Low Cal Candies (mints)

Sweets have always been the bane of my diet life. I can't seem to finish a day without having at least a little taste.

This recipe for mints is very low in calories, but I always have to remind myself that if I have 10 at 14 calories each, that's 140 calories. At 140 calories I could have something more substantial.

The trick is to make them, and then store them in a container in the fridge. Out of site, out of mind until a craving for sweets becomes too difficult to manage.

Here's a trick I learned a long time ago. I was teaching with this beautiful young girl who was at least 50 pounds overweight. She went to a doctor who put her on a diet, and she took all the weight off. What I remember most about her diet is that he had her brush her teeth after everything she ate; meals snacks...

It seemed a little silly at the time, but about a week ago, I was going through a binge. I was eating cake and didn't seem to be able to get enough. I brushed my teeth and behold, the craving passed. Couldn't believe it. Guess the brain has a short attention span, and the lack of stimulus on the taste buds worked. I don't know how else to explain it. Of course, brushing was also good for my dental health.

If you try it, let me know if it works.

Here's the recipe;

Creamy Mints

Makes 150 mints 18 Calories each, 14 calories each if made with low fat cream cheese

4 oz Cream Cheese

3 1/2 c Icing Sugar (confectioner’s)

A few drops peppermint flavoring

(add more or less according to taste)

Food coloring optional

Cream the cream cheese and icing sugar and peppermint flavor until well mixed. The mixture should be creamy, but not sticky. When I use low fat cream cheese I usually have to add a few drops of water. If you've added to much water, add a little more icing sugar.

( At this point you may want to add food coloring. Divide batch into number of colors you have and add individual colors to each batch). Cool in fridge for about an hour (makes it easier to handle). Roll into small balls (the size of a marble). Place on waxed paper. Press down with a fork. Let it dry, and then place in airtight containers. Store in fridge.

Check on my diet plan

http://sites.google.com/site/patsspringdiet/

Copyright Pat Cher 2010