Written By: Nutrition Coach Mairead
We hear time and time again from clients before Halloween that they’re worried about eating too many treats, feeling out of control around the chocolate, or feeling that they need more willpower around candy. If this is you, know that you’re not alone!
Read on for some low-willpower tips to not get scared about the Halloween treats this year!
1: Be choosy!
Think about which Halloween treats are your absolute favourites and which ones just don’t hit the mark for you. Instead of eating lots of candies that you don’t love and couldn’t care less about, commit to choosing the ones you actually like for more enjoyment and satisfaction.
2: Slow down and savour!
Do you find yourself snacking on those little Halloween candies and then not even remembering eating the last few? By slowing down and taking the time to enjoy and savour those favourite treats, you’re more likely to eat a satisfying amount, not an amount that will lead to a stomachache.
3: Keep yourself fueled up!
You’re most likely to be reaching for Halloween treats, just for the quick energy of the sugar, if you’re underfed. This means giving yourself regular meals and snacks, containing a combination of carbs, fibre, fat and protein to keep your energy levels stable.
4: Include them as part of regular meals or snacks.
You’re going to enjoy one or two small treats more at the end of a meal when you’re not starving than you would if you dived in while overly hungry. You’re also more likely to have lasting energy and avoid a sugar crash if you pair the candy in a snack with a fruit or vegetables and some protein, such as an apple with cheese.
5: Look at the big picture of your relationship with food.
Are you terrified of what will happen if you eat too much chocolate? Does that very thought of Halloween make you feel out of control? When we restrict these foods so much, we give them a lot of power to take over our thoughts and life. If the thought of Halloween treats is stressful to you, it’s worth working with a dietitian to look at your relationship with food and help you take back your life from food rules.
Struggling with your nutrition goals? Let’s chat!
