Handing out candy to enthusiastic trick-or-treaters is fun, but surplus Halloween goodies can spell trouble for your waistline. It’s easy to grab a piece (or two or three) every time you’re in the kitchen. To prevent yourself from overindulging, try these six techniques.
1. Hide the Candy
Place leftover candy in an opaque sealed container and stash it on a high shelf. Research shows that you’re less likely to gobble up food when it’s out of sight, out of arm’s reach and more difficult to get to.2. Plan For It
Allow yourself one treat a day, but make room for it in your meals. Most candy provides carbs and fat, so if you want to enjoy a post-lunch sweet, omit or reduce the carbs and fat in your meal. For example, instead of bread, wrap lean protein in romaine leaves, or in place of salad dressing, toss leafy greens and veggies with balsamic vinegar and Italian herb seasoning.3. “Stretch” Your Treats
Studies show that cutting up something like a candy bar into smaller pieces will make you feel like you’re eating more. Chop up a treat and enjoy it one piece at a time, or crumble candy and sprinkle it into a container of nonfat Greek yogurt, so you can enjoy a taste in each spoonful.4. Be Mindful
Instead of chowing down while you watch TV or surf the web, carve out some “you time” and enjoy your treat without distractions. Even better, do some deep breathing, a simple meditation or a few yoga stretches first. Research shows that slowing down your eating boosts fullness, and can help you feel more satisfied with a smaller amount.5. Toss It
Don’t be afraid to throw out unwanted candy. It does no good to anyone to eat more than your body needs. Doing so wastes the food anyway, when it gets socked away in your fat cells, and you have to carry that waste with you 24/7. If you don’t want to toss it, give it away.6. Check in With Your Body and Your Emotions
If you’re reaching for candy but you’re not physically hungry, what are you really seeking? If you’re bored, sad, angry or just feel like you deserve a reward, try to address your feelings without using food.Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in peoples’ lives. Online at www.health.com.
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