Even though we all wore our covid protecting masks, and stood 6 feet apart, it did not deter us from reaching into the candy bowl this halloween! Ever since I can remember, as a kid, the best part of halloween was sorting the candy and eating our favorites. The holiday tradition continued throughout college as we bought candy for our roommates and had halloween parties. And when my kids were small we would have a healthy dinner followed by the candy that they went trick or treating for. And now, as an empty nester, it’s not a holiday without the candy bowl and themed decorations (you never know who will stop by!).
Does eating candy on selective holidays ruin my health? No. It does not. But, for anyone who has struggled with disordered eating or an eating disorder, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, holidays like Halloween can bring on a whole new meaning. While other people may be engaged in the fun and festivities that come with the holiday season, having a chaotic relationship with food can make any type of celebration feel frightening. Whether you have had a history of chronic dieting, have used food as an emotional escape, or feel out of control when it comes to eating certain foods, the sight of a bowl of halloween candy can be enough to send you into a downward spiral.
But there is a way to establish a more neutral approach to the sweets and treats that can so easily cause distress and anxiety. I have told my clients who were trying to avoid candy that the candy wasn’t “special”. That we could buy it at any time of the year, not just for halloween. That resonated with them and gave them comfort. And we have also discussed the idea of deprivation and restriction. We agreed that if the candy was something they really wanted, they did not have to deprive or restrict themselves. Having a piece or two (not the whole bag) could be a conscious choice and can be something that they could savor and enjoy. Enjoying the halloween treats could be a mindful act of eating.
I recently overheard a fitness instructor telling his followers that he wanted “reese’s peanut butter cups, snickers, sweedish fish, and nestle crunch bars. Don’t give me apples, bags of pretzels or granola bars!” he said. He wanted to eat what he wanted. And he was going to be thoughtful about his choices. He was going to exercise as he usually did (not any more than his normal workout) and he was going to eat his healthy meals (as he usually did). And then he was going to have his candy.
It is my hope that as we get older and hopefully wiser, we can incorporate healthier choices. And I have noticed that the candy industry has jumped on the health train. Companies are making candy without high fructose corn syrup, without artificial flavors and without food dyes. There are candies that are soy free, dairy free and plant based. If you want it, the possibilities of having healthy candy are endless.
I am not suggesting one substitute candy for a healthy balanced diet. But I am sharing a message that one can make healthier choices and it’s ok to have what you want. Eat for satisfaction. And giving yourself permission often allows you to make another choice that feels just right. Being mindful about what you choose can allow you to appreciate what you choose and allows you to enjoy your choice. Love what you eat and love yourself!