Even though my children are older and don’t dress up for Halloween, they still love the holiday because to them it’s still all about the candy! They go crazy for the super bags of chocolate and gummy treats. They tell me that it’s not “cool” to hand out pretzels, granola bars or anything that looks “healthy”. Ok, so what do we do when surrounded by the forbidden fruit- or rather forbidden candy? Do we give in and take a bite of the poison apple or do we stick to our guns and be strong and yield not to temptation?
Here are some tips for a sweet and healthy Halloween that won’t wreck your diet.
1. Work out in the morning. This is my favorite time of day to work out (my body is rested and I have plenty of energy). Also, by working out first thing in the morning, I get “it done” and I don’t have to think about it for the rest of the day. Also, it puts you in the right mindset to make healthy choices and stick with your Halloween battle plan.
2. Stick to Your Usual Eating Routine. Don’t be tempted to skip breakfast and lunch on Halloween so you can bank your calories for sweets. It is not a good idea to save up for Halloween by not eating. And, If you’re hungry, you have no willpower. I believe that it’s important to eat your usual meals during the day and have a healthy dinner before the Halloween festivities begin.
3. Be last minute. I see Halloween treats line the supermarket shelves as soon as summer ends! But do yourself a favor and wait til a day or two before Oct 31st to buy the sugary treats. That way you will be less tempted to dig in. And, do yourself a favor, don’t buy what you love.
4. Have a “splurge strategy”. In order to survive the holiday without derailing your diet, plan your splurges in advance. I like to make it really specific — for example, I will have three fun-size bars or three peanut butter cups. If you have a plan, you’re more likely to stay in control. And who knows, maybe just the fact that you are “allowing” yourself a treat, you may just forego it altogether.
5. Say NO to mindless eating. If you’re stopping by a Halloween party, keep your hands busy. I like to hold a bottle of water so I am less likely to to graze the candy bowls or buffet table. I am also telling you to stand away from the food so you can resist the temptation to nibble on everything you see. My clients who keep a food journal know how valuable this tool is. They are less likely to “be bad” if they have to be accountable to someone other than themselves!
6. Give away leftovers. After everyone has counted their loot, we give away the candy that no one wants. Many dentist offices will take donations of candy and trade it in for more than just pennies!
7. Bounce back ASAP! If you still find yourself in the middle of a sugar coma come November 1, don't freak out. One day doesn't do you in. To recover, I suggest meals full of veggies and protein for the next few days. Have green juice that's made with lots of vegetables and a lot of fluids, and higher protein-lower carb meals to help flush out fluid retention from the sugar. And don’t forget to hit the gym for a calorie-burning workout to help undo those peanut butter pumpkins and candy corn.
Keep these tips in mind and you will be fine for any trick or treat that comes your way this Oct 31st!