3 Sneaky Diet Saboteurs, Peanut-Free Chocolate Spread, How to Make Sweet Potato Skins

Nov 23 2015

3 Things That May Be Secretly Screwing Up Your Diet

1. Living alone. Yup, this study found that people who live solo are more likely to have unhealthy diets due to factors like inadequate cooking skills, lack of motivation to cook, and having no shopping partner. Since getting a live-in companion just to fix your diet is hardly practical advice, here's our suggestion: Take charge with your own arsenal of super-easy recipes for one... Click here for over 80 of 'em! And for those times you don't feel like cooking, keep smart freezer-aisle meals on hand. Click for picks.

2. Self-identifying as overweight (even if you're not). This one is really sneaky. A recent review of studies found that adults who believe they're overweight -- whether their perceptions are correct or not -- are more likely to gain weight over time than those who don't have that belief. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy! Our advice? Ignorance of your weight and eating habits isn't the answer, but don't let your weight issues overwhelm you... the researchers found that people who saw themselves as overweight were more likely to overeat in response to stress. And definitely never call yourself "fat” -- that doesn't solve anything!

3. Stress + genetics. As if stress weren't annoying enough, genetics may trigger certain people to respond to it by consuming high-calorie foods. But since we can't change our genetics, here's a two-pronged approach to overcome stress eating. First, prioritize physical activity -- according to the Mayo Clinic, any form of exercise is helpful for stress management. Second, keep low-calorie snacks (like these) around for when you need to mindlessly munch. Crisis averted!

Breakout Product: Sneaky Chef Chocolate No-Nut Butter

The Deets The original Sneaky Chef spread is a terrific PB swap for people with nut allergies. It's made with golden peas, which give it a mild flavor and creamy texture... and now the nut-free spread comes in CHOCOLATE. As for the stats? A 2-tbsp. serving has 180 calories, 12g fat, 105mg sodium, 14g carbs, 2g fiber, 8g sugars, and 3g protein (PointsPlus® value 5*). That's about the same calorie count and fat content as reduced-fat PB. Not bad!

The Verdict The texture? Love it. The flavor? Looooove it! We pretty much love everything about this spread. We'll be spreading it on apple slices, swirling it into yogurt, piping it into strawberries... Mmmm! Click to find.

HG Video: Here's How to Make Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Skins

Prepare to blow some minds on Thanksgiving, because this recipe is a totally fun spin on sweet potato casserole! Our Toasty Marshmallow Sweet Potato Skins deliver all the deliciousness of the classic, and for just 74 calories each. Plus, they are SO easy to make. Don't believe us? Watch this quick 'n cute how-to video! Then click here for the full recipe.

And that's all we've got. 'Til next time... Chew the right thing!

Chew on this:

Today, November 23rd, is Eat a Cranberry Day, but who eats just one cranberry? One cranberry-orange scone, on the other hand? Now you're talkin'...

Kick off this short holiday week with a bang of useful info -- click "Send to a Friend" now!

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*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.

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