My Favorite Treat

on February 10, 2009

To clear up the rumors, I am NOT pregnant! 99.99999% positive! One day, I would like to have kids, but I’m really not emotionally or financially ready for that kind of responsibility! We’re not looking to have babies for 5 years (sorry, Mom and Dad).

Besides, I have these fur babies:

You can’t crate a baby while you go for a 10 mile run. Enough said.

My mid-morning snack was an orange.

And lunch was a very yummy Grilled Chicken Salad.

The salad contained:

Chicken
Spinach
Slaw
Carrots
Red onions
Cucumbers

On the side, I had a glob of purple hummus.

My Favorite Treat

Earlier in the week (probably in a Crap Free Week-induced freak out for naughty food), I was considering what "treat" I would get after the Gasparilla Bud Light Challenge 3 Races in 2 Days. Since I’m running a 5K, 15K, and Half Marathon over 1 weekend, I figure I get to eat pretty much whatever I want.

My "treat" of choice is Dairy Queen Blizzards — specifically, I am obsessed with the Resee’s Peanut Butter Cup flavor.

I am a member of the Dairy Queen Blizzard of the Month Fan Club, and DQ used to send out monthly coupons for Buy 1 Get 1. When I lived in Pennsylvania, there was a Dairy Queen 3 blocks from my work, and my coworker and I would get Blizzards once a month.

One day, I looked up the nutritionals online and it pretty much ruined Blizzards for me. I’m not going to share the info because I don’t want to destroy the Blizzardy dream for anyone else. I think I had convinced myself that a Blizzard wasn’t "that" bad (it is). So, now they are a once in a blue moon kind of treat (the last time I had one was in June 2008 — yes, I’m that obsessed).

Point of the story — I’m totally going to get a LARGE Blizzard after my race on February 28! 🙂

Disclaimer: If you look up the nutritionals for a Blizzard (because now you’re probably curious and will), you might argue they aren’t "that" bad for an occasional treat and that I’m being crazy. My personal preference is to indulge in a little something everyday, like wine or chocolate, and a Blizzard really doesn’t factor well into the "small indulgence everyday" philosophy. And Blizzards contain trans fat. I just don’t want to start a firestorm of criticism because I sense it brewing already.

What’s your favorite "once in a blue moon" treat?

{ 73 comments }

Steph February 10, 2009, 10:33 am
I have sooo many… I think my problem is making sure they are only “once in a blue moon” 🙂
Colleen February 10, 2009, 10:35 am
You poor thing, I get the same thing. I swear, I can’t have a hangnail at work that someone doesn’t say “are you pregnant?”

ARGH!
Colleen February 10, 2009, 10:38 am
Oh, and my first job at 15 was at DQ! Thank goodness I was on swim team, but I know I dropped a few pounds after I left that job! LOL

Still love me some DQ though!

My “once in a blue moon” snack is a cookie sandwich – two chocolate chip cookies surrounding a mound of that greasy crisco-like icing. OMG. I’m going to be thinking about that all day!
ConsiderEatz! February 10, 2009, 10:39 am
Aww, love the furry babies 🙂

I had my treat last night, Gelato! As many as they would allow in one cup 🙂
audrey February 10, 2009, 10:40 am
sadly its chinese food..and not the pf changs kind the really bad kind i’ve set myself to a rule of 4 times a year and i count down the days until i can have it again haha.
Runeatrepeat February 10, 2009, 10:42 am
I totally eat whatever I want after a race, sometimes for a few days after (a la my most recent race). Go for it and enjoy!!!
ksgoodeats February 10, 2009, 10:47 am
You can’t crate a baby – haha I love it!

My treat food is tiramisu/cheesecake. I’m not a big dessert eater but if those are there – I’ll have a slice…or three 😉
Tami February 10, 2009, 10:52 am
ok, i just looked up the blizzard, if i was your real life friend, i would have called you about it. crazy.

i love baked goods any time of day or night.

i am running a half marathon on sunday as well, i think there’s going to be lots of chocolate at the race, we’ll see
Jen February 10, 2009, 10:54 am
After I finished my first (wait, only, so far!) half marathon, I went home and made chocolate chip pancakes, mmmm. I used to eat them all the time as a kid, but as an adult not so much.

I need to go look up the stats on blizzards now…
Bommy February 10, 2009, 10:56 am
Hi I’m a new reader!
i just thought it was really coincidental because my blog is titled “once in a blue moon” AND i worked at a dairy queen 2 summers ago.
i admit, the nutritionals are reallyyyy bad but that didn’t stop me from sampling pretty much every kind of blizzard while i worked 🙂
redheadedjournal February 10, 2009, 10:57 am
Yum blizzards are sooo delicious! I like the oreo and M&M ones!
kelsey February 10, 2009, 10:59 am
My OIABM snack is

Cheddar Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing (no bacon or chives though, blech)

I just splurged on some this past weekend, which means it will probably be a solid 6 months before I get to eat the cheesy, spicy, goodness again… 😀
inmytummy February 10, 2009, 11:03 am
Pizza and chips with guacamole. I remember being so excited after my marathon in 2007 to eat as many chips and guac as a wanted to and after the race, I felt so bad, I couldn’t eat anything.

Never fear, I ate it the next day!
Bec February 10, 2009, 11:03 am
I have a huge blizzard addiction too! This summer I seriously ate one almost ever night with my then boyfriend, luckily I was extremely active in the summer and needed the extra calories but getting them through a blizzards is probably the worst idea! Thank god most DQs are closed for the winter in Canada, lol.
tfh February 10, 2009, 11:14 am
Awww, you can’t be a newlywed without everybody checking out your tummy. Love “you can’t crate a baby.”

Online nutritional info ruined McDonald’s milkshakes for me. I think with drinks– even w/ ice cream drinks– it’s hard to believe you can pack so much bad stuff into a DRINK. Same w/ Starbucks, for me.
dailygoods February 10, 2009, 11:19 am
im sure youre going to savor every last bite of that blizzard! and couldnt have picked a better flavor! you totaly deserve it after not 1 but 3 runs in that weekend!
Colleen February 10, 2009, 11:19 am
Okay, I seriously need to quit commenting on this post (LOL), but I would never blast you for saying Blizzards are bad – I completely agree they are not a once-a-week-treat but more like a twice-a-year treat. Besides, this is your blog you can say what you want. I don’t have a blog of my own, but it’s so frustrating when people get all up in arms about stuff…especially something like a personal preference.
fitforfree February 10, 2009, 11:20 am
my once-in-a-blue-moon treat is general tso’s tofu from a restaurant (fried, heavy, but delicious!) It’s not that hard to avoid, though, b/c it usually gives me a stomachache! Sometimes you just have to let your mouth-cravings win 🙂
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 10, 2009, 11:21 am
collen – i completely agree but you would be surprised on the kind of stuff i have to delete from the comments section. (some of it is really bad. my favorite: “you are going to be a hideous and ugly bride.”) i don’t understand people who are rude and/or negative. but that’s part of blogging.
Betsy February 10, 2009, 11:26 am
Ben & Jerry's Phish Food. The whole pint. Plus a bag of gummi bears.

And wow – I cannot believe someone left you a comment like that!! I luckily haven't gotten any mean ones yet, but they say that's when you know you've "made it."
brandi February 10, 2009, 11:27 am
some one really wrote that, Caitlin? That's ridiculous.

I don't get blizzards very often, but I love them too!!! A small isn't too bad to have every now and then (without running 3 races in 2 days) 🙂

My favorites are:
chocolate dipped strawberry
girl scout thin mint
mint m&m's
reese's
georgia mud fugde
Dori February 10, 2009, 11:30 am
I have been dying to try the Girl Scout Thin Mint Blizzard that they had for a limited time over the summer, but I don’t live anywhere near a DQ!

My once in a blue moon indulgence is definitely a Sausage McMuffin with Egg from McDonalds! The last time I allowed myself to have one of those was July 2007 the morning after my apartment was broken into and I had spent all night up with the police and locksmiths hysterical crying.
livelaughlyss February 10, 2009, 11:33 am
um first of all, if someone SERIOUSLY wrote that you were going to be a “hideous and ugly bride”… well, i’m speechless. i don’t need to tell you twice that that is the most untrue and bogus and bizarre thing i’ve ever heard! i’m so sorry you had to read that!

my OIABM treat would have to be, well hmm… i do have a sweet tooth, but i think i would say my treat would have to be a savory one. basically anything dumbed in mounds of cheese and probably dipped in ranch or blue cheese. i NEVER let myself eat anything like this, but gosh i would love to!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 10, 2009, 11:35 am
yes, someone seriously wrote that about 1 week before my wedding. i cant remember if i deleted it or laughed it off. probably both!
Rose February 10, 2009, 11:38 am
DQ! Good treat for all your hard work 🙂 Nice choice! I haven’t had a blizzard in a long time.

I think my favorite reward food is chocolate mousse. So good.
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) February 10, 2009, 11:38 am
oh man dairy queen’s dipped cones are phenom. It’s been years since I’ve indulged because the nutritionals bother me so much. UGH!

I would totally indulge as a goal. Maybe when I run my first 10k?
Colleen February 10, 2009, 11:43 am
Awww, hugs to you! I can’t believe someone said that – how terrible! I hope you let it roll right off.
eatingtolivelovelaughtri February 10, 2009, 11:45 am
Your salad looks absolutely amazing! It makes Crap Free Week look like fun!
alessa February 10, 2009, 11:55 am
my brother worked at dairy queen in high school! haha, i will never forget when my grandparents made me take them to visit him and they insisted on taking pictures of him making their blizzards. He was none too pleased!

anyways, just wanted to say.. i deal with stomach aches all the time. sometimes it may be from too much fiber, but just in general i have a really sensitive tummy. it’s not fun. have you ever heard of a papaya enzyme chewable tablet? i have a friend who uses these and they really help her! i keep forgetting to buy them.. but just thought i would share with you as well.
Sarah (lovINmytummy) February 10, 2009, 11:59 am
We were on the 5 yr. plan too, but that didn’t really pan out. Turned out okay, though.

About those Blizzards,um, I’m going to need your address. And if you see a flamin’ bag of poo on your front porch, it wasn’t me.
Claire February 10, 2009, 12:01 pm
I’m pretty sure June 2008 is the last time I had a Blizzard as well and before that….YEARS! The only reason I did it was b/c the proceeds went to children’s miracle network hospitals, of which the children’s hospital I’ll be working in is one! I figure that’s a good reason to get a blizzard. I did spread it out over several days.
Aimee February 10, 2009, 12:10 pm
A year ago I was having horrible stomach problems (which turned out to just be bad acid reflex problems). But I was throwing up, so everyone was so sure I was pregnant, when I knew for a fact that I wasn’t. Even my mother in law said something, which just made me mad, because I was really ill and wanted to find out why!! Oh being a female sucks sometimes 🙂
RhodeyGirl/Sabrina February 10, 2009, 12:15 pm
I can’t BELIEVE you consider a DQ blizzard as a bad treat! How dare you?!?!? 🙂 🙂

I’m with you. I used to love to eat softserve ice cream from a local joint until I found out it had like 100 g of sugar for a kiddie size. Woah.
Katie February 10, 2009, 12:20 pm
My “every once in a while” treat is the a milkshake.
Tyler February 10, 2009, 12:21 pm
i love blizzards, too! i am fully aware of the nutritional info, and they are definitely a rare treat for me. i actually got one this past sunday night because i had a huge craving!!! worth. every. calorie. cookie dough is my flavor of choice 🙂
aron February 10, 2009, 12:31 pm
OMG i LOOOOVE blizzards 🙂 there is a dairy queen right by my house too but i have only had 2 in the 3+ years we have lived there 🙂 yum yum… always say after my marathon i will get one but i never do, i will have to after this next one!

i love the line “you cant crate a baby while you go for a 10 mile run”… my thoughts exactly 🙂
gina (fitnessista) February 10, 2009, 12:44 pm
my favorite would definitely be a blizzard, too.
i haven’t had one in at least 5 years, but when i do finally get one (maybe after my half??) it’s going to be cookie dough with chocolate ice cream 😀
hahaha i love the “you can’t crate a baby” 😀 reason #26781627863 why we have puppies, too
have a great day!
thecleanveggie February 10, 2009, 12:46 pm
*wipes drool* your salad looks delicious.
the blizzard sounds like a perfect treat for all your hard work 🙂
jane February 10, 2009, 12:48 pm
i’m vegan, but i love me some “ice cream!” my new obsession is Soy Delicious coconut ice cream. Oh my goodness you have to try it- it is the most creamy treat ever and has a wonderful subtle coconut taste. It’s loaded with fat cause of the coconut milk, but it’s healthy fat (like an avocado!). I can hear it calling from my freezer right now…

p.s. if those negative comments ever get you down, just look at how many more positive comments you have! we all love you and your blog, caitlin!!
p.p.s. thanks for the answer about mapping your runs. is mapping via google earth the same thing as using google gmaps pedometer?
Anonymous February 10, 2009, 12:51 pm
Mmmm blizzards!!! I worked at a DQ for 8 years (all through high school and university) and probably had more than an occasional treat 🙂 My favorite is Georgia Mud Fudge!!! Hubby and I occasionally (once every 3 months) will share a small one – and that is usually enough for me!

Jolene
HangryPants February 10, 2009, 12:53 pm
I think full fatty ice cream is a great treat once in awhile (is that the same as once in a blue moon). I, like you, want to be able to have smaller indulges along the way than one giant treat.

And, I am with you on the babies. I am far too selfish at this point in my life!
MarlÃ¨ne February 10, 2009, 12:56 pm
You might be feeling a little off because the whole Crap Free Week is mobilizing the toxins in your body. Drink tons of water, and make sure you “stay regular” to eliminate the toxins as much as possible. That’s the detox part that’s most important, and not always discussed. I always start my day with metamucil, just to keep everything moving.

Best of luck! Oh, my once in a blue moon treat?? Cutie Tofuttis!! They are SOOOOOO good!!!
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) February 10, 2009, 1:03 pm
Don’t even get me started on an Oreo Cheesecake Blizzard. So creamy and amazing. Good for you – how fun to have an exciting treat planned for after your race. It’ll make ya run faster. 🙂
Julie February 10, 2009, 1:51 pm
Oh. My. God. I haven’t had a blizzard in FOR-EV-ER. I love them…my blizzard was either the oreo w/ chocolate ice cream or peanut butter cup w/ choclate ice cream. Oh the fat kid inside of me is totally coming out right now! Enjoy that blizzard like it was your last day on earth, Lord knows I would.

My once in a while treat is Ben and Jerry’s. The whole pint…so bad but so good. Oh wow…love love love them. Any flavor…I’m not picky. I need to think of a reason to have some now…
Leah February 10, 2009, 2:19 pm
Caitlin, what would you say is the best part about Crap Free Week? Would you say it’s the challenge, or the ‘clean’ feeling you have or?? Would you say you ‘feel lighter’ ?

I’m considering doing my own version, starting tomorrow (btw I love your idea about NOT starting on a Monday – Mondays are hard enough!).
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 10, 2009, 2:25 pm
leah – im going to do a full recap on friday, but here’s a quick summary of how i feel so far about CFW.

1 – going without coffee has been terrible, however, its made me realize how truly dependent i am/was on caffeine and i’m glad i’ve broken it’s chokehold on me.

2 – life sucks without bread. a lot. however, as a result of CFW, i realize how *MUCH* bread we consume in this house and its probably worth it to buy organic and/or make my own so i can skip the chemicals.

3 – i am way too dependent on cereal for a snack. i need to branch out more.

4 – eating crap free for a week makes me feel no different than eating my normal way. at all. if anything, it makes me highly irritable.

5 – in conclusion, i think it was good to do CFW because it taught me a lot about my eating habits and showed me where i need more variation in my diet.

I LOVE BREAD!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 10, 2009, 2:26 pm
and i may have lost a pound. but i dont feel any different really.
Leah February 10, 2009, 2:32 pm
Thanks for your reply! I look forward to your full recap.

Where you said this:

“4 – eating crap free for a week makes me feel no different than eating my normal way. at all. if anything, it makes me highly irritable.”

I couldn’t agree more with this. Even though I have not done CFW like you and Chandra have recently, I know what its like to deny myself of foods or be very strict on what I can and cannot have. It ALWAYS left me very irritable as well! I think as soon as a food becomes ‘crap’ or ‘off limits’ our mind says WHY? And wants it even more.
Erin February 10, 2009, 2:35 pm
I’ve never actually had a Blizzard! How weird is that?
I don’t go crazy over ice cream though. I’m not sure what my rare treat is, I feel like I have so many! But I like a little bit often.
I’d probably say biscuits and sausage. I try to pretend I don’t love ’em, but I do and have them about once a year.
Danielle February 10, 2009, 2:36 pm
hot apple pie with full fat vanilla ice cream.. or pecan pie. oh baby!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 10, 2009, 2:36 pm
leah – i agree! also, i think the lack of whole grain carbs is making me cranky. 🙂
Anonymous February 10, 2009, 2:58 pm
Why don’t you just make your own blizzard in your vitamixer with semi-healthy and portion controlled ingredients?
Nutritious is Delicious February 10, 2009, 3:27 pm
I agree with the Blizzard!

My favorite treat is Ice Cream!

Good luck with the races!
Carolina John February 10, 2009, 3:39 pm
you’ve been married like 15 minutes and you’re folks are already talking kids? i have the youngest of my 2 in my lap right now. my girls are turning 4 and 2 this summer, and we’ve been married 10 years. you’re fine.

also, i’m 33 years old, and my wife is 4 years older than me. we waited way too long to have kids, now we’re too old to keep up with them. i think about 26 is a good age to start getting you fat. might seem like a rush, but it’s a good thing.
Kailey (SnackFace) February 10, 2009, 4:49 pm
Haha your fur babies! They are adorable!

Ahh! I love blizzards- especially the reece’s cup kind! I’d say that’s a big once in a blue moon. Another? Cinnamon rolls! Pillsbury knows what they’re doing. That ooey-gooey soft center- I’m salivating already.
Trojan February 10, 2009, 4:54 pm
Mmmmmm i love blizzards too but my fav thing is to get a Whole Foods mini carrot cake….eat the whole darn thing.

drool*

then run for like 3 hours a day for a week…lol
Katherine February 10, 2009, 5:32 pm
Chocolate Lava Cake with Ice Cream

No I will not share 🙂
Mica February 10, 2009, 5:52 pm
Ooh, I do love Reese’s cup blizzards. Fortunately, we have something more local here–frozen custard that does the same reese’s mix. I’m sure it’s healthier, haha!
carolinebee February 10, 2009, 6:06 pm
I love how this question gets SO many comments- haha ppl know their exact answer!! That is an AWESOME choice for your treat and u totally deserve it! My fave treats are just the fancy delish restaurant desserts, if I’m with a group..or parents then i totally go for it!!
teacherwoman February 10, 2009, 6:10 pm
I don’t really eat blizzards. I probably have a couple in a year’s span… I would rather buy vanilla ice cream and add a few other things to it at home. LOL.
just me February 10, 2009, 6:12 pm
best treats are:

double chocolate brownies with honk’n walnuts

ohhhh yeahhh…

and i used to get DQ when i was in hs after x-country races…i was a big fan of the mint mm one though. 😀
angelcubbie February 10, 2009, 6:18 pm
Anything that involves a big fat amount of frosting (don’t really care about the cake underneath haha), whether it’s whipped cream frosting, or a really good cheescake frosting or really any kind of frosting…lol I don’t think I’ve ever had a Blizzard, or I was really little last time. I used to get DQ’s choc. dipped cones as a kid all the time though.

Oh and anything that involves Choc. Chip Cookie dough! It’s been such a long time for me…I need to fix this. Thanks Caitlin, you enabler you ; )
talesofexpansion February 10, 2009, 6:30 pm
mine is DQ, too! i grew up eating dinner there with my dad every wednesday night for years and years … and my first job ended up being there, too! i think even more than the blizzards, i like to get vanilla and chocolate swirl with a drizzle of each of the three hard shell toppings AND jimmies/sprinkles 🙂
Summer Slim February 10, 2009, 6:52 pm
omg, i LOVE blizzards. i usually stick to oreo with vanilla ice cream. but, last year they had girl scout thin mint for awhile, and it was absolutely amazing.

dairy queen is def. my splurge too!
mel February 10, 2009, 7:06 pm
I love blizzards and havent had one in forever. Yumm!! You were one of the MOST beautiful brides I have EVER seen Caitlin- forget haters. They are just jealous of you and sour! haha! enjoy your night with your hubby and “babies”
Mel
Bridget February 10, 2009, 7:06 pm
this is a hard question to answer, because there are a lot of things that I can’t get here. When I was in California over break though, I made sure to have Mexican food and artichokes a FEW times. =)

(I can get Mexican food here and it tastes good, but it is just not the same!)
Lauren February 10, 2009, 7:32 pm
Caitlin,
You lived in PA? What part? I live in the Harrisburg area…any idea where that is?
To answer your question, I would have to say my one true indulgence would have to be ice cream from a local place around here. The white chocolate raspberry truffle is to die for but I think it may actually kill you if one would consume it everyday because it’s that indulgent! 🙂 So worth it on ocassion and in small portions though!
Andrea of Care to Eat February 10, 2009, 9:12 pm
In the days that I thought I was healthy before I actually WAS healthy, I used to get those dipped waffle cone bowl sundaes from Dairy Queen. I work right across the street from a DQ and the sign taunts me every day like the bastard it really is.
missbee February 10, 2009, 9:29 pm
reeses blizzards are my all time
favorite. ever. i used to work at
dq in high school. man oh man.

anyways. now i like to buy them.
and then freeze them. and just
scoop out a wee bit. half a cup
or so. and treat it just like its a
tub of ice cream. it doesnt seem
as bad that way. too bad i lack
self control and generally head
back for the rest of it later in
the evening. but at least i try?
Kelsey February 11, 2009, 9:08 am
Hello! I’ve been lurking your blog for a while now, so finally decided I should leave a comment 🙂 I’m a junior in college training for a half marathon in April, so I love reading about your running experiences!
But anyway, I thought this post was funny because I have a roommate who’s diet pretty much consists of DQ Blizzards and Special K cereal. It’s frightening.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 11, 2009, 9:11 am
hey kelsey! thanks for delurking. your roommate’s diet sounds pretty awesome/terrible. 🙂 good luck on your half!!
Sarah W. February 11, 2009, 9:38 am
donuts are my once in a blue moon treat
ash February 11, 2009, 12:01 pm
Blizzards are also my ‘once in a blue moon treat’ and always have been! My number one favorite is the Pecan Cluster! I think it may be called the turtle blizzard now. It is my favorite dessert in the entire world! I actually had one last Wednesday. I would say i have one every 1 to 2 months.

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