Do’s and Don’ts for a Healthier Halloween
October starts the trifecta of the Holiday season, leading us into “bulking” season as we eat our way from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas and then maybe even top it off with New Years. Although, that day may kick-start other goals which is a topic for another post!
This post is instead focused on how to best manage some of the more candy-filled holidays, such as Halloween. Many of the suggestions here can also double for Christmas time AKA the whole month of December. In no particular order, here are some do’s and don’ts for practicing a healthy Halloween:
DON’T give out or buy candy on an empty stomach.
The hungrier you are with a bowl of candy close by, the more likely you are to indulge in over-eating some. Be sure to keep your regular eating habits, and that includes dinner.
DO have healthy snacks close.
Even if you aren’t hungry, it can be hard to resist taking a little dive into the bowl of miniature candies. Have some fruit or nuts close by that you can reach for instead. Even a healthful protein bar (watch the sugar there too!). You’ll be happy to had these snacks instead later on when you can sleep without a sugar rush.
DON’T have the candy in a place you look at often.
Having the candy right next to you on the couch or table makes it more tempting. Keep the candy by the door so the only time you’ll see it is when you are handing it out to trick-or-treaters. It may be an old saying but there’s a reason for the phrase ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
DO buy candy as close to the day needed as possible.
The sooner you buy it, the longer it’s in your house. And that means you have to maintain the willpower to avoid it for a longer period of time. Instead, wait until a day or two before trick-or-treat to stock up.
DON’T buy more candy than you need to.
When this time of year comes around, candy can be purchased at a bargain. Don’t let this tempt you, buy just enough so that trick-or-treaters leave your house with a smile on their faces. Don’t buy so much that you will be in a sugar rush by the end of the night from eating leftovers that you didn’t give out. Or, don’t buy so much that you have leftovers the whole week(s) after!
DO give out as many treats as you can and leave little leftover.
If the night is over and you have three unopened bags of candy left it means one of two things: 1.) You overestimated how many trick-or-treaters you were going to get; or 2.) You bought too much candy for the occasion. It’s OK to have a little surplus at the end but make a conscious effort to buy only what you’ll think you’ll need. And leftovers? Take them into work/school/etc. so the remainder is left to the many to enjoy and not to the one or two.
DON’T let leftover candy become your ‘go-to’.
Before you know it you’ll be eating candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner — and a snack in between. If you have leftover candy, leave it at home so after a long day’s work (and a nice workout), you can indulge in a piece if you feel so inclined — but leave it at a piece. Better yet? Save yourself the temptation and bring the leftover candy to work and leave it out for co-workers to enjoy! (See the ‘do’ note above).
DO dress in a costume.
For our last ‘do’ let’s get into the spirit of the occasion. Halloween is a day to dress up for no reason but to have fun! Enjoy yourself! If you’re invited to a costume party then go, but go WITH a costume, and maybe a healthier snack option. It’s more fun keeping positive vibes going.
BONUS TIP
Did you know, you don’t have to fill the Halloween bowl or Holiday cookie jar with sweets at all? Take a trip to the dollar store for small goodies like temporary tattoos, whoopee cushions, play jewelry, and glow sticks to fill your bucket with! These give a nice option for children with allergies and parents watching their sugar intake. Plus, you’ll be less tempted to over-do the sweets and treats as well!
Happy & Healthy Holiday Season to all.
Written by Jennifer McCann, MS, RDN, LD
For more tips check out a past blog post on Training Through the Holidays.