Healthier Anything Goes Treats

If you've been following the Challenge plan, then you know all about Anything Goes Calories. In fact, you've probably been making good use of them already! The number of Anything Goes Calories you're allowed each day is determined by your daily calorie level, which in turn, is based on how active you are. (To learn more about Anything Goes Calories and how many you get, check out Using Anything Goes Calories.) You can spend these calories any way you wish. Perhaps you've used yours for a cocktail at a business dinner, or maybe some cheesy nachos while out with friends. While it's fair game to spend them on junk food, picking healthier choices is even better. What counts as a healthy treat? Check out the ideas below for more nutritious splurges.

Dark chocolate. Satisfy a chocolate craving with dark instead of milk chocolate, and you'll get disease-fighting antioxidants.

Flavored low-fat milk or nonfat milk. These beverages provide a good amount of bone-building calcium.

Fruit juice. You'll get a helping of vitamins (and some fiber, if it contains pulp) from this sweet sip. Anything over 4 ounces a day should count as Anything Goes Calories.

Fruit desserts. Enjoy a small piece of apple crisp, peach cobbler or other fruity dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and score some important vitamins and a little fiber, to boot.

Full-fat cheese, full-fat yogurt and ice cream. Have an ounce or two of your favorite full-fat cheese, a container of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream; all of these foods are good sources of calcium.

Granola bars. These are a great on-the-go bite. Look for ones that contain no more than 180 calories and 12 g sugar, and at least 2 g fiber.

Oatmeal cookies. The word cookie is nearly synonymous with treat. Oatmeal cookies are a good choice because they offer a little fiber and some whole grains.

Pizza. Happy to see this on the yes-you-can-eat-it list? The calcium-rich cheese and antioxidant-packed tomatoes make this a smart way to spend your Anything Goes calories. (Note: If you have pizza with whole-grain crust, you don't have to use your Anything Goes Calories on it.)

Sweetened iced tea. It's tea time! Green tea may boost the immune system. Black tea also helps build your immunity, while also helping to protect against heart disease and stroke.

Whole-wheat graham crackers. Crunchy and satisfying, this treat offers some filling fiber.

Wine. As long as you've completed the first four weeks alcohol-free, you can enjoy a glass of wine now and then. Studies suggest that wine may help protect your heart.