That sweet tooth, tho....

I admittedly have the worst sweet tooth known to man. I have a pretty great diet from a nutritional standpoint, with the exception of my constant need for sugar in any form. As hard as I try to completely cut the umbilical cord, sugar is still clinging to me like a baby spider monkey that I can't seem to shake. I know I need to quit. I have no real excuse, and frankly, it's embarrassing that I can have my life together in all aspects other than this.

I work out 5-7 days a week, I buy wholesome ingredients so that I stay on track with healthy meals. I make separate, extra-super-duper-healthy meals for myself and portion them out in advance so I can see that meal sitting there in the fridge, staring back at me when I feed my kids mac & cheese and pizza! But somehow I'll find myself stuffing sugary cereal into my face when I'm making their breakfast, or indulging in their graham crackers with nutella for snack. It was ok to eat that when I was 10. But now I'm 35, and it doesn't sit on my ass the same as it used to. 

In all of that sugar-avoidance misery, I have found one true solace. Chocolate Shakeology. In bold writing, because finding it was a very bold turning point in my life. At the time I decided to try Shakeology, I admit I found the price a bit daunting. Everyone does. It's not until you actually try and use it regularly that you realize it's true value. For me, it's this:

1. I'm not a huge meat eater. Only in small quantities, therefore I get bored trying to squeeze in enough protein on a daily basis. In one scoop of Shakeology, I get 34% of my daily protein requirements. Did I mention chocolate?

2. Veggies. While I love many types of veggies, I don't crave them as I do with other foods. Making sure I get them is a priority and one salad per day is enough for this girl. In just one glass of Shakeology, I'm getting $40 worth of fruits, veggies and superfoods into my diet. Plus the protein, and over 20 vitamins and minerals. And that's a very vague description, but if you want to get into ingredients, visit myshakeology.com/fighttoflourish for more details.

3. It's versatile! There are so many recipes out there for baked goodies, snacks, protein bars, cookies, etc. made with Shakeology. It's a great way to "healthify" something that could otherwise be pretty nasty for you, especially if it's a pre-packaged snack made in a factory. Eating clean may not come easy or natural to most of us because our society lives for convenience, quickness, and simplicity. We can't stand if something takes time or might requires some real attention. Which leads me to my next point.

4. It's easy and portable. It takes about 2 minutes to whip up a shake (I like mine mixed with ice and 25 calorie unsweetened cashew milk, plus a half banana and PB2). Pour it into my shaker cup and I'm off! On nights I'm running with the kids and tempted to make unhealthy choices, it's my go-to dinner.

Back to my original point...eating healthy can still be tasty. I decided to get creative today and make myself a little treat for tonight for after my intense leg workout at the gym. How do I know it will be intense if I haven't worked out yet? Well, because I'm badass and I don't do it any other way! Right?! Chocolate Shakeology pudding is going to replenish and repair some of the muscle protein that is broken down during an intense workout. 

Chocolate Chia Pudding

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

8 oz. Unsweetened Cashew Milk

1 tsp. 100% Pure Maple Syrup

2 tbsp. Chia Seeds

1 tbsp. Arrowroot Powder

1 tbsp. Unsweetened Shredded Coconut*

Whisk together shakeology, cashew milk, maple syrup, and arrowroot powder. Once thoroughly combined, mix in chia seeds and let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature. Move to refrigerator and chill for minimum of one hour. Top with fruit of your choice and coconut. Serve chilled.

*For the coconut haters out there, substitute with chopped nuts 

Now if that isn't a healthy way to kick a sweet tooth to the curb, I don't know what is. Please, if you try this recipe, I'd love your reviews.