We are now less than one week away from being in those to-die-for Victoria’s Secret bikinis on the beach. The pressure is on to keep up with working out and eating well. However, the temptation of my favorite foods haunts me more and more every time I eat a boneless, skinless chicken breast and salad.
 

For junior Nikki Hendry, who is preparing for a trip to Arizona, the temptation lies in coming home after a long night out. “I live with six other girls and they are always eating yummy drunk food, so I have been cheating on the weekends which really isn’t even worth it,” she said.
 
As it turns out, giving in to your craving in a controlled, healthy way may give you the momentum you need to stick to your diet for the home stretch. The following recipes are delectable, diet-friendly versions of your favorite indulgences to satisfy your cravings and maintain the physique you have worked so hard for. Bon appetit!
 

“Red Carpet Ready” cake

This low-fat, low-calorie recipe by Kristina Vanni at Better Recipes lets you eat an individual serving of your favorite cake, guilt free!If you follow the new Weight Watchers program, this is only 3 Points plus! Confetti cake, anyone?
 
1. Start with a box of angel food cake mix and a box of regular cake mix of your choice.
2. Combine the two cake mixes in a zip lock bag. You will only use 3 tablespoons at a time to make individual cakes.
3. Combine 3 tablespoons of the mix with 2 tablespoons of water in a small, microwave-safe bowl.
4. Microwave for 1 minute and enjoy!
Tip: A small dollop of fat-free cool whip and some fresh strawberries make great, healthy garnishes!
 

Chocolate & Nut Butter Bites

If you love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, you will love these 79-calorie delights. This recipe from eatingwell.com is for four servings, so share some with your girlfriends or roommates!
 
1. Start with 8, 1/4-ounce squares of bittersweet chocolate and 4 teaspoons of almond, cashew or pistachio butter.
2. Top each chocolate square with 1/2 teaspoon of nut butter of your choice.
 

Guilt-Free Fries

Bake these fries by Bethenny Frankel ofThe Real Housewives Of New York ahead of time for the next Saturday you are tempted to hit Geo’s after bar close.

 
1. Start with 4 baking potatoes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper and paprika.
2. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
3. Cut the potatoes into wedges or strips, leaving the skins on.
4. Toss them with the olive oil, salt and pepper.
5. Arrange them in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with the paprika.
6. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are crisp.
 

Faux-Fried Chicken

Bake this low-fat comfort food staple from Perez Hilton’s health blog, FitPerez.com, for you and three friends to share post workout — it has a whopping 27 grams of protein, .5 grams of fat, and just 170 calories per serving! Who needs KFC?
 
1.  Start with 1 pound of chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips, 3 Tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 1/2 cups of cornflakes, 2 teaspoons of minced fresh sage, 1 teaspoon of minced fresh thyme and BBQ or honey-mustard sauce (optional).
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Using a pastry brush, coat each piece of chicken with Dijon mustard.
4. In a food processor or blender, combine the cornflakes, sage, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Pulse to a coarse meal and transfer to a shallow dish.
5. Dredge each chicken strip in the cornflake mixture until evenly coated.
6. Place on baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve with dipping sauce, if desired.