Stay healthy this halloween with these great tips.
Halloween is a spooky and fun-filled holiday for kids, but can be treacherous for those who are health conscious.
Everywhere you turn, high glycemic foods haunt you; calling out from communal bowls at work, tempting you at costume parties, taunting you from the depths of your child’s stash.
It can be difficult to stay on track when it feels like a backslide begins as soon as you tear the first wrapper off that miniature chocolate bar. But, whatever your health goals, it’s not necessary to have a will of iron to stay on track.
Here are a few ideas you can incorporate into your spooky celebrations. It is possible for you and your family to have a healthy Halloween without having to sacrifice any of the enjoyment of the holiday!
Eat Beforehand:
Have a healthy dinner or snack before you head out for a party or to trick or treat with your kids. Leaving the house with a full stomach will help prevent some of the urges to snack on whatever is closest to you. If you know you will be out for a while watching your kids run from door to door, make sure you bring along healthy snacks. This will keep you from reaching into the pillowcase you’ll be inevitably asked to hold. Water will also be a great asset. Staying hydrated will keep cravings at bay.
Walk, Don’t Drive:
On typically cold Halloween nights in Calgary, it can be tempting to sit in a heated car, driving your kids from house to house. Bundle up instead. See how far you can get in the neighbourhood on foot. Walking with your kids and other parents will keep you engaged, and prevent mindless snacking on their loot. Staying active will help you keep your healthy Halloween on track.
Opt for Healthier treats:
If you want to hand out something healthier, options such as honey sticks or animal crackers are a good idea. You can also choose to hand out small toys instead. If you don’t want to deviate from the norm, consider having some of the healthier snacks on hand for yourself, to keep from dipping into the candy bowl during lulls.
Have a Strategy:
Figure out what you’re going to do with the candy beforehand. It can be as simple as allowing everyone to pick out a specific number of pieces (example: one piece for every day in November). More creative options such as the ‘Switch Witch’ or a candy buy-back system allow kids to trade in their candy for a toy or money. The rest of the candy can be donated to various organizations around the city, getting it out of your house.
There is no reason to grudgingly crunch on celery sticks as everyone else enjoys the spoils of the holiday.
A few pieces of your favourite sweet will not be the end of the world. Just remember to practice moderation as you go, and enjoy your healthy Halloween!