An Alternative to Nutella

You all know that I'm motivated.  I want to survive 4 days of vigorous skiing after a 7 year sabbatical.  And Wii Winter Sports won't cut it to prepare this middle-aged body. 

I've committed 90+ days to getting in shape with Tony Horton as my personal trainer.  Does he remind anyone else of Michael from The Office?

Even my kids are doing P90X with me. 

I'm not blogging nearly as much just so that I can work out.

To say that I have made an investment in my health for my family is a little bit of an understatement. I am passionate about P90X because it is the FIRST workout that I have really enjoyed . . . to say it is fun might be pushing it . . . but maybe one day P90X will be a fun date night (my husband can only hope and pray). 

But I felt like someone was trying to sabotage me last night.  It made me mad. 

Tuesday night is a special night for this woman.  I get motivated by a certain reality show. 

The Biggest Loser.

I watch.  I listen.  I learn.  I want Bob to train me.  I want to go to The Biggest Loser Ranch. 

It was a perfect night until . . . a certain commercial came on.

The Hottie Hubby sat down to watch The Biggest Loser with me.  He had a bowl of granola. I resisted though I desperately--so badly desired--to have a yummy bowl of homemade granola with carob chips and sprouted almonds swimming in the cream of raw milk. 

But no. I have a goal.  He is already at his goal.  He has to eat an obscene amount of calories just to keep weight on due to how much his body burns to maintain his svelte body (I'm his wife . . . I can say that). 

And then . . . NBC smeared obscenities in the form of Nutella all over the screen.  A completely unrealistic household was pictured with a showered, dressed and rested mother, clean kitchen countertops, and children who are able to eat without leaving food for later on their mouth and fingers. 

Let me show you:

Nutella was smart.  Very smart.  Desperate people are watching The Biggest Loser and Nutella chose the perfect time to advertise.  People who need help watch this show . . . this potential lifeline.  Hope.  They need ideas to change their eating habits.  They need simplicity. 

Enter Nutella . . . Start Your Day With Nutella.

What?  You are telling us fat people to start our day with Nutella?  Don't get me started.  Do you know what the FIRST ingredient is? 

Sugar.

Do you know that the ingredients are listed in order of AMOUNT? 

Start your day with sugar. 

Well, a good advertising firm can spin anything.  Nutella has hazlenuts and skim milk.  Wow.  Let me give you one word.  Processed.  Void of nutrients.  Oh, but on Nutella's website you can "build your own breakfast."  What do they show . . . a very SAD (standard American diet) display of food . . . juice, pop tarts, cereal, toast.  Yea, if you compare Nutella to these items . . . it actually looks somewhat nutritional.

But it's not.  Nutella should be a treat.  Better yet.  Abstain.

Try this instead . . . it is what we do.  Introducing . . .

"Not"ella (thanks Renee)

Big glob of natural organic smooth peanut butter (maybe 1/4 cup?)

1 tbls cocoa powder (not hot chocolate mix)
1 tbls raw honey or maple syrup
1 tbls coconut oil

Mix with a spoon or some blunt object.  Add 1 tbls of coconut milk or whole (preferably raw) milk until desired consistency.  I like it to be fudgy--so I use less liquid.  Voila. (You could even add flax seed.)

OR

Blend 1-2 chilled avocados, 1 tbls (or less) of maple syrup, and approximately 1 tbls of cocoa.  Enjoy!

OR

Using a blender, mix cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa, and honey!  Tastes good on a rice cake.