Whether you’ve grown to love or loath dressing up for Halloween, it’s tough to escape the treats that come along with this frightful day. I’m not suggesting we stop kids from trick or treating, it’s rite of passage to dress up and perform tricks for treats (do kids really perform any cute tricks anymore?).
Armed with empty pillowcases (those little plastic pumpkins were just too small) we used to ravage the neighborhood until our candy loot was too heavy to carry. I’m not going to discuss what the kids should and shouldn’t eat once they get their loot home, that’s for you to decide.
Today we are talking about us adults and how to survive without feeling like we went through the ringer, missed days of sleep and came out with an extra 5 lbs to boot. I’m answering some of the top questions client asks me about surviving this candy-laden time.
READERS QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
“I’m going to a Halloween party, how do I manage to not overdoing it?”
1. Eat before you go or bring a dish you make that you know is good for you.
2. Set down your alcoholic drink between sips rather than hold it. It’s too easy to drink fast when you hold your drink and it becomes a buffer for uncomfortable conversations.
3. Make yourself drink 1 cup of water between cocktails to keep you hydrated.
4. Stay away from the pre-made punches; they will be loaded with sugar. Stick with wine, vodka or a high quality sipping tequila.
“But I do have kids, what do I do about the candy?”
1. Don’t buy the candy early- only purchase the day you need it and be realistic about how much you really need on hand.
2. Give out non-candy treats like pencils, balloons, bouncy balls, temporary tattoos or fun stickers (yes, really!).
3. Don’t leave candy in plain sight; have someone hide it so you don’t know where it is.
4. Often I say it’s ok to live the 80/20 rule, go ahead and have one piece. Really savour it. But if you can’t stop at just one or two, you are better off having NONE.
“These are great tips Monique, but I’m still going to eat a few pieces of candy and drink a few drinks.”
That’s ok, I’m probably going to as well. But …
1. Beef up your workout routine the week before and after to help combat.
2. Plan ahead and make yourself a few little treats, like these Yummy Chocolate Crunch Bites (that feel more like a treat than not.)
3. Get plenty of leafy greens in daily!
4. Plan to get adequate sleep, be careful to not overschedule yourself around this time so you can get some self-care in (think epsom salt bath or an extra meditation.)
“I do great until after Halloween when everyone brings in their leftovers (candy, cakes, cookies) to the office.”
1. Stay out of the office kitchen the week after Halloween to avoid everyone else’s leftovers. Seriously; plan to have extra water at your desk and take a walk at lunch.
2. Imagine all the grubby little hands that have already touched those items, maybe even licked it. Gross. You really, really don’t want that!
Good luck- you are going to do great. Keep the conversation going by sharing how you plan to keep healthy this Halloween in the comments below.
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