October. Halloween. Chocolate. Candy. Sugar. Sugar. And more sugar.
Halloween can be a little scary for someone trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. It also feels contrary to pass out handfuls of sugar to kids, promoting unhealthy snacking. So the question arises: What can we do to promote a healthy Halloween? Here are a few ideas.
START WITH A PLAN.
Knowing there will be treats around the house (both the candy you hand out and the stash your kids bring home), make a plan. Be sure to have plenty of pre-cut veggies on hand, so they are easy to grab when you feel the munchies hit.
It is also okay to be human and allow yourself a few treats. But before that happens, make a plan. Will you work out an extra 5 minutes for each snack you consume? Or will you allow yourself one treat if you drink your 64 ounces of water for 10 days straight? Whatever you decide, write it down and stick to it.
CANDY: BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER
Choose the candy you will hand out wisely. For example, if your favorite candy bar is Snickers, do not buy Snickers for the trick-or-treaters that come to your house. There’s the possibility the bag will be empty long before Halloween, and if not, it could still be too tempting to sneak a few between the doorbell rings or to finish off the bag after you turn out your porch light. Instead, buy a treat that is less appealing to you.
Think about asking someone else to hand out the candy at your house. If you have children, let your spouse stay home, while you walk the kids door-to-door allowing you to add in a little exercise and stay away from the open bowl of treats at the same time.
To avoid tempting yourself too much, consider buying your candy at the last minute. Or if you want to purchase it early, ask a reliable member of your household to store it in a place unknown to you.
CONSIDER CANDY ALTERNATIVES
Instead of handing out candy, think about giving out healthier treats or even non-edible goodies.
For healthier options, consider nuts, raisins, granola bars, trail mix, pretzels, crackers or sugar-free hard candies.
Other possibilities include small containers of Play-Doh, stickers, glow stick bracelets, or plastic toy animals. Another plus for these items is that you can store any leftover items to hand out next year (or stick them in Christmas stockings, Easter eggs, or Valentines). The idea is they don’t go bad, and they won’t stare at you or call your name in a moment of weakness.
TREAT YOURSELF
Lastly, I admit that all the talk and thoughts of candy makes me hungry. I can also feel the back of my mind starting to rationalize why I deserve a treat (or two or three or fifty). I like to have a healthy (but sinfully delicious) backup treat.
I found a recipe for Peanut Butter and Chocolate Protein Power Balls on Pinterest, and all I can say is yummmmm. They taste like frozen Reeses peanut butter cups. They only take 5 ingredients (chocolate protein powder, nut butter, honey, salt, and mini chocoloate chips). They are bite-size but very satisfying. And you store them in the freezer, so they are mostly out of sight, but still within reach when a craving hits. Just remember to eat them in moderation; even though they are a healthier option, they still contain calories.
I hope these tips help you to have a healthier Halloween. Enjoy!
What is your favorite part of Halloween?
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