Tips to a Healthy Halloween
Halloween is a holiday that is celebrated by millions of Americans. During the Halloween season people dress up in costume, attend costume parties, visit haunted houses, go on hay rides, pick pumpkins, carve jack-o-lanterns, and go trick or treating, and so much more. It’s so important for bariatrics patient to stay on track during the Halloween season and we all know there can be many temptations that can be hard to resist. In this article we will discuss some of the ways to help you stay healthy this Halloween.
My first tip to all bariatrics patients is to not to stock up on the candy. Out of sight out of mind. We all know that Halloween is associated with candy but that doesn’t mean you have to associate Halloween with candy. If having candy in your house is too tempting for you don’t buy it. Give out alternative treats to candy such healthy snacks or non-candy items such as pencils, pens, stickers, crayons, key chains, etc… If you absolutely must buy candy then wait until a day or two before Halloween and choice a candy that you don’t like so you won’t be tempted to eat it.
If you absolutely must eat candy this Halloween season, read the labels and at least make a better choice and eat a candy that isn’t TOO bad for you. There a many candies or treats that are lower in calories and in sugar content then others so try to make those healthier decisions and of course if you do chose to eat that candy we ask that you do so in moderation.
Trick or treating is a time old tradition that has been around for generations. Children go house to house ringing doorbells saying the time old phrase “Trick or Treat” and usually receive some sort of candy. This Halloween festivity is a actually a great form of physical activity for both children and adults, and one can even use a pedometer to help keep track of the amount of walking while trick or treating. If you do decide to go trick or treating and obtain a considerable amount of candy, maybe think about donating that candy or giving it away. It’s better that you get rid of the candy if it will be too tempting for you to have around.
If you have a Halloween party to go to, prior to arriving at the party eat a healthy snack, try not to go to the party hungry otherwise foods can become more tempting to eat. Try to be the last person in line for buffet foods or appetizers. Foods generally appear less appetizing once many people have picked through them. Also be mindful of what you are eating. The average individual eats about 44% more calories than normal in a group setting. Keep a mental checklist of what you have had while at the party. If possible choose fruits and vegetables over high fat foods such as chips, cheeses, and fried items. Drink water or a low-calorie beverages throughout the party. This will cause you to feel fuller throughout the party. Focus on socializing rather than eating. By drawing your focus away from food you will be less likely to mindlessly eat throughout the party.
With Halloween only a few weeks away this number-one candy holiday doesn’t have to be a nutritional nightmare. Above are tips for having a fun and healthy Halloween. I hope that all our patients have a safe, happy, and most of all a HEALTHY HALLOWEEN.
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