Over the past month, I've experienced deep, troubling urges to go to Dairy Queen and get me a blizzard. Or a milkshake. ooohhh......I am salivating.
Luckily, I've pushed through my cravings because although I may "think" I want them, I know they probably wouldn't do anything to satisfy a "craving" and in the end would just fill me up with empty calories. Sunday, I had another episode. So I decided I was going to allow myself to have something - for Pete's sake, if I had been desiring to have it for the past month, I should not continue to deny myself...right?
So I pulled up the Dairy Queen website and found the nutritional information - HOLY CALORIC WASTELAND!!!! No lie, there were NO blizzards under 500 calories...not even the small size!
I decided I was going to have to find an alternative. And since I read so many other smart bloggers out there, it dawned on me I could figure out how to use the frozen banana's in my freezer!
Enter the blender.
Add frozen banana's.
Plus 2 tablespoons Better'n Peanut Butter
(A Christmas gift...Thanks Jen!)
A small handful of chocolate
chips and a splash of milk
Blended concoction.
Different angle.
Anxious, excited slurp.it.up face.
uh...not so much.
Thoughts: Well...back to the drawing board for me. It wasn't BAD, just wasn't AMAZING. Here's the thing though - I didn't measure anything and was literally just dumping things into the blender. Maybe I need to be more precise? Or maybe I didn't like the taste of the Better'n Peanut Butter?
One positive: I saved a ton of calories on this version! My version was roughly about 300 calories vs. 500-900 calories in a small from Dairy Queen.
I bet ya'll have a ton of idea's! Anyone got a link to their favorite healthy frozen drink? I'm not much for adding protien powder to my drinks, so what other idea's do you have?
Worth your attention:
- Check out who made #4 on Top Ten Minnesota Blogs to Read in 2010. (click here for article.)
- Missy Maintains is having a New Year Giveaway! Click to enter & win some of her favorite things!
- Shelley over at My Journey to Fit is having a "Cook Yourself Thin" giveaway! Click here to enter!
- Keep sending in your workout idea's - cardio or weight routines are needed! (click here for original post.)
- I totally guilted Lindsay, another priorfatgirl into doing a personal trainer appointment with me last night. mwahahahahahaha...she may have problems getting up from the toilet today.
Stay tuned tomorrow for what else, more me!
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41 comments:
Yeah the better N' peanut butter stuff is just okay tasting. You should try Pb2. It is powdered peanut butter (just add water that is 53 calories for 2 tablespoons! Your mock "ice cream" did look great tho.
I think I would have just bought some
Breyers double churn Fat free ice cream and put it in the blender with a 100 calorie pack of oroes. It would have been an oreo blizzard for around 200 calories.
Maybe if you added some frozen yogurt to it, the taste would improve? I don't know, I've never made one, but I like She woke up FAT's idea.
You could try plain yogurt, or frozen yogurt with maybe half a non-frozen banana, 100 cal pak of something crunchy and a little PB. Still good that you made a conscious effort to recreate for less calories! Half the battle!
I would try PB2 to thicken it up, and maybe some cocoa powder instead of chips?
I drink a fruit smoothie almost every day. Next time try adding some low-fat or fat-free yogurt, vanilla flavored. It will make it sweeter.
Any healthy alternatives to chocolate frosted doughnuts? Those are so my weakness, and I have a really hard time not giving into those cravings!
I've made pineapple banana smoothies, and they've been pretty good. Never tried making the blizzards.
MMM Blizzards. My favorite thing in the world. I used to eat them every night. Last night I made frozen bananas in the blender with a little milk (banana soft serve) I added choco chips and whipped cream at the end. It is very satisfying!
If it were me, I would just go to Dairy Queen and get what I was craving. In fact, I just went Friday and had a PB cup Blizzard. YUM! I was craving it. I had it. I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE bite. And, you know what...the next day the craving was gone and I ate healthy again.
I have been craving culvers concrete mixers...I actually made Dan go get me one the other night and oh was it so yummy! Here is a recipe that I found. I really think that you need to add some kind of Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt to give it that flavor. But your "recipe" is off to a great start. Maybe just use 1 banana and use a chocolate sauce instead of the chocolate chips or use chocolate ice cream.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Homemade-Dairy-Queen-Blizzard-Improved-160877
Sometimes you can only kill the cravings with the real thing.
Why not order the smallest 500cal one and just split it in half. You get the taste without the guilt. :)
This is a great swap. Hungry Girl has a ton but I like this on the best.
http://www.hungry-girl.com/askhg/askhgdetails.php?isid=1945
How about just eating a blizzard? A small one? Who says you have to eat the whole thing...maybe you will be full or satisfied after half. Continuing to deny yourself "fun" food in life (and yes, food can be fun and not just for nutritional value!) will only backfire in the end. Trust me.
Jen a few months ago I had the same craving, I saw an add on tv for a pumpkin pie blizzard and that was it I HAD TO HAVE IT! So I did I bought a small one and you know what I could only finish half or maybe even a little less than half. put the rest in the freezer and it ended up getting freezer burn and I threw it out. Go get your blizzard because you are going to dance around it and in the end if that's what you really want then do it!
Another thing I go when craving icecream is I throw a pudding cup in the freezer for a few hours just enough so it's frozen, it sometime kills my cravings!
That's so weird that your experience was MEH...banana soft serve is like my favorite treat ever. I do have a Vitamix though, so the texture is exactly like soft serve ice cream rather than a milk shake or smoothie.
Yours probably would've been better with some vanilla yogurt mixed in.
I add the PB right into the mix--I normally melt it and put it on top. I've also been known to mix some cocoa powder with agave and add that on top as well.
Oh, you could also dabble in Agar Agar (or the other thickeners on the market) to thicken the texture.
When I was still eating it, I would use Dream Whip to create smoothie/milkshake deliciousness. Low in calories, and you only need a tiny bit. You can also add in some flavored SF FF instant pudding mix. That will definitely improve the flavor.
I would also say use yogurt or frozen yogurt as a base...or maybe chocolate soymilk instead of milk....
I always add maple syrup to my smoothies. Maple syrup makes everything delicious!
awww good try with the blizzard girl! maybe add more sweetener to it? orrr do it up with some ice cream if you're really feeling guiltay!
congrats on the numero 4 :) that's a stellar achievement!
It would probably taste good with some cold stone in it lol.
Haha, I love your alternative inventiveness! Starting with bannanas was a good place though, they are in everything frozen and blended right? :)
I was wondering if, given your amazing success and committment to nurtition, you have heard much about cellular nutrition plans? I only ask because I used to work under some very well respected research psychologists specializing in physical-psychological relations and learned a ton about the effects weight loss and exercise can have on one's general satisfaction with one's self.
I am a marathon runner and religious exercisor, so am always researching the best nutrition stuff out there and recently came across a statement by the FDA that ALL Americans should be on nutritional suppliments, because even organics can't give us the 40-something nutrients the body needs daily.
I had previously used the one-a-day style multi-vitamins but discovered this is actually not very effective, because if one takes an entire day's worth of nutrients in one dosage the body can't absorb it all before the pill gets pushed through the digestive track, so I think it is a similar theory to the whole eat six small meals a day vs. three large ones.
Because of this I got onto this cellular nutrition plan that was designed by a doctor who was awarded the Nobel Prize for nutrition and biochemistry, and have had some pretty amazing results. I've also spoken with people on their weight-loss nutrition plan who have had spectacular results and have kept 100 pounds off for 9+ years now.
I was wondering if, given the popularity of your blog, you might share your opinion on cellular nutrition effectiveness vs. standard nutrition plan effectiveness?
If you'd like to speak more just shoot me an email anytime at AlexiDouvas@gmail.com and I'd love to exchange facts or tips!
Great blog I really love it, your an inspiration!
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!!
I make a smoothie several times a week using Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (40 cal a cup). I add flax seed, 1/2 banana and some berries. If I have some calories to spare I add a tablespoon of PB. I just go with the real stuff in moderation.
If I'm craving a blizzard type dessert. I go with the Almond Breeze, 1/2 banana, couple tablespoons of FF ice cream (if it's around), maybe PB, crushed ice. I use a Magic Bullet or stick blender. I think they do better than the good old fashioned one.
It's delish.
Let yourself experiment a little. You'll find a concoction you like! :)
Big ups for looking for a fewer-calorie alternative! You could probably grab 100-calorie cookie packs and a frozen yogurt mixture if you really needed something cookies-and-creamy. I like frozen pineapple in the blender or a little coconut milk ice cream. Going off dairy has really helped keep the ice cream cravings away (and sometimes I make raw pudding which satisfies a creamy craving).
Can't wait to see more creations!
hey jen - i agree with "she woke up FAT" and just go buy some frozen yogurt. her idea of a mock "oreo blizzard" sounds freakin' amazing!
i personally love banana soft serve though. the thing is, i put my frozen bananas in my magic bullet with only a little tinnnny bit of warm water. when they are done pureeing they are the consistency of frozen pudding or something. i add chocolate chips on top.
i got the idea from jenna over at "eat, live, run"
she has a fantastic pic of it here. check it out!
This always satisfies my sweet craving:
-1/2 large size tub of fat free greek yogurt
-a bunch of fruit
-1 tbsp powdered sugar
-stevia/splenda/whatever to taste
Put it through the food processor and it's just about like fruity frozen yogurt, with way less sugar, tons of protien, and real fruit. You might be able to just get away with splenda but I haven't tried it yet since 1 tbsp of powdered sugar doesn't have THAT many calories. That makes about 2 servings, maybe 200-ish cal each depending on what fruit you use?
I'm not sure how this would fit into your craving but I love to make a fake milkshake. I put in ice, skim milk, and chocolate syrup blend it up and it takes almost like a chocolate milkshake without all the fat. Really it is more like a frappachino texture.
I'm thinking you need some sort of milk or ice cream or frozen yogurt in that mixture. On the other hand, I've been known to substitute a Blizzard for a meal if I really get to craving one.
Great blog. I look to your writing and success as an inspiration to help me with my journey which started only a few days ago.
Thanks,
ETL2010
http://eattolive2010.blogspot.com
Great job NOT going to dairy queen. I believe you can find something just as tasty to make at home.
But Goodness Me what can I say that some one else already hasn't?
If you want Mock ice cream, everyone is right. Yogurt is a better substitute than milk. I like making mine with the following
greek yogurt, frozen fruits like pineapple, berries (all of them), banana (usually 1/2), OJ & if I'm looking for a protein to add... NUTS!! YUM! Depends on the flavor you want.
If you are REALLY hankering for ice cream and mock blizzard isn't working. You're better off buying some ice cream, adding some milk, fruit if you want, or whatever candy/flavor you are hankering for. Cause whatever you make at home WILL be less than at DQ. And then you can portion control by making it smaller AND sharing with Carlos!! :):)
Good luck finding a substitute than makes you forget DQ's options. It's all about that crave monster and what will actually satisfy it so you can forget it. :):):)
Banana milkshakes are a weakness for me, so I HAD to find a healthy recipe. This is the one I use -
1 frozen banana - cut into chunks
1 cup 2% milk
1 packet sweetener
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
Blend. Yum! Of course, I've experimented by adding other stuff - plain yogurt, peanut butter, cocoa, etc. Heck, I've even chopped up a couple mini reeses's cups and put those in. It's delish as is though.
I put protein powder in my smoothies, but I used to make a fruit smoothie with:
1 banana, frozen
1 T frozen OJ mix
1 C strawberries
1/2 C vanilla yogurt
But seriously? I would probably just have a Blizzard if I were craving one for so long. Or have one half. Or make one at home - use LF ice cream and 2 oreos (or whatever your "filler" of choice happens to be).
I find that when I deny a particular craving that has stuck around for a while, I waste all kinds of calories trying to satisfy it with a substitute only to end up eating the real thing in the end. Why not save those calories and just indulge in a small serving of what you really want?
I know I like to make pb, banana, and milk for a smoothie so maybe add some chips to that.
I have been having so many dessert cravings lately. I might try to make a concoction tonight. haha.
I have been making more fruit smoothies and add a little V8 fruit juice to boost the flavor.
I have used banana, pineapple, blackberries, kiwi etc sometimes a single flavour sometimes 2 or 3, some ice and juice, I have also added yogurt to make them more creamy.
The cup blenders like the bullet are great and lots less mess too LOL
i think better n peanut butter is DISGUSTING. so i would try it with regular peanut butter. Maybe add some protein powder as well for some added flavor.
1 cup FF milk
2 tbsp FF/SF jello pudding powder
ice
Blend and enjoy! It makes a good, chocolatey (or vanilla or butterscotch or whatever!) shake!
Or here's a Blizzard swap from Hungry Girl:
http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/chewdetails.php?isid=1439
The shake may not have tasted so great, but it looked pretty good! I actually thought it was going to be a success story! lol
You should have called me first before you ate that envelope paste masquerading as peanut butter. lol. My mom wasted good money on two jars of that "peanut butter." I just stick with the real thing and try to manage the urges to not stand in the pantry eating the PB out of a jar with a spoon or my finger.
OMG when I couldn't locate your blog I was like WTF? I automatically think the worst in every situation. GLAD to see your back.
What a great alternative to that high calorie treat!
My usual smoothie recipe goes:
2 x cups skim milk
some type of fruit (banana, frozen raspberries, frozen/fresh mango - anything!)
1 x tbsp honey
Blend!
If I happen to have some yoghurt in the fridge I also throw some of that in. I find that frozen fruit gives it that thick icecream-y consistency :)
Yum!
oooh I love this:
metrx chocolate powder
dash of divinci sugarfree syrups
ice
splash of crystal light :)
a few frozen berries
dollop of PB2 if I have some in house.
BLEND.
freeze for an hour.
eat with spoon.
PERFECTION.
come over :) Ill make you one.
That is so funny I was getting all excited for the Dairy Queen at home alternative.. I'll let you know if I come up with a good one!
Grab a glass and fill it about 2/3 of the way with fat free vanilla frozen yogurt. After you've done this, add a splash of skim milk and mix it up. Crush up Oreo and mix through. If you'd like a thicker consistency, just place it in the freezer for a little bit.
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