Scaring Away the Cravings
Halloween can be a scary time of year when you are watching your weight. You seem to be haunted by all that candy in the house, leading to a full-blown candy binge, chocolate hangover, and vows to do better tomorrow. The tricky part is that labeling the foods you love as evil actually increases their power over you. When what you really crave is “bad,” you feel guilty for even wanting it and deprived because you can’t have it.
The result? You find yourself foraging treats from the pumpkin basket and burying the candy wrappers at the bottom of the garbage can so your kids won’t find out. And what does this say to your kids when they inevitably find out that you’ve been sneaking and stealing their candy? Talk about guilt!
How to stop raiding your kid’s trick-or-treat loot
Minimize Your Exposure.
Wait until the last minute to buy Halloween candy then buy only what you really think you’ll need for the big night. Get the stuff kids love rather than bags and bags of your favorites.
Remember, It’s Not Your Food.
All too often we eat whatever shows up–Halloween candy, donuts in the break room, or samples in the grocery store. But you didn’t choose to put it there so stop mindlessly putting it in your mouth!
Get Your Own.
You’ll be less tempted to get into the kid’s holiday candy if stop depriving yourself the rest of the year. Scary, I know, but knowing you have your own portion controlled treats will help when faced with a plastic pumpkin full of goodies staring you in the face.
Sample
If you really want some candy, ask your child to share a few pieces with you. Through observation, they learn that it is possible to balance eating for nourishment with eating for enjoyment. Set them aside to eat when you really want them.
Find Room in Your Calorie Budget For a Small Treat.
If you’re going to eat Halloween candy (you know you are!), then adjust for it. You can have a piece or two without blowing your calorie budget. Enjoy those M&Ms one at a time, mindfully without distractions.
Just The Right Size!
The fun-sized treats are the perfect size for a few mindful bites of heaven. And those first few bites are always the best, so think before you dive in for more.
Eat Fearlessly Without Guilt.
We all know that guilt leads to more eating, not less, so let it go. Don’t torture yourself with exercise. Being physically active feels good and provides numerous benefits for your health; don’t turn it into punishment for eating.
Pass it on.
Halloween is a great time to teach your kids how to enjoy a little candy as part of a healthy and active lifestyle.
