There it is….just next to the cash register at every convenience store and gas station in America. Those little packages of temptation that are strategically placed to entice you to buy something other than that gallon of milk or the tank of gasoline your came in for. Isn’t it amazing how those little packages have a way of shouting “eat me”?

While an occasional indulgence doesn’t seem like a bad idea, the truth is that many times, it becomes impossible to stay away. If you are one of those people whose occasional indulgence turns into a full-on gorging, you are not alone.

The food industry does a beautiful job of combining the ingredient of these snack cakes to make us want more and more. After all, it is their job to have you eating as many of these snacks as possible and food science knows exactly how to create combinations that make you crave more. By layering sugar, fat, and sodium, these packaged cakes, doughnuts, and muffins are equivalent in calories and fat (especially the bad, artery-clogging kind) to a hamburger at a fast-food restaurant and combine a lethal mixture that doesn’t allow your brain to know when we are full. They also trigger a hormonal response to keep us craving more and more.

Next time you find yourself craving any of these quick-fix snacks, take a moment to check the nutritional label. Are you shocked at the grams of fat your see? You should be! And don’t be deceived by the “low fat” snack cakes….sugar replaces the fat and are just as unhealthy as the full fat variety.

The next time the snack cake is shouting your name, grab a piece of fruit, sugar free gelatin or a healthy fast food like a meal replacement. Meal replacement bars are very tasty, are low in calories and provide a balance of protein, fat and carbs to stabilize your blood sugar and keep craving at bay. You can buy my favorite by visiting www.lynettepatterson.tsfl.com.

And remember that eating right means that you must eat in a balanced way. Indulging in these high calorie/high fat foods do not fit into a healthy eating plan. Choose your snacks wisely and see the weight fall off and your health improve.