Yesterday I was introduced to two new low calorie yet delicious substitutions for everyday cravings.

The first was an idea from our trainer John. He had a great idea for a low calorie and natural soda swap! Take one packet of Crystal Light’s new Pure Fitness water flavorings (sweetened with stevia instead of aspartame) and pour it into a tall glass with ice, add to it Trader Joe’s sparkling flavored mineral water. My favorite flavor concoction is Crystal Light Pure Fitness strawberry kiwi flavor mixed with mixed berry mineral water, it tastes just like an Italian soda!Give this beverage a try whenever you are having a craving for a soda pop and enjoy a sweet surprise!

The second new food item find also came from Trader Joe’s market. While shopping around the prepackaged almond section I happened upon a package called ‘Nothing but…Banana, Flattened’. There are six large pieces of flattened, dried banana – each at ninety calories with zero fat grams and only 10mg of sodium. The sugar is on the higher end, but from straight banana, no other added ingredients. To my pleasant surprise one flattened serving tastes just like a piece of banana bread (one of my personal favorite treats)! Even if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, most supermarkets have a sparkling mineral option and may have the flattened just banana also. Give these two sweet tooth substitutions a try and let me know what you think of them…happy eating!

Jessica Hummel, Nutrition Counselor