Healthy Halloween Tips

Halloween is just around the corner, and while the parties, costumes, and, yes, even candy is a lot of fun, the leftover candy can sabotage the best diet efforts.

So, here are a few tips to find a balance going into the holiday so that you can indulge in your favorite treats and still stay mindful to your nutritional goals.

There isn’t much that is completely off limits when it comes to food, but the key is to watch your overall calorie intake. Check the labels, and be mindful when you’re picking your snacks. There can be quite a variety in calorie counts in those snack size Halloween treats, so watch the quantity and the variety. At the high end on calorie counts- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups ad Peanut M&Ms.

In order to minimize temptation, wait until as late as possible to purchase Halloween candy. If you really want to play it safe, pick candy you don’t even like. If you have leftovers, put them out of sight, or find a place in which to donate them (churches and dentist offices are options).

This goes for adults, as well as children. If you’re hungry, you’re more likely to overdo it on whatever is in front of you. And the kids are will be tempted to eat candy along the way. Eat first, fill up on healthy proteins and fiber, and then enjoy treats in moderation.

Offset that candy with some extra activity. Go Trick-or-Treating with the kids, or volunteer at a Halloween event. Enjoy the walk, the weather, and all the fun kids and costumes.

When your kids get home with candy, have them sort it out ad divide it up into reasonable portions to last the next several days. If you have extra candy of your own, choose lower calorie varieties as well as dark chocolates which is healthier. Candy usually has a long shelf life, so pack it up, put it away, and enjoy it slowly.

This goes for everyone- ENJOY! Enjoy treats and holidays and parties in moderation, but DO ENJOY! It’s about the overall calorie count, so watch your intake and make sure you move enough. But, the holiday season, starting with Halloween– and then Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and others, is a time to have fun and socialize and celebrate. Keep perspective, keep moderation, and remember to have fun!