My Two Special Diet Substitutes

I want to keep boldly claiming good health so I'll shame myself into sticking with it this time.

I got off to a great start last year but started straying by the summer and fall. Oh hell, by the holidays I was the Tasmanian Devil slamming into the refrigerator and shit, leaving nothing behind but a greasy spot.

Not this time. I've been making fairly good choices and substitutions over the past years but now there is no room for being an idiot anymore. There's just not.

So no more cola. That's a tough one. I've always loved Coke. (Both kinds.) But now I just drink diet coke.

No more alcohol. Which hasn't been a problem in years and years but even having one cocktail a week is off.

So sugar, no fat, and no Cheerios.

Now, those two special diet substitutes?

1) Stevia - Stevia is a South American herb that has been used as a sweetener by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay for hundreds of years. The leaves of this small, green Stevia rebaudiana plant have a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar. It's the best sugar substitute I've found and even my podunk grocery sells it and I've just started on it this week.

2) Brummel and Brown - Instead of butter or yucky tasting low-fat margarine, this has ½ the fat and calories of butter, no cholesterol and 0 g trans fat per serving. It's made with yogurt but it just tastes like your regular Parkay or Land O' Lakes margarine. Half the calories and tastes the same? I've been using it for maybe 10 years now.

What are YOUR healthy eating tips?

My Two Special Diet Substitutes