Curb the Halloween Candy Craze: 6 Easy Tips for a Healthier Halloween by Susan Bowerman, M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSOWM, FAND
Halloween is creeping up on us and can be an especially tempting time for adults, too, with bowls of goodies sitting atop counters, work desks and conference tables. Those sugary Halloween candies can mean excess calories and can also wreak havoc with your energy level. A dose of sugar can send your blood sugar skyrocketing, only to have it dip just as quickly – and this roller-coaster effect often leads to more sugar cravings.
It’s important to stop temptation before it starts and establish healthy habits this Halloween season. Here are a few tips to help:
1. Satisfy Sweet Cravings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends choosing fresh fruits or vegetables for Halloween party snacks. At the office, try some fresh fruit with high-protein Greek yogurt, or a handful of trail mix made with nuts and dried fruit. Berries are also a great sugar substitute, as they are sweet, delicious and easy to eat.
2. See No Candy
Put candy in the cupboard – out of sight, out of mind. Participate in your community’s Halloween Candy Buy Back where it will be collected – usually at a local dentist’s office – and shipped to our troops overseas. Go ahead and save one piece a day to enjoy for a couple of weeks.
3. Walk It Off
Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are traditional “slump times” at work when it’s easy to crave a tempting, unhealthy snack for a sugar boost. Go outside for invigorating fresh air and some cardio.
4. Stay the Course
Think about your usual daily patterns, and when you normally eat meals and snacks. If a mid-morning snack isn’t part of your usual routine, you shouldn’t be reaching for candy at 10 a.m. Make sure your meals and snacks contain plenty of hunger-busting protein, and don’t let yourself get dehydrated – drinking enough water can help you feel fuller.
5. Give Boredom the Boot
People tend to eat more when they’re bored, so take advantage of fun Halloween activities to keep your mind off candy. Carve that winning pumpkin, head out to a hayride, bob for apples or binge your favorite scary movies instead.
6. Don't Let It Become a Habit
A couple of pieces of candy over the holiday isn’t the end of the world, but don’t let it become a habit. Eating an extra 100 calories a day above what you require could mean a 10-pound weight gain over a course of a year. Stay in control and you’ll have a happy, healthy Halloween.
Note: The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.
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