It happens to the best of us: you’ve eaten right and exercised hard for weeks, and then one slice of cake at a party sends you into a downward spiral of eating too much and exercising too little.

It’s common to experience temporary relapses back to unhealthy ways of eating and lack of exercise, especially while a healthy, active lifestyle is still new.

But what triggers these relapses? Finding out the answer to this question will equip you to avoid future relapses altogether.

Anatomy of a Trigger Food

Trigger foods come in all flavors and sizes, but nearly all contain one (or all) of the Big Three. 1) Salt, 2) Sugar, or 3) Fat.

Processed foods are the most powerful triggers. These foods are literally made with your brain chemistry in mind, factoring in the addictive qualities of salt, sugar and fat. When the desire for sweets feels unbearable your body is literally craving more.

That’s why one slice of cake can lead to an entire weekend binge.

To avoid a relapse, steer clear of packaged foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat. See the Wholesome Cravings tip below for snacks to eat when cravings strike.

When you do fall victim to a trigger food, use the following 3 steps to get right back on your feet, and back to eating and exercising right.

1. Draw a line in the sand. Decide here and now that your relapse is over. Stop the self-destructive behavior and enlist the support from the important people in your life.
2. Remove the triggers from your home. Clean out the pantry, the freezer and the stash under your bed. Get these unhealthy foods out of your home and out of your way. See these items for what they really are—obstacles that prevent you from getting what you really want out of life.
3. Refocus your goals. Why were you eating healthy and exercising in the first place? Because you have goals. You have a vision of the healthy, fit body that you’re working to achieve. Focus your mind on your most desired goals and unleash your inner work ethic and determination.

I believe that it’s time for you to reap all the benefits of a fit and active lifestyle.

Call or email today and I will schedule a time to meet with you one-on-one to get you back on track with the quickest and most effective routine for your fitness goals.

When you feel a trigger food calling your name, turn to these wholesome snacks and avoid a fitness relapse.

• Organic, fresh fruit: It’s sweet and won’t ruin your diet like packaged candy.
• Whole, roasted nuts: Sprinkle some sea salt on a handful of nuts and you won’t even want that bag of chips anymore.
• Wholesome, home baked goods: When a piece of fruit just isn’t going to cure your cake craving, then make a wholesome, gluten and cane sugar free cake at home. The Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake below contains wholesome fat from coconut oil and almonds that will keep you satiated for hours. See the recipe below.

Here’s a slice of cake that won’t mess with your brain chemistry. The wholesome and lightly sweet flavor will satisfy your sweet tooth and power your day with real energy. Servings: 20

Here’s what you need:

Caramel Topping:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup coconut crystals
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 organic apples, thinly sliced and chopped

Apple Cake:

• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 1/3 cup blanched almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 5 organic eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, grade B
• 1/4 cup organic, full fat coconut milk
• 2 Tablespoons coconut oil, melted

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 pan with coconut oil.
2. Caramel Topping: In a small bowl combine the melted coconut oil, coconut crystals and cinnamon. Pour into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the chopped apples over the caramel.
3. In a medium bowl combine the coconut flour, almond flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. In another medium bowl combine the eggs, vanilla, syrup, and coconut milk. Blend well.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, and then slowly mix in the melted coconut oil.
6. Carefully spread the cake batter over the apples and caramel in the pan.
7. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes.
8. Loosen the edges of the cake with a knife. Invert the cake by placing a plate over the top of the pan and then flipping it over.
9. Slice, serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 105 calories, 7g fat, 44mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, and 3g protein

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