With Halloween just a few days away it really marks the start of the eating season. First it’s Halloween and all the leftover candy. Then it’s Thanksgiving and all the leftovers, which leads us into the Christmas season with the holiday parties and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, extending until New Years and then there are still leftovers from New Years Day.
As a dietitian I hear many excuses for not eating healthy. Many people who are trying to lose weight just check off two months of excuses on reasons to eat. So let’s make this season different and start right with Halloween.
First off, don’t buy Halloween candy early. If you have the mentality of my husband, we need to buy the Halloween candy early just in case. Just in case the stores run out or the kids come before Oct. 31? Slim chance, but it’s an excuse to have it in the house to nibble on before trick or treating begins. So here it starts with the temptations and splurges, and if you’re not careful, extra pounds free of charge.
Secondly, don’t let yourself or your kids go hungry Halloween night. Have a balanced meal such as a salad with some grilled chicken before the night begins. This will prevent the gorging of Halloween candy and will allow you to enjoy some candy in the right amounts.
Thirdly, if you have candy leftovers just throw it out rather than bringing on the baggage to someone else. Chances are if you bring it to the workplace most people are in the same boat as you and trying to watch their weight. And if you bring sweets to a place where we tend to stress eat we are setting ourselves and others up for a pound increase. So what sense does it make to bring it there? Save yourself and your co-workers the temptation and throw it out.
Lastly, if have you kids control their candy intake. Make it fun by portioning it out and setting treat times or saving for a later date. Maybe make a healthy recipe such as whole-wheat cookies, muffins, or pancakes with candy goodies. Trail mix is another good option with nuts, dried fruit, and some M&M’s for a fix. But whatever you do, remember that candy and rewards don’t mix.
So make this Halloween a trick and a treat – not all eats!
--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing
No comments:
Post a Comment