Don’t Be Scared of Halloween
by Journey to Health Program Director, Becky Anderson
When it comes time for Halloween, I think of pumpkin patches, haunted houses, ghosts/goblins/ghouls. These things can be scary for some, but what really scares me the most about Halloween is the amount of candy everywhere.
I have a sweet tooth. I try to keep temptation away because I know I tend to binge eat when my favorite candy is around. There are some tips to try if you are like me and have little self-control when candy is everywhere you look.
*keep healthy options around– enjoy some spicy roasted pumpkin seeds. They are high in zinc and tryptophan so they’ll raise serotonin, your happy and calming brain chemical. They’re also a great snack to help keep your blood sugar stable and mood even.
*maintain a healthy eating schedule–it’s crucial to keep up a regular eating schedule to keep your cravings at bay.
*stay hydrated–When we’re thirsty, we can sometimes mistake our desire for water for food cravings. When you get a hankering for Halloween candy, try drinking a tall glass of water first and give your body five to ten minutes to sort things out.
*for trick or treating—make sure you buy your candy as close to Halloween as possible, buy candy that you don’t care for, and make sure to have a plan for donating any leftover candy right away.
*finally, don’t beat yourself up–every day is a new chance to start again and take control of your cravings. So, if you have a bad night, take some time to regroup and start the next day with a clean slate.