very doable ice cream treat

I am trying my very hardest to be healthier this summer and beyond.  We no longer have to endure the frigid temperatures of VT, where I was literally gaining 10-15 lbs each winter (Fat City, USA, population = muah).  Although I would shed the extra pounds once spring arrived, I decided to stop this horrible winter weight gain because (1.) it is totally unhealthy to be packing on that much weight on an annual basis and (2.) I realize that as I grow older, it will not be quite as easy to lose. 

So, I no longer have -20 degree winters to worry about, but I do have a 3-hour commute on a train into the city and a desk job.  I do not always have the time to exercise, but have been trying to make efforts with my food intake...and I am happy to report that my efforts are working!  I really do feel great. 

Main switch:  I have stopped eating cheese, which is unfortunately the main contributor to my extra poundage.  I will make exceptions on the weekend for a slice or two of Ciao Babies pizza (thank you Highlands, NJ for having THE best pizza, sorry Pasquale’s in Westfield – I still love you), or a mozzarella stick or two (delivered ocean-side while sunning in my chaise lounge chair at the beach club), but aside from that, cheese and I are no longer friends.  I drink beer (I am a Miller girl for life), eat bread, spread on the butter, and grab an ice cream cone, but nothing seems to have the same effect as cheese.  

Because I have made this enormous life switch (enormous like when my husband used to ask what I wanted for dinner, my response was “anything with melted cheese”), I think I deserve to indulge in one of the aforementioned delights on occasion.  Instead of just going big and choosing the unhealthiest snack, I have been trying to find the healthier versions of treats on the market.  This week I really hit the jackpot.  Whole Foods makes Fudge Bars that are only 100 calories and they taste like smooth, delicious, chocolaty pudding.  I think they give Jell-O Pudding Pops a run for their money.  The only thing that could make them better is if they had Bill Cosby (one of my absolute favs) promoting them.  (Remember those Jell-O Pudding Pop commercials?  Ahhh, the good old days!)  The Whole Treats Fudge Bars cost $3.50 and there are four to a box.  It is a sinfully delicious treat that you can feel heavenly about eating.  Enjoy.