Monday, October 18, 2010

Surviving Halloween



There are only 14 days until Halloween. Ahh!! Have you picked out your costume yet? I have. Thankfully, because I don't need anything else to worry about.

With Halloween comes candy, a lot of candy. If you are like me you have been tempted by all the candy and treats that are filling the aisles at the store. This time of year, if you are trying to eat healthy, the supermarket can be scarier than an actual Haunted House. If you have not already read it, here is a post about how to Outsmart the Supermarket.

Even if you are able to buy healthy things at the store, how are you supposed to stay on plan and continue to lose weight this time of year? I am so glad you asked.

First, I wanted to share with you Three Quick Tips! from Hungry Girl to help you survive Halloween.

1. DO NOT stock up on your favorite candies. Too late to take that advice? Here's what to do. After the last wave of trick-or-treaters has come through, PUT THE CANDY AWAY! "Out of sight, out of mind" is a cliché, but it's true. If the candy still haunts you from the cabinet, bring the extras to work Monday morning. Set it out in a bowl and it'll be gone before lunchtime. Disaster averted.

2. Just because the candy bars are little doesn't mean you can have ten of them. Those "fun size" bars generally have 70 - 100 calories and 3 - 6g fat each (POINTS® value 2 - 3*), so watch out! The bite-sized "minis" often have about 30 - 50 calories and 2 - 3g fat each (POINTS® value 1*). Set a portion-controlled stash aside, and don't keep going back for more. Or be strong and just skip 'em altogether.

3. The best way to avoid the lure of holiday sweets? Eat other things. For the love of Elvira, DON'T skip dinner so that you can go nuts on the candy! Eight Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures do not equal a meal. Eat normally all day long, have a small treat after dinner, and don't turn that plastic jack-o'-lantern bucket into your personal feed-bag!


Second, if you just have to eat some candy here is a link to Hungry Girl's Halloween Candy Guide. This is a great resource to figure out the calories and/or points in your favorite sweets.

Finally, move more. That's right, you need to get up and move more. Trying going for a walk or exercise the days leading up to Halloween, this will compensate for some of the extra calories that you will be eating for Halloween.

Also, Stephanie over at She's in There Somewhere wrote a blog post, Halloween Candy Survival Guide if you are interested in even more information of surviving Halloween!

You can do it! Do not give in to the candy, because it is just not worth it. You deserve so much better!!

8 comments:

Losing Brownies said...

Awesome tips!! I hate halloween because of the candy. I was hoping to skip it this year, but my sister is insistant that we take The Boy out this year.

Jen Newsham said...

Losing Brownies - Thanks! Hopefully you can have fun with The Boy and give all his candy away. :)

Elizabeth said...

Thanks for the advice!! I've been good this year but I don't really have problems until the day of when all that candy starts coming home. I'll just make a stash so I won't get into it all the time.

Jen Newsham said...

You're welcome Elizabeth!That's a great idea!

Karen said...

Thanks, Jen, for this timely post. After losing 5# this summer-and not even trying or planning-I realized that I MUST NOT let junk foods into my home or bake cookies on a whim. (If my dear husband wants chips, etc, he has to buy 'em, but rarely does, thank goodness!) Today I start back at WW. Will let you know how that's going. Keep up your great posts! blessings on your day.

Jen Newsham said...

Karen - I am so happy that you joined Weight Watchers again. I will keep posting, if you keep me posted on your progress. :)

Leah Beyer said...

Thanks for sharing. I have been on WW now for almost a month. I need a gentle reminder like this as Halloween is creepy up!

Jen Newsham said...

Leah - You're welcome! This really is the most challenging time of year. You can do it!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...