"Forget love, I'd rather fall in chocolate"
-Sandra J. Dykes
WEBSITE: Test your Halloween Candy knowledge. Which really is the better choice? http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/holidays/halloween-candy-calorie-quiz
Yes, we are all too familiar with that "holiday weight". With halloween candy, pumpkin pie, stuffing, christmas cookies and egg nog, weight gain seems unavoidable.
"What About Bob" is one of my absolute favorite movies, it's about a psychologist and his patient. The doctor harps on the concept of 'baby steps' and that is how you should approach this holiday season. Small steps to get you through to January...starting with Halloween.
Those fun-sized chocolate bars seem harmless enough, and they are in moderation, but few people stop at just one. Candy is filled with sugar and empty calories and can be a killer to your healthy lifestyle. But with your co-workers candy bowl calling your name, you reach for those black and orange M&M's once again. So how do you keep your hand out of the candy jar?
1. Buy candy you don't love-if you are a chocolate addict, opt to fill the bowl with sour candies that just don't seem as appeasing to you
2. Out of sight, out of mind-"we eat more visible foods because it causes us to think about it more, and every time you see the candy bowl you have to think about if you want a piece or not" (Brian Wanasink, "Why We Eat More Than We Think). Ask co-workers to put the bowl in their drawers or cover with a lid so you can't see inside.
3. Allow yourself one piece a day-Denying yourself can lead to over-indulgence so choose your favorite and savor it. Don't just pop it in your mouth but really enjoy that piece.
4. Chew gum-satisfy your sweet tooth with a piece of gum. When you start thinking about that tasty treat, reach for gum to get you to the next meal.
5. Replace candy-fill up the candy bowl with colorful fruits and veggies (dried apricots and carrots are orange-they seem festive!)
6. Count wrappers-don't chunk the wrapper as soon as you eat it but rather save it as a reminder. It is so easy to lose count of how many of those little hershey kisses you have eaten so you find yourself going back for me, not aware you have already consumed 8!
7. Go for a walk-get away from the candy. When you can't seem to look away from that tiny little snickers bar, walk-outside, down the hall, anywhere that isn't covered in chocolate!
8. Take the bowl off your desk-you know the feeling, you are typing away on the big report due friday and your hand wanders into the M&Ms time and again. Your mind is so wrapped up, you don't even think about what you are doing. "If you have to get up to get the candy it's not always worth the effort, but when the candy is convenient consumption is higher" (Wanasink)
9. Manage your hunger-don't let yourself get overly-hungry. Eat a high protein breakfast and every few hours throughout the day so you don't make decisions when the stomach is growling.
10. Drink, drink, drink-keep your mouth busy with water (or my favorite, Crystal Light packets at 10 calories), green tea, or a low-fat hot chocolate if you need the chocolate fix!
Happy (almost) Halloween :)
Megan
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