Someone brought a chocolate cake into work today.
It called – nay, screamed – my name every time I walked past it in the break room.
"KRISTIN! GET! OVER! HERE! YOU KNOW YOU WANT A BIG, HONKING PIECE OF MEEEEE!"
I did. I wanted a piece SO bad. However after several months of trying to convince myself that the dryer was shrinking my jeans, I finally faced the reality that it was me and my late-night snacking that was expanding into them. I’ve been trying really hard the past week or so to cut out mindless eating (mostly at night) and to nix all most un-necessary sweets.
Disclaimer: I’m a firm believer that life is very short and one should absolutely have a freaking piece of chocolate cake if they want to… Just not when your entire jean collection is on the line!
So anyways, back to this cake. It was homemade and you could just tell that it was crazy-moist, dense and packed with luscious, chocolaty flavor. Plus it was smothered in homemade chocolate icing. Aw, man!
In the end, I prevailed over that damn cake – but the chocolate craving stayed with me. I tore home like a mad woman after work and whipped up the most decadent, uber-chocolaty, "healthy" baked good I knew of…
Baked Chocolate Doughnuts!!!
No bowl, no spatula, no inch of counter space was left untouched as I tore through the kitchen in a chocolate frenzy.
I honest to goodness would buy this pan JUST for this doughnut recipe!!!
In less than 30 minutes, start to finish, I had a fluffy, moist, mouth-watering chocolate treat – that came in at 180 calories a pop! Compare that to Krispy Kreme’s Chocolate Glazed Cake Doughnut that comes in at over 280 calories!!
Ok…add a few cals for the buttermilk icing I drizzled on top. 
Just buttermilk, vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Mixed until smooth, then drizzled on top.
It seriously tasted like a fried, chocolate glazed doughnut. I can’t get over it!
I followed this recipe down to the letter, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Perfection. Now I want to get a mini doughnut pan so I can make mini baked chocolate doughnuts. Then I can just pop one or two when I have a craving. 
Sorry – they are just really that good…
From one carb to another (what tight jeans?) I made some fabulous Garlic Noodles for dinner to supplement my doughnut appetizer.
I started by sautéing cut-up chicken breast seasoned with salt & pepper, in non-stick spray, then removed it to a plate when it was done.
Next I melted some butter,
and sautéed green onions and garlic for about 2 minutes total.
Everybody in the pool!
Including a luscious sauce of oyster sauce, soy sauce and a little brown sugar.
Add the chicken back in and serve.
These are quite possibly the best noodles, um, EVER. I followed this recipe (plus chicken) and it was ready in like, seriously, 5 minutes. Salty, a little sweet, and totally slurp worth. SO YUM.
Ok I know what you’re thinking. How does shrinking one’s thighs include butter, sugar AND pasta?! Portion control.
Enjoy the flavors you love – butter, sugar and pasta – just don’t eat a giant plate of ‘em!
Also – work out.
Since I stopped blaming the dryer, I’ve been kicking up my workouts in both frequency and intensity. Upping the speed on my treadmill a couple decimal points, or adding 5 more minutes onto the end. Finishing a workout with a 10 minute walk at a high incline or getting up early in the morning to tackle a gym sesh before work. I’m doing what I can, as often as I can, and hopefully it pays off…soon!
I know my jeans didn’t "shrink" in a day, so it’ll take more than a day to loosen them back up, but like I told you the other day, I am a rather impatient person. Here’s to loose jeans – quickly!
Have a good night. 
~~~~~
Would you rather change your diet, or exercise more, in order to lose weight?
I’m not really willing to give up things like chocolate, butter and sugar, so I’d rather up the workout intensity to lose a few lbs!
I just got a doughnut pan for my birthday – can’t wait to use it! Your doughnuts look great
A combination generally works for me – but on the whole, I’ll exercise more so I can indulge a little more frequently.
You are a strong lady. Even in my times of clothes-not-fitting, I was never able to turn down cake. Very impressed with your doughnuts! In the past I’ve only changed my eating habits to lose weight, but these days I would definitely be more focused on the working out.
Normally I wouldn’t turn it down either. However these are serious, button-bursting times!
It is a combo for me. Getting active more often and eating better. Which is hard when you see so many mouth water desserts on blogs every day!
I bought a doughnut pan last weekend and I am excited to try these chocolate doughnuts! It’s amazing how great they taste baked!
Why do I not have a freaking donut pan?! I need to go on a Williams and Sonoma shopping spree, this is an issue
I feel like I could always do a little more time working out — but unfortunately what I EAT effects me much more than how much I exercise. Over the past year I’ve lost around 8 lbs w/o trying to at all (or changing my exercise routine) — the only change that I’ve made is eating differently. I start my day with a green monster or another smoothie — have a gigantic salad w/ everything I can think of in it for lunch and then dinner w/ focus on vegetables, meat and smaller amounts of carbs. I can easily say no to desserts when I KNOW I’ll be having a DQ blizzard or other delicious treats on the weekend
I have been following your post for a couple of weeks and I love it! I just recently moved out of Iowa and reading your blog makes me miss my homeland!
I suffer from the same issues- love food but have to monitor what I eat to fit into the darn clothes! I would definitely work out more rather than eat less. Why do that?! 
I’m off to buy a donut pan! Ha!
Can I say I don’t want to do either?! I’d rather cut cals but it’s hard! I actually bought that donut pan today…
Trying to lose weight is definitely a combination of cutting calories and exercising more for me, but if I had to pick, I would pick running more–I guess because it seems “easier??”
I actually feel guilty bringing in treats to work because I feel like I am “enabling” people, but I don’t want gobs them in my house either! I guess I shouldn’t make them in the first place than, huh? But I love to bake–ugh, a never-ending battle!
Props to you for avoiding the cake! I don’t know if I would’ve had the same ability, given that it was homemade, sounds like it smelled/looked delicious, and had lots of frosting! (My downfall). Keep up the good work!
Hmm, that’s such a toughie! I love exercise, but I have to be in the mood for it. I love good food, but I also love some cake and chocolate and bagels and pasta and…you get the picture
How about a little bit of both? PS – kudos on waiting for the homemade donuts! They sound awesome!
I’ve been a faithful (yet silent, until today) reader for a year-ish now but HAD to speak up and rejoice that I’m not the only one always trying to blame the dryer for snug jeans! I actually try to blame bloating a lot too (in my defense there’s lots of salty foods out there). Anyway, I had a good laugh because I can totally relate. I guess I would much rather work-out a little harder and cut out some unnecessary snacking because let’s be honest…”diets” suck! My biggest problem is that I skimp on lunch due to a busy workday and end up being starved beyond reason at dinner
I would rather just exercise more, but I know I can’t out-exercise a bad diet. For me the “diet” is for weight-control and the exercise is for health.
I agree. I would much, MUCH rather exercise off my calories than have to give up my favorite foods. However, like you mentioned, there is no possible way to out exercise a bad diet. Period. Unfortunately!!!
That is so true! I have never heard it put that way before! Brilliant!
“diet” is for weight-control and the exercise is for health”
Kim, I will be using your quote as my blog title later tonight.
Come by and see if you are interested.
You need to start a blog!
dmc
Ooooo….that’s a tuff one. At the moment I’m trying a little of both. I also have tight jean syndrome. Trying to read labels more, cut back on portions, AND get off my ass more often!
I guess it’s easier for me to exercise more, but I like to do both if I’m trying to cut back. No use working out extra if I still eat a ton of crap!
It’s the portion control that’s really an issue for me . . . or that mindless night eating. Some days, I swear I eat from the time I get home til the time I go to bed. Mindless indeed!
Omg these look delicious. I checked out the recipe, what kind of yogurt did you use?
I used vanilla Greek yogurt!
Donut pan?! I can’t believe I don’t have one, my kiddo’s will go nuts. I’m such a sucker for food day at work, this morning I had chocolate cake for breakfast.
Kids love ‘em! I make fun frosting colors for holidays too and last year I made the doughnuts & frosting green for St. Patty’s Day. A simple tradition to make fun holiday themed doughnuts and my kids love it!
You have more self control than I did today. I made the mistake of opening the two boxes of Girl Scout cookies I purchased at work. I had all good intentions of just having one mint thin and one PB pattie, but alas, it turned into 5 and 3. Darn those cookies! They didn’t do anything to my goal of losing some poundage – but they were good.
Ugh – mine are coming in next week. Talk about a disaster waiting to happen!!
I try to do both, but usually end up just upping my workouts because it is REALLY hard for me to restrict my eating…
I had to chuckle, because I read this post while eating homemade chocolate cake! haha! I am an exercise more kind of girl, with maybe some better food choices added in. I don’t restrict myself, but I try not to eat junk just because it’s available, which used to be a problem for me. Now I eat it if it’s something I am actually hungry for and like to eat. I definitely could/would not turn down the chocolate cake! Why is it that night-time eating is the hardest to curb?
I’d rather spend more time at the gym, but I find eating better works much quicker!
Totally feel you with this post. I love blaming the dryer. And I always just feel better about myself when I’m able to turn down mindless treats. Those garlic noodles look delish! And now I’m going to go get some chocolate after looking at those donuts…
I think it’s important to deal with weight-loss with an all-around approach. Sure, you could probably lose weight by excessively exercising or cutting out all carbs, but I don’t think that’s really healthy.
Better to be healthy size xx, than an unhealthy (unhappy) size x.
I’d honestly rather exercise more, but I know it’s not feasible in the long run. SO, I buckle down when my pants are getting too tight even though I HATE passing up sweets.
Combo please! Gotta cut calories and up the work outs! I’m doing P90X with my husband right now and I love it! It’s such a different work out and it keeps me constantly moving and guessing what’s next! My body likes the variety too! I’m used to just walking.
Hope the muscle aches pay off!
here’s to jeans that button. i know how you feel!
Garlic noodles look really tastey. I like that website too. Might have to add that to the blogroll!
Thanks!
I actually go for the abs are made in the kitchen motto. I never used to be able to control what I ate, but since I have been having stomach problems its pretty easy for me to say no to certain things. I need to try a gf verison of those donuts though! Donuts are the thing I miss most!
I have that doughnut pan too and it is awesome! I hate to add to the temptation but the BEST thing to put on those chocolate doughnuts is peanut butter icing. I don’t even measure, I just mix peanut butter (2T. maybe), powdered sugar (guess is 1/2c.) and milk to thin it out, then adjust by adding more pb if it is not peanut buttery enough! Delicious.
I’d rather exercise more, but I know it’s more about nutrition than exercise- so that’s at toughie!
oooh looks tasty!
I gotta agree with some of the others like Rachel…I subscribe to the research that shows that diet is 80%+ of weight loss success. It’s too easy to get injured or burned out from over-exercising…all for just 20% of the results. Although I LOVE exercise and work out hard 6 days a week…seems pointless though if I just come home and eat too much junk.
That dinner looks so good! What other sauce could I use instead of oyster sauce? That makes me want to gag. I’m going to find an alternative!
I’d much rather work out more. Here’s a tried and true tip from a gal who has gained and lost 40 lbs after three pregnancies/babies. Do NOT eat after 7:30 pm. Only once a week do I eat after that time and it is amazing how much it helps. I mean brush your teeth and get away from the snacks. Also, kicking it up in the exercise department doesn’t hurt either!
Your post motivated me to bring in donuts to work tomorrow (made with my donut pan of course!) I made some with cake mix that I jazzed up with a super fast caramel coating. YUM!
Usually when people bring stuff to work, I find myself wondering how clean their houses are, or if they wash their hands before they cook. Then it’s not so difficult to resist.
I really want, no i mean i need, a donut pan… now!
Your donuts make me jealous every time I see them. They look delicious! I’m with you…up the exercise. I don’t eat that terribly in the first place, but every once in a while I indulge in a bit too much too often. I just remind myself everything in moderation is fine and then kick my rear in gear instead of sitting on the couch all night after work. Winter sure makes moving more challenging sometimes.
I’m a bit older than most of your followers and I have the problem of high blood pressure and diabetes. So just keeping a natural weight is important. But you are such a tease with these doughnuts and noodle dishes. Love reading your blog.
Sherry
I’m right there with you! I would rather increase my cardio for food. I love the saying “will run for food!” I could NEVER give up good food but I can definitely find a little more time to pack in some workouts.
For me, when I’m doing one, I’m usually doing the other. When I’m exercising, I want to eat better because it fuels my workouts and vice versa…plus, being an impatient person myself, doing both helps me see results faster
Typically I would work out more, I just love my food and beverages too much
. But since I found out I was pregnant I had to reside myself to the fact that very shortly my clothes would not fit. I think the hardest part if you are someone like me, who was very conscious about healthy eating and exercise is, while pregnant you just watch yourself getting bigger haha. I am still working out, but they ask you to cut back as far as intensity, so I’m just really enjoying this time and learning to love my “bigger” body!
oh man. i DO need a donut pan, now! Chocolate donuts are my all time favorite, and these look perfect
I am definitely a recent exercise convert. I resisted as long as I could and tried to lose weight by just eating well, but when I started exercising, I could suddenly eat more and so losing weight doesn’t feel like anything I’m doing, it’s just happening. Plus, the extra energy and the fact that I haven’t had any seasonal depression speaks volumes for the benefits of exercise! It’s not practical to just resist all temptations, so I’m on your side. I’d rather bump up my exercise than cut out delicious food!
Ummm…those doughnuts a great idea! I would intensify my workout ANY DAY. There is no way I could diet – ever.
The week before my wedding, I made oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies- because I wanted to try them. Then I ran 6 miles to make up for it…..totally worth it! It’s all about balance
I would definitely workout more instead of change my diet– and right now, I should do both :p my jeans are feeling snug too! but what a great way to curb your craving!
I think its easier to change diet. You don’t really have to “do” anything strenuous- just eat fruit, veggies, and protein. In fact you could sleep more and lose weight with simple diet changes.
The way I see it, if I couldn’t run anymore do to joint problems I would eat healthy and still get results. I always read health magezines when I am going through the “tight jeans” phases – usually after every holiday!
I really need to order one of those donut pans, my kids love donuts and I love to bake, so it would be a match made in heaven!
I also really want to say thanks for your honesty when it comes to tight jeans, I am usually in awe of what many bloggers post they eat and wonder how they manage to keep the weight off, it’s nice to know you are human too! My jeans have been doing the tight thing lately too
not fun!
I have been trying to eat better, and since I am currently training for a half marathon I am getting in longer and longer work outs!
I would rather do a little bit of both to cut some pounds. I would make sure to get in a regular work-out and maybe cut out a late night snack or dessert.
Uh, absolutely work out more! I could never, NEVER give up good food and of course good sweets! Always in moderation is my mantra
Ha- I love that you describe the doughnut making process as a frenzy. I usually do a combo of increased exercise and smaller portions to get back into check. No dieting though. I’ve learned I just cannot refuse wine or chocolate. Ever.
Those donuts look great!! However, I am with you I rather exercise a little more because I love my desserts!! Have you tried Selma Brownies? They are amazing…. http://taralynnupshaw.blogspot.com/2011/03/brownie-lovers-dream.html