How to Eat Less Halloween Candy

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By PajamaMommy
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (4 Ratings)

An abundance of candy can lead to an abundance of unwanted pounds.

Halloween kicks off the season of over eating. Try some tricks for cutting back on treats.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Willpower

Step 1

Don't buy candy for trick or treaters in advance or in bulk. While it may seem cheaper to do so, if you are not able to refrain from dipping into the stash, you will not only eat more sweets than you want, you may have to replace the candy you ate, actually making it more expensive. Having candy on hand in bulk only leads you to believe there is plenty and therefore it's okay for you to have one or two. But once the bag is opened, one or two tends to lead to more.
Step 2

Give out candy that you don't like. You do not have to buy your favorites to give to trick or treat kids. If you don't have candy you enjoy in the house, you won't eat any candy.
Step 3

Give out alternatives to candy. One idea I have seen in recent years is bags of microwave popcorn. This is something you can't just stick your hand into and pop in your mouth. And if you are inclined to indulge and microwave one for yourself, at least popcorn is a healthier alternative to chocolate. Or choose to give out non food items.
Step 4

Before heading out to trick or treat with your own kids, eat a sensible but filling meal. If you are hungry, you will be more likely to pick through their candy as you go along.
Step 5

Pack some healthy, low calorie snacks in case you do feel hungry along the way. This is best for you and the kids, as too much candy throughout the day can ruin their appetites and their moods.
Step 6

Chew sugar free gum. Having to remove the gum from your mouth in order to eat candy will make you stop and realize what you are about to do so you are not mindlessly consuming too many treats. Or wear a costume with a mask you need to remove in order to eat. This has the same awareness that you are about to eat principle as the gum chewing.
Step 7

If you find yourself with a lot of leftovers after Halloween, get rid of it. Bring some to your office, the hair salon or any place of business with a reception area that could place a bowl of candy out for their clients to enjoy.
Step 8

Turn the candy into holiday gifts. If you are crafty, you can make decorative candy jars and fill them for free. Or just buy pretty organza sachets and fill them, creating sweet holiday party favors or hostess gifts. Once they are designated as gifts, resolve not to eat them, or store them somewhere inconvenient until you need them.
Step 9

Freeze the candy you will allow the kids to eat. If they can have one or two pieces a day, defrost only that portion for your kids. Having to wait for candy to defrost before eating it will give you time to stop yourself from impulse eating. Store it in the back of the freezer where it is out of sight.