What haunts us most about Halloween are not the ghosts but the endless supply of chocolate bars and sugary treats surrounding us. Just a few extra pieces a day can send you off track and before you know it, you’re feeling like a pumpkin in your skinny jeans. Here are a few tricks to avoid temptation and keep the pounds from creeping up on you.
Buy “good for you” treats.
Most are guilty of it. You mindlessly dip your hands into the candy bowl, not just on Halloween, but on the many days that follow. One candy bar becomes three or four and without realizing it, you have quickly consumed hundreds of empty calories in just one sitting. This Halloween buy healthy snacks such as nuts, raisins or apples to hand out. Not only will this save you from overindulging, you will also be encouraging the kids to eat healthy.
Slow down when you chow down
Let’s face it; we crave sweets such as Reese’s cups because they taste good. There is nothing wrong with having a sinful treat to satisfy your craving. Try this trick and you are sure to eat less, take smaller bites and chew slowly. You’re sure to enjoy that great tasting treat for longer, feeling more satisfied from one piece rather than many. To top it off, eating slower also helps with digestion. More chewing gives the stomach a head start on the process thereby lessening your chance of uncomfortable indigestion.
Brush your teeth
You’re much less likely to go for the second Snicker’s bar if you rid yourself of the mouth-watering taste. Try brushing your teeth after having a sugary treat. Your craving will disappear and your smile will resemble less of a jack-o-lantern. While you’re at it try burning a few extra calories. Flex your arms as you brush. Go for two minutes total, one minute with the right arm and another with the left. Every little bit counts.
Give it away
When the kids come in from trick-or-treating take their stash and divide it in half. Let them choose which candy to keep and donate the rest to charity. There will be less temptation to deal with around the house and the kids will have learned a valuable lesson to boot!
Originally posted on my Somerville Patch Health & Fitness Blog.
Personal Trainers, Boston, MA
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