#LEAN14 january jumpstart: healthy alternatives.

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With this month just about halfway through, I must say I’ve been doing a pretty good job with sticking to my January Jumpstart goals. I’m really glad I made the goals attainable, but they’re still making a huge difference.

One of the things January Jumpstart (and LEAN14 in general) has opened me up to is trying new healthy alternatives when I see them. For example, this Earth Balance Coconut Spread. It is so SO good!

It has the consistency of coconut oil but tastes more like coconut. I’ve been loving it on top of a sweet potato with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon.

I’ve also taken YOUR suggestion(s) of using TruWhip instead of Cool Whip in Easiest Ever Frozen Cookie Sandwiches. I also switched them up a bit by using Ginny Bakes Coconut Oatmeal Bliss Cookies. I’m going to be hooked on this treat for a looong time…

And of course, there’s the old favorite healthy alternatives. I’m lucky to live near a Blossom Du Jour when I want to order takeout, where I get my favorite Smokacado Wrap.

What are some healthy alternatives you use? Any new food finds? Would love more of your suggestions!

#LEAN14 january jumpstart: my go-to treat.

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Does anyone else NOT know what they did before Pinterest? The thought of having to Google recipes instead of use the tried and true world that is Pinterest is cringe-worthy to me now…

Anyway, I came across this simple “recipe” recently on Pinterest as an easy treat that can be made ahead of time, and wrapped into individual portions. I’m never going to be one to give up on dessert, but it is nice to have something that a) doesn’t have to be cooked/prepared and b) fits into my January Jumpstart goals.

This is that something.

The original recipe calls for graham crackers, but I used Enjoy Life’s Vanilla Honey Graham Cookies instead (I’m sure you could use just about any cookie, but I’d think a thin, crunchier one would work best).

It also calls for peanut butter, which I omitted to keep things as simple as possible. That would be a delicious addition, though!

All you have to do is top one cookie with a generous dollop of Cool Whip, top it with another cookie, wrap tightly in saran wrap, and throw it in the freezer. It doesn’t get much easier than that! Each sandwich rings in under 200 calories.

And what’s even better? These little sandwiches taste AMAZING. They’re the perfect amount of sweetness, and the combination of the crunchy cookie with the creamy (almost ice cream-like) filling makes for the perfect “just one is enough” dessert.

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What’s your go-to sweet treat?