Candy season starts in October with Halloween and runs through March or April with Easter. During this time there is Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine’s Day as well, all times for sweets and treats.
Like any holiday, Halloween can be a tempting time to overindulge in treats and is typically the beginning of a six-month sugar binge that ends just in time to start getting back into shape for summer. This year, let’s stop the cycle before it starts. There are a few tips and tricks you can use to enjoy Halloween and still stay on the healthy track.
With a bit of thought and pre-planning you can find creative, but healthy Halloween options and help the children in your neighborhood have a healthier Halloween with fewer empty sugar calories.'
1. Small bags of pretzels
2. Mini-bags of microwave popcorn
3. 100 percent fruit roll-ups or fruit leather
4. Mini granola bars
5. Pre-packaged raisins
6. 100 percent fruit juices
7. Small packages of nuts or sunflower seeds
8. Individually wrapped beef jerky or Slim Jims
9. Snack-size graham crackers, animal crackers or Goldfish
10. Mini dark-chocolate bars with nuts
11. 100 calorie packs
12. Packages of cheese and crackers or peanut butter and crackers.
Set a time limit for trick or treating. Children don’t need to fill their bags up to the rim and go back out for a second time. In most cases they don’t eat the candy nearly as much as their parents will anyway. Keep candy out of sight — out of sight out of tummy. Consider limiting the amount of candy per day and possibly even a time frame for how long they have to eat the candy. On a personal note, after two weeks in my house it all goes in the trash. Though this may seem harsh and wasteful, I learned a long time ago that it will either go to waste in the “trash” or waste on your “thighs.” Either way it is a waste, so enjoy it for a while and then get rid of it! Lastly, you should always eat a healthy meal before you treat yourself to sweets, paying special focus on lean proteins will help to stabilize your blood sugar.
Garrison Family Medical Group is located at 18520 Via Princessa, Suite C2 in Canyon Country. For more information, please call 888-333-2996.