Just Desserts

It's happened a million times. A quick workout, a good sized meal, and then a craving for something sweet.  A craving that won't be sated by double portions of dinner. No... only a treat high in sugar will do. 

Being on a budget, however, I tend to spend my money on staples like grains, meats, and veggies. Money spent on ice cream and cookies is not typically money well spent. So what to do? How to kill these cravings?

Depending on the time of year, there may be many options. Now that summer is around the corner, fresh fruit is my sweet of choice. While you could graze on the grapes at the grocery store, I can't condone this. However there are better places where people will give away their fresh fruit. The Farmers Market is probably the best place for this. It not uncommon for the stands to give samples of their berries or fruits to try to get you hooked. Also check out their even schedule: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/promos.htm Dessert give aways are not unheard of on the right day. And even if the dessert is not free, it's hard to beat the price and quality of the farmers market. 

This is a little more rare, but don't forget about Ben & Jerry's or Baskin Robbins free scoop day. Nothing beats the free ice cream. If you've missed them, you can always get free samples at either one. 

But we can't expect our craving to coincide with limited time promotions, so what to do on those off days? We find the free cookie. Harris Teeter grocery stores have daily free sugar cookies in the bakery section. Watching your weight? Not to worry, they have sugar free cookies as well. Free cookies 24/7 means you'll never be slave to cravings again. 

So there are plenty of options for those sweet sweet cravings, either day or night. A little fore site and planning can pay dividends, but even dessert at unexpected times can be found.