Some people might say that Thanksgiving is when all the indulgent holiday eating begins, but we believe it’s actually Halloween. Think about it: Be it in a bowl or your kids’ treat bags, you’re surrounded by candy and all in small sizes making it seem like no big deal to eat a piece. That’s why sugar is like a gateway drug. You just need a piece of candy or two to send you on a non-stop binge fest. Before you know it, you’re running out to replace the treats that just tricked you into devouring them.
It’s time to take a smarter approach to Halloween. Because even when November rolls around the next day, the sugar addiction can be in full swing and won’t stop. Avoid finding yourself in January swearing off sugar as part of your New Year’s resolutions. Instead, try the following tricks to keep your Halloween–and the months after–a healthier holiday season.
Out of Sight: With the exception of the hours when trick-or-treaters are going door-to-door, keep the candy under wraps in a cabinet or pantry. When a big-inviting bowl is out on display, it’s easy to mindlessly eat a piece each time you walk by. By keeping it hidden away, the candy can’t send constant subliminal “eat me” messages, and you’ll likely forget that you have it until a little monster rings your doorbell.
Bad Candy: Worried that candy in your house will be too much temptation regardless of where you keep it? Then simply buy candy that you don’t like. It can’t tempt you if you hate the way it tastes.
Skip the Candy: Be that neighbor who hands out non-candy treats at Halloween. You know, stickers, pennies, little toys, etc. Just maybe skip things like toothbrushes and floss, unless you like eggs–on the front of your house, that is.
Snack Smarter: There are lots of yummy fall treats that are also healthy–apples, anyone? When you want to grab a handful of Sweetarts, choose a smarter snack that will give your body the sweets it’s craving without the refined sugar.
Toss It: If there is too much lingering candy in your home following the big day, get rid of it. Your body is not a garbage can; dump the candy in the real trash. If you feel guilty about “wasting” candy (which we’re pretty sure is not a real thing), then give it away. Put out a bowl at work and let your co-workers work on their willpower.
Take the Lead: On the day of Halloween, instead of being the one to hand out treats, volunteer to take the kids in town from house-to-house. Not only will you not have to sit next to a bowl full of “eat me,” but you’ll also get some exercise walking around the neighborhood.
Bail: No one says you have to give out candy on Halloween. There are plenty of other homes who will be doling out the sweet stuff. Take the night off by going out when others will be popping by, or stay home but keeps the lights low so the neighbors won’t know you’re around.
Halloween doesn’t have to be the first day of bad holiday eating. Put a stop to it now so that you have a few weeks to make a plan before T-day and all it’s fixings has another date with your willpower.
What kind of Halloween candy makes you weak in the knees? Tell us in the comments!
Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
