Holiday Eating: Beat the Candy Temptation

Halloween unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday feasting season. And for anyone trying to watch his or her weight, the scariest part of Halloween is not ghosts and goblins but the ever-abundant Halloween candy. Sugar and mostly empty calories are what you get in candy, and the truth is that most of us don’t exercise enough to warrant those extra calories.

When your cupboards are loaded with candy and the kids come home with bags full of even more treats, it’s hard to resist. Many people try to lessen the temptation at home by bringing their extra candy into work, thus setting a high-calorie trap for their co-workers.

But there are ways to keep your hands out of the candy jar so you can avoid packing on some extra pounds even before the holiday season starts. Here are some tips to help you avoid the temptation of Halloween goodies, at home and at the office.

1. Buy Candy You Don’t Love.

If the candy in your pantry is stuff kids like but that you don’t enjoy, it will be easier to resist opening those bags and diving in.

2. Out of Sight, Out of Mind.

Ask your co-workers to keep their candy jars and bowls inside their desks or stashed in a cabinet in the break room so you won’t be tempted every time you see it.

3. Chew Gum.

Sugarless gum gives your mouth a burst of sweet sensation for very few calories. Studies have shown that gum chewing can also help [you] relieve stress, mentally focus on tasks, satisfy a sweet tooth, overcome the urge to eat candy, and help manage hunger pangs to hold you over until your next meal.

4. Replace the Candy With Better Choices.

Make the see-food diet work in your favor by putting out a bowl of colorful fruit or veggies in place of the candy.

5. Move the Candy Jar.

If you have to get up to get a piece of candy, it is not always worth the effort, whereas when the candy is convenient, consumption is higher.

6. Take Walking Break.

Getting away from your desk for a breath of fresh air can invigorate you and help you get over the mid-morning or mid-afternoon slumps that are often mistaken for hunger.

7. Manage Your Hunger.

Eat breakfast before coming to work and plan for a few healthy snacks along with a satisfying lunch. Your preplanned meals will keep you feeling satisfied and make you less likely to raid the candy bowl.

8. Sip on a Low-Calorie Beverage.

Keep your hands and mouth busy by drinking a zero-calorie cup of hot tea (rich with disease-fighting antioxidants) or a big glass of water.

Good luck and remember ….. the candy is not worth it!