Halloween is here, and along with the costumes and decorations comes the abnormal amount of candy. While it’s natural to want to indulge a little, many people feel torn between enjoying the holiday and staying on track with their health and fitness goals. The good news? You can absolutely enjoy Halloween treats without undoing all your hard work! Here are some healthy, realistic strategies to keep in mind.
1. Set a Treat Limit
One of the simplest ways to enjoy Halloween candy while keeping your goals in sight is by setting a personal limit on how much candy you’ll have. By deciding ahead of time, you avoid mindlessly eating and can truly savor each piece without overdoing it. A GREAT way to help with this is to log your food (candy) in an app like cronometer or MyFitnessPal. Seeing the calories, fat and carbs add up can definitely help you set and stick to a limit!
2. Choose the Candy You Love (make it worth it)
If you’re going to indulge, make it count! Stick to the candies you really enjoy instead of picking at every option available. When you focus on the treats you love most, you’re more likely to feel satisfied with less.
3. Keep Moving
Whether you’re taking your kids trick-or-treating or handing out candy at the door, use Halloween as an opportunity to stay active. A workout earlier in the day or even an evening walk can make a big difference in balancing out the extra calories. If you’re too busy for a full workout, try to hit a step goal as a way to stay active and engaged.
4. Don’t “Slash All Four Tires”
It’s easy to feel guilty for indulging, but remember: one treat isn’t a failure! Think of it this way—if your car got a flat tire, would you go ahead and slash the other three? Of course not! One piece of candy doesn’t mean the entire day is ruined. Just get back on track with your next meal or snack, and don’t let one slip-up derail your progress.
5. Prioritize Protein
Before you reach for the candy, try to eat a source of protein. Protein can help reduce the intensity of blood sugar spikes that often follow sugary snacks. When you’ve had a bit of protein beforehand, your blood sugar will be more stable, helping you avoid a crash (and those nagging cravings for more candy).
6. Hydrate and Enjoy Mindfully
Sometimes, our bodies confuse thirst with hunger, which can lead to unnecessary snacking. Staying hydrated can help you make mindful choices about whether you’re truly hungry or just reaching for another piece out of habit. When you do decide to enjoy some candy, take a moment to savor it slowly rather than eating on autopilot. Mindful eating can make a world of difference in how satisfied you feel!
Enjoy the Season with Balance
Halloween is just one day, and it’s completely possible to enjoy it without setting yourself back. By planning ahead, choosing your treats wisely, and being kind to yourself, you’ll find that Halloween can be fun and guilt-free.
Happy Halloween!
