Not only is Halloween candy lining drugstore aisles, but it seems to have taken residence at the workplace (those pesky candy dishes!), supermarket shelves and even the doctor’s office. The holiday of ghouls and goblins not only brings plenty of tricks and scary costumes, but it signifies the start to a holiday season filled with treats. Healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to instill can fall by the wayside as Halloween candy transitions to pecan pie, Christmas cookies and fruitcakes. The good news is that we’re here to help you navigate the holidays and help you maintain a healthy balance. First up: Halloween!
Portion control.
These treats contain 100 calories or less – pick one or two, step away from the candy bin, and enjoy them:
- 2 Dove chocolate squares (dark or milk)
- 1 fun-size candy bar
- 1 package of Twizzlers or Starburst
- 4-5 Tootsie rolls or Hershey Kisses
- 1 snack size bag of Skittles, Sour Patch Kids or Swedish Fish
- 1 lollipop (they also last the longest!)
Tricks of the trade.
Follow these tips leading up to the 31st:
- Prepare. Purchase candies you won’t be tempted to snack on to hand out to trick-or-treaters, or hand out small toys instead of candy
- Look at your day overall. Make sure to eat healthy meals throughout the day and focus on getting at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. Filling up on fiber-rich, low calorie fruits and veggies allows for a treat or two at the end of the day
- Keep on exercising. Regular exercise is great not only to maintain sanity during a hectic holiday season, but it burns calories too! Bonus points for including a hilly street in your trick-or-treating route
- Out of sight, out of mind. Bring leftover candy to work, give some to neighbors and freeze a few of your favorites for later
Kelly Hogan, MS, RD, CDN is a Senior Dietitian at The Mount Sinai Hospital.
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