TRICK OR TREAT OR TRICK YOUR MIND?

by Laura Discepola, RNCP/ROHP

Be rest assured, all hope is not lost, there are ways to keep your hands out of the candy jar and avoid the temptation this Halloween season!

HERE ARE SOME TIPS SO YOU DON’T FALL INTO THE HALLOWEEN CANDY TRAP:

1. Buy candy that you dislike and hand that out to the trick-or-treaters so you are not tempted to sample.

2. Buy healthier choices to hand out and be the healthy house on the block. Try boxed raisins, granola bars, boxed juices, individual fruit cups , apple sauces or fruit leathers (dried fruit sticks found in the produce section of your grocery store)

3. Skip the candy and hand out stickers, temporary tattoos, balloons, erasers or crayons instead – I’m pretty sure if those are around you will not be tempted to eat them!


Great! So you are thinking to yourself “What about when my kids bring home all their candy, what am I supposed to do then?”

1. Remember that it’s not your candy; it’s their candy so it’s not really yours to eat in the first place! You wouldn’t want them helping themselves to something that was yours without permission would you?

2. Ask your kids to say “no” when you ask for a piece – let them be the boss when it comes to your candy-eating habits.

3. Think out of sight, out of mind. Don’t leave a bowl of candy on the kitchen counter or in a place that you often find yourself looking like your main pantry or kitchen shelf. Place it in a solid container so that you do not see the contents and don’t get tempted!

4. When a craving does occur, try chewing on a piece of dried fruit – you will get a very similar, if not, the same satisfaction!

5. Keep some fruit leathers handy and don’t feel guilty having one once in a while if it helps you stay away from the candy trap.

7. Take a break. Call a friend, go for a walk and get away for a breath of fresh air will help curb that craving.

8. Manage your hunger by eating smaller, well-balanced meals (3 meals and 2 snacks) daily and control your hormones which will in turn control your cravings. Planned meals will make you less likely to get your hand stuck in that candy jar too!

9. Try making an herbal tea sweetened with stevia or home-made lemonade to satisfy that sweet tooth!

10. Craving chocolate? Make a healthy hot chocolate by combining skim milk, water and cocoa with a few drops of stevia for sweetness and you will forget all about the candy jar!

Contact:
Laura Discepola, RNCP/ROHP
laura.cnp@rogers.com
647.408.7142