk supply affected by weight loss. I tend to have a very good supply no matter what, so I don’t have to be careful about it. I am still a big fan of THM, but I have modified how I use it. I eat that way for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and eat a regular but properly portioned supper.
Lori says
I switched from the sweet coffee creamer to whole milk and flavored Stevia. I did it to remove sugar from my diet but it also would decrease the calories.
Amy says
I was doing this for a while, but then went back to creamer. I think I’ll try this again. 🙂
Rebekah says
Your pictures are amazing! Your face is noticeably smaller!!! I am 4 months post-partum and trying to lose 10 more pounds. Keep up the good work.
Amy says
Thank you!!!
Diana says
This is so funny, because I’m the direct opposite! I find it MUCH easier to go cold turkey than to go in moderation – for me, moderation = coming overindulgence. Since I’ve been doing the no-carb thing and have given up practically every indulgence on the planet (*sob*), I’ve actually found it an easier lifestyle than the “little but not too much” philosophy. However, I’m thrilled it’s working for you! Congrats on your weight loss!!!
p.s. I just use regular heavy whipping cream in my coffee, and it works beautifully for a low-carb diet – plus no scary chemical additives!
Amy says
I’m going to try the whipping cream idea. It is funny how different things work for different people. 🙂
Jillian says
WAY TO AMY! YOU LOOK GREAT! I had a small victory over my soda obsession last night when I didn’t refill my Soda at Costco. Although to be honest, I was wishing I had on the drive home. :/
Amy says
Hey, it’s still a victory even if you *wish* for something else. 😉
Mooberry Farmwife says
Amy, you look fantastic and your smile shows that you are feeling well, too! Congratulations on your 36 pound loss. That’s a lot!
I drink peppermint tea with stevia to stave off sweet cravings. It tastes just like a candy cane in a cup, it is natural with no calories, and it feels like a treat. I agree, we all need to find little things that work for us. 🙂
Wishing you success in reaching your goals.
Amy says
Ooo! Now, that’s a good idea! Must try that! 🙂
Tiffanie of Truly Skrumptious says
Another way I’m working on it, is food from natural ingredients, like Hansen’s soda, made with real sugar and Izze’s fizzy juices. I rarely have a regular soda anymore! And cookies made from only bananas and oatmeal, with chocolate chips, of course. It’s a process, and we’re working on life changes we can stick to. :>
Amy says
I would like to get to that point too, but it’s difficult when you are known for your chocolate chip cookies. 😉
Tabitha T says
Wow! You look fabulous and are doing great! I know what you mean about the soda. I had to switch to tea to avoid the caffeine headaches and just deal with the sweet part of the addiction first. Stevia helped with the cravings, but some people are worried about stevia or don’t like the taste. Keep up the wonderful progress.
Jenna says
You are looking fantastic, Amy!
Amy says
Thank you!
Rachael DeBruin says
You are doing fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing your motivation 🙂
Leanne says
I had been wondering how you were doing on this, so happy that you are working so hard to be healthy! I became very sick a year ago with a nasty sinus infection. Whenever I got a cold, I could not drink “my” Diet Pepsi that I had been addicted to for 20 years…so last winter with the sinus infection I couldn’t drink it, it tasted nasty.I had this sinus infection for about 3 weeks, 2 different rounds of meds. I am very thankful for that infection because I no longer drink soda. Ice water is my new favorite drink! I have tried diet pepsi a few times since, and it is way too sweet..yuck 🙂
You look great Amy!
I
Amy says
Wow! Honestly, I hope it doesn’t take something like that to make me quit, but I can see where that would be helpful.
Writer6mom says
Amy, wow! And it’s 7 kids? Hard to tell from those photos. Good for you. I like your thinking, that keeping it off is whats important. Yes, having healthy food for a quick grab does make it easier and more meaningful towards reaching the goal. Keep up the good work!
Amy says
Actually, Creed is our 8th. So, I REALLY appreciate that comment! 🙂
Jennifer says
Amy, you look fantastically amazing! I’ve followed your blog for quite a while now and I am enjoying reading your tips as I am due with #5 at the end of July. You inspire me! Keep up the good work!
Amy says
I think I’m finally at a point in my life where I am ready to make the changes necessary and I no longer see this as a hill I can’t climb. Many blessings to you during your pregnancy!
Melissa N says
Way to go!! Congrats!
Michelle says
I have a question about your weightloss while nursing. Anytime I have tried to lose weight after my babies (pregnant with #8) while nursing my supply drastically drops. Do you have any problems with this? My latest babies will be 15 months apart. Usually I have lost all my weight before I become pregnant with the next baby. It usually takes me a year and after the baby has weaned to actually get the weight off, because of my milk supply issues if I try to “diet” during nursing. The last two babies I have had to suppliment way more than I want to just to get them to gain healthily. I am hoping to not do that this time. It was very discouraging to go into this pregnancy 20 pound overweight to begin with. Hopefully I can do as the midwife suggested and only gain 15 pounds total. Do you have to do anything special to keep your milk up? What kinds of foods are you eating that you are still losing and still able to keep up your milk? Thanks!
Bridget says
I am also going through the THM book, but I can’t give up my homemade chocolate chip cookies either! However, the last 2 times I’ve made them, I have added 1/4 cup golden flax seed meal and a sprinkle of protein powder without anyone being able to tell the difference. They are so yummy with some added nutrition! By the way, I also use the real sugar, all natural creamer in my hot tea in the morning!
kendra zickafoose says
you look awesome! like many are mentioning here, it is the drinks that kill my caloric intake! i don’t have certain foods that tempt me. i do really well with not keeping sweets in the house. but soda? it calls to me! i literally can’t quit thinking about it until i have one. i would choose a soda over dessert any day of the week. and most recently? coffee is my new love. coffee with yummy creamer. i had never had a sip until this pregnancy, but suddenly i am hooked. sigh. and yes, i know these things are even worse during pregnancy, so i am watching my intake. what i am worried about is after our new little guy comes sometime in the next two weeks! i am afraid i will go nuts!
Candace says
Oh, Amy…how much we have in common. 🙂 Chocolate Chip cookies are my nemesis too. And my claim to fame. I LOVE my chocolate chip cookies! And the coffee! My husband drinks it black too. Blech! Coffee is my special treat, so it needs to be yummy. I’ve always used heavy cream in mine and sugar. I’m not giving up the cream, but I have been using Coconut Palm Sugar as my sweetener and it is wonderful!
Great job on your weight loss! You look fabulous! 🙂
Amy says
How funny! And the coconut palm sugar sounds yummy!