For all too many of us, yesterday’s Halloween festivities mark the beginning of junk food season. You know, the time of year when we throw out all of our healthy eating habits because it’s the holidays. We get it…It isn’t exactly popular to eat healthy on Halloween and throughout the holiday season. Nobody wants to hear about your ultra-restrictive, no fun, carbohydrate-free diet this time of year.
But that doesn’t mean you have to completely fall off the wagon. So, we’ve put together a list of 5 wickedly effective strategies to help you avoid some of the usual difficulties associated with junk food season. And the best part is you won’t have to miss any of the ghoulish holiday fun!
1. Don’t Buy Your Favorite Candy. It’s tempting to buy your favorite candy at the store, but if you don’t have the thing you absolutely cannot resist in your house, you’ll be in a much better position to not overindulge on the leftover candy.
2. Eat a Healthy and Balanced Meal Before You Go Out. If you’re hungry and the candy is close by, you’re more likely to grab for that Snickers bar than if you eat a sensible meal and then have one favorite item for dessert. Keeping healthy snacks in the house can also help you avoid the mindless munching on Halloween candy.
3. Out of Sight, Out of Mind. If you have a leftover bowl full of candy that the neighborhood kids didn’t take, or you’ve got little ones that brought in a nice bucket full of sweets, don’t keep it out on the kitchen counter. If you have to pass by the candy bowl every time you head toward the sink, one of those peanut butter cups is bound to catch your eye. Consider storing the snack-sized temptations up in a high cabinet — the kind that requires a step stool — or out in the garage. The less often you have to see the candy, the less often you’ll feel a sudden need for that snickers bar.
4. Keep Track of Your Treat Intake. When you’re nibbling on fun-size candy bars here and there, it doesn’t feel like you’re committing any major dietary crimes. After all, each piece is just an ounce or two of chocolate, right? However, if the trashcan next to your desk is half full of the fun-size wrappers at the end of the day, it’s time to get honest. If you’ve got a stash of left over Halloween treats in the house and you want to have a little from time to time and in moderation, go for it. However, use a notepad or sticky notes to record your sweets intake for the day. Keep your log posted on the fridge for easy access and accountability. It gets a little uncomfortable to write down, “I ate 14 miniature peanut butter cups today”, but it’s necessary to avoid overindulging. To help curb the entire family’s candy consumption, encourage everyone in the house to follow your lead.
5. Stock Up on Fresh Fruits and Make Them Easily Accessible. Honestly, this is a good idea for any time of the year. Buy an assortment of fresh fruits like apples, strawberries, peaches, clementines and grapes. Then, wash them and keep them out on the counter (or in the fridge) in bowls. Keep these delicious and healthy sweets around the house within arm’s reach. Anytime you have a hankering for a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, grab a handful of grapes or a juicy apple. It’s also helpful to keep a large bowl of fruit salad in the refrigerator for the same reason. If it's bedtime, and you’re still a little hungry, grab the fruit salad and go to town! Feel free to indulge, it’s good for you!
Whatever you do, don’t let yesterday’s Halloween festivities be the kick-off of junk food season for you and your family. Do your best to limit the amount of garbage that comes into your house. Take measures to set yourself up for dietary success by stocking up on top quality foods now so that you’ll have much better options at home during the holiday season.
