Cheater, cheater, chocolate eater.

So all 1.6 of my blog followers know that I am working towards a healthier (and lighter) lifestyle. I have been going to my gym regularly since I joined in February and love it to death. I also have been eating healthy in hopes to lose 30 lbs by July. It has gone well so far, having lost 12 pounds since I had joined Max Fitness until my last weigh in on March 12th. I am proud of my progress so far and continue to work towards my goal.

This entry however is going to be about what I cheat with. No need to alert David, I only cheat on him with food, so it's fine.

As someone who has tried countless diets, some successful and others not so much, I feel everyone deserves to splurge once (or twice, or heck, thrice...) a week in order to stay sane and to reach their weight loss goal. After all, a lot of weight loss is mental... and freaking out over every gram of 'bad' you put in your body isn't healthy either!

The helpful thing is when your splurges aren't really that bad. Here are my top four "splurges" that I don't have to feel that guilty for consuming. I'm going to be bold and even call them "healthy"! Go forth and indulge!!

1. Dark chocolate covered espresso beans

When I need a spring in my step or just a little bit of bitter sweet, I pop about 5 of these puppies. I'm going to be honest, this happens more than 3 times a week, maybe closer to 5. I casually slip these guys into my palm on my drive to school. This quick snack is only about 40 calories with 2 grams of fat and 5 grams of carbs! So why not?!

2. Michelob Ultra

Okay let's be real, I'm in college. Even worse, i'm in graduate school. Occasionally graduate students need a beer. Sometimes more than one... I would hate to ruin all the hours I log at the gym for a brewski which is why I'm an advocate for Mic Ultra. With only 95 calories and a surprisingly low (2.6 grams) amount of carbs...I'm sold. Plus, Lance Armstrong drinks it, and he's a big deal. Boom. Justification.

3. Chipotle

OM NOM NOM. Seriously, Chipotle is SO GOOD. The good news? It's not bad for you!!! Okay so yeah, it'd be better with whole grain rice, but other than that...there is no reason you can't grab Chipotle for lunch! The important thing is to make your Chipotle order healthier! I order the Chicken fajita bowl, add beans, and skip the sour cream and cheese. Then, when I take it home I mix in some low fat cottage cheese in place of the sour cream and viola! A protein packed lunch with some carbs to fuel your workout!

Want to see how your Chipotle racks up? Check out the Chipotle calculator. My burrito bowl rings in at a perfectly portioned 485 calories with 11 grams of fat and 55 carbohydrates (and thats only if I finish the whole thing)! Heck, sometimes I even spring for guacamole!

4. Frozen Yogurt

Even a anti-healthy food guy like my boyfriend can't deny how tasty froyo places are. So many options, all the different toppings, and so freaking delicious!
This permitted indulgence can be pricey which is why I started buying it at the grocery store instead. Not only is this good for my bank account, but it keeps me away from the not-so-healthy candy buffet that seems to always make its presence into my frozen yogurt. Although yogurt is low-fat, choose wisely and remember to check the label for sugar content! I have seen some types that contain up to 30 grams of sugar per 1/2 cup serving! Not good!