How to Keep Halloween Healthy Tips & Tricks
We all know Halloween is the unofficial beginning of the holiday food fest. Sometimes, we consciously or unconsciously chuck our healthy eating plan until January 1, but these 5 Halloween Healthy Tips will help you stay on track with Halloween treats.
Those cute little fun-size sugary treats are fun for your taste buds but not for your blood sugar or waistline. They may seem like harmless sweet treats, but not if you can’t use portion control. These naturally sweetened energy bites are a great way to enjoy a sweet treat.
Before losing 125 pounds, I would buy my favorite treats and tons of candy. Of course, I would do this well before Halloween day, and by the time Halloween rolled around, I was probably on my third or fourth bag.
Now that I know better when I shop for Halloween candy, I ask myself, “Can I limit these?” or, “Do I want to limit these?” The answer is almost always “no”. So, I use these healthy Halloween tips and enjoy the Halloween season and Halloween night.
Before I show you these 5 Halloween healthy tips and tricks, please take a quick second to subscribe to my Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get an acid/alkaline chart to show you which foods you should eat for optimum health.
Buy candy you don’t like
It’s easy to get caught up in the candy craze when it comes to Halloween. One smart strategy to avoid overindulging is to buy candy you don’t particularly like.
By choosing treats that don’t tempt you, you’ll be less likely to dip into the stash before the trick-or-treaters arrive. This simple approach can help you enjoy the holiday without the extra sugar intake, keeping your focus on the fun rather than the sweets. Plus, you’ll still be able to make the kids happy while sticking to your health goals!
There are many types of candies to choose from, such as hard candies, dark chocolate, gummy candy, sugar-free gum, jelly beans, and licorice. It’s a good idea to pick the type you aren’t tempted by and pass it out on Halloween.
5-Day Weight Loss Plan
This 5-Day Weight Loss Plan will jumpstart you to living your healthiest life.
Give away non-food items
Handing out non-food items for Halloween is a fun and thoughtful way to make the holiday more inclusive for everyone, especially for kids with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
You can place a teal-colored pumpkin outside your home to let kids and parents know you are part of the Teal Pumpkin Project. It promotes a safer, more inclusive Halloween by encouraging households to offer non-food treats for kids with food allergies or dietary restrictions and placing a teal pumpkin outside signals that you provide allergy-friendly, non-edible goodies for trick-or-treaters.
Small toys, stickers, glow sticks, temporary tattoos, bouncy balls, sidewalk chalk, hacky sacks, spider rings, or Halloween-themed pencils can be as exciting as candy and add a unique twist to the trick-or-treat experience. These alternatives can also help reduce sugar overload while keeping the Halloween spirit alive. Plus, non-food treats last longer, creating a lasting memory for the kids in your neighborhood.
Leftover non-food items from Halloween can be saved for next year or donated to schools, daycares, or community centers where kids can enjoy them.
3 days and whisk away
Try my three-day rule if your kids’ candy stash is too tempting. Let them indulge for three days, then introduce the “Candy Fairy.” The Candy Fairy swaps the leftover candy for coins or cash, and you discreetly dispose of the candy. While tossing out perfectly good candy might seem wasteful, think about the alternative—those extra sugary calories won’t help you reach your healthy living goals.
There are alternatives to throwing it away, like finding a dentist who participates in candy buyback programs. You can also donate leftover candy to local shelters, such as a homeless shelter or food bank, where it can be shared with residents.
Organizations like Operation Gratitude send care packages to troops overseas, often including donated candy. Ronald McDonald Houses are another option, as they may distribute the special treats to families staying there.
Additionally, local nursing homes might appreciate candy for residents or visitors, and schools or after-school programs may accept donations for treats or special events.
Keep your goal in front of you
Staying focused on your good health and weight loss goals during Halloween can be challenging, but with a little planning and mindfulness, you can enjoy Halloween activities without compromising your progress. Set clear intentions before the holiday, reminding yourself of your goals and why they matter to you.
These 150 Best Affirmations for Weight Loss will help!
If you indulge in a piece of candy or two, savor it mindfully, then get back on track with your healthy habits.
Consider having a healthy snack available, like fresh fruit, popcorn balls, these Halloween Snack Board Ideas, or portion-controlled treats, and focus on enjoying the non-food aspects of the holiday—like costume parties, decorating, a Halloween party, and spending time with loved ones.
Remember, one day doesn’t define your journey, but staying committed to your goals and making healthy choices more often than not will help you stay on track in the long run, and remember to reward yourself.
If you need more help, check out this Vegan Weight Loss Meal Plan for Beginners.
Make a treat free zone
These easy tips can help you balance enjoying occasional treats while maintaining healthy habits.
- Office Pact: Suggest making the office a treat-free zone to help everyone stay on track.
- Covered Candy: Ask if treats can be placed in covered containers to minimize temptation.
- A Healthy Alternative: To satisfy your cravings, keep healthy snacks like mandarin oranges, apples, raisins, pumpkin seeds, granola bars, or trail mix at your desk.
- Candy Wrappers: If you do indulge, keep the wrappers visible on your desk. This helps you stay aware of your consumption and can deter excessive snacking.
If you need a healthy treat for Halloween, check out this Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie. No one will ever know it has chickpeas, and the protein and fiber from the beans will keep your blood sugar nice and steady.
You will also love these healthier Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese with a crippling back injury to 125-pound lighter – discover my transformation into a health coach!
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
