A Healthy Halloween
When it comes to maintaining health in our sugar-obsessed world, it’s important to have a plan and set boundaries when it comes to holidays—particularly one that is almost entirely based around candy.
It is no secret that sugar and candy are addicting, but what upsets me is how often clients, friends, and family beat themselves up for overindulging in it. Massive amounts of funds and dedicated food scientists are tasked with creating the most delicious and addictive sweet treats; after all, it’s how they make money. Overeating these chemically-engineered foods is not a moral failing. It is literally the intention of the candy creators. For that reason, it’s important to arm yourself with information, find fun alternatives to conventional candy, and create a plan for celebration that will preserve your health and still allow for fun.
Here are some simple strategies to help:
If you know you’ll have trick-or-treaters, don’t buy any candy until the day or two before Halloween. You don’t need that hanging around the house any longer than necessary!
On the night of, be sure to have a hearty, protein-packed meal to avoid sugar cravings as you pass out the goods. Plan a special home-made dessert for yourself if you know you’ll want something sweet. Anything homemade will be better than the Snickers and Butterfingers you’re passing out.
If you’re looking to upgrade your candy selection to include fewer processed ingredients, artificial flavors, and dyes, try:
Yum Earth Giggles (Skittles alternative)
Unreal Chocolate Coconut Bars, Unreal Peanut Butter Cups, or Unreal Chocolate Peanut Gems (M&Ms alternative)
Hu Chocolate Cashew Hunks (my personal favorite)
Sweet Smarts Swedish Fish or Sourmelon Bites
** Be aware that all of these cleaner ingredient options are still sweet, can lead to overindulgence, and should be enjoyed in moderation. **
When Halloween is over, ditch the candy. Toss it, give it away, or bring it to work, but do not leave it sitting on your kitchen counter. It will lead to days of overeating and increased blood sugar levels (which no one wants). If you do want to keep some of the candy (particularly the cleaner options) hanging around, consider putting it in the freezer so that you can intentionally take out one or two pieces ahead of time to thaw and enjoy after dinner.
If you have children and would like to help them manage their candy intake (or eliminate it almost entirely), consider using the freezer strategy or the Switch Witch!
Let’s make Halloween about the good stuff—friends, family, costumes, decorations, spooky music, and pets wearing ridiculously adorable outfits. Take the good, leave the sugar rush and candy hangover.
Happy Halloween!
XO,
Kara
