Whether it’s having an open bag of Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters, your kids bringing home an endless supply, or the office candy bowl being constantly stocked, setting a personal boundary for how much candy you consume is important. Take control by setting aside an allotted amount of candy just for you. This could be done right after getting the candy, or by allowing yourself a few pieces each day. Either way, creating a boundary in advance helps prevent mindless snacking and keeps you aware of how much you’ve actually eaten. Here are a few examples to get you started, but remember, it’s important to choose an approach that works best for you. Don’t hesitate to try different strategies to find what’s most helpful:
“The Parent Tax”: If you have young kids who bring home a lot of candy, or if you have leftovers from sharing with trick-or-treaters, go through the stash and pick out a few pieces you genuinely enjoy. Set those aside for yourself, away from the rest. This helps you control your portions and allows you to enjoy the candy at your own pace.
The Office Candy Bowl: The temptation of the office candy bowl is real, especially in the afternoon slump. Set yourself up for success by choosing a few pieces of candy in the morning when your decision-making abilities are stronger. By the time afternoon rolls around, you’ve already set your boundary and can enjoy the candy without overindulging.
Donate or Toss the Extras:There are plenty of places that accept extra Halloween candy, or if you’d prefer, it’s perfectly okay to throw it away. While it might seem wasteful, remember that excess candy has little to no nutritional value, and in the end, eating too much of it just results in waste anyway.
Savor the Experiences: Have you ever started eating Halloween candy only to realize you’ve eaten several pieces without even noticing? It happens, and that’s okay! Recognizing how easy it is to mindlessly eat indulgent foods is the first step toward becoming a more mindful eater. One way to combat this is by practicing the art of savoring the experience. Engage your senses—sight, taste, smell, and even sound—to really focus on the treat in the moment. Take the time to eat slowly and fully appreciate the joy these treats bring. This not only helps you enjoy the food more but can also help you eat less. When we eat too quickly, we miss out on truly enjoying the flavor and goodness of the food. You may think you’re enjoying it, but try spending five minutes savoring a small candy bar with your senses engaged—you’ll notice the difference. Use this tip alongside setting boundaries for an even more mindful experience!
Healthy Sweet Swaps: Making healthy swaps is a great way to enjoy sweet treats while supporting your health and wellness goals. Check out the recipes that follow for some ideas to get started. These recipes feature sweet treats that contain more protein and fiber than typical desserts. Protein and fiber help keep you feeling fuller, which can result in eating less overall. Try incorporating whole foods, like fruit, seeds, and whole grains—ingredients found in this month’s recipes. This boosts the nutritional value of your snacks while still allowing you to indulge.
Try to Ditch the Guilt: The holiday season is meant to be a joyful time. If you find yourself overindulging more than usual, be kind to yourself instead of feeling guilty. Mindful eating takes time and practice to master. If you need help navigating the holiday season or want to learn more about mindful eating, Spring Ahead Nutrition and Wellness is here for you!
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