Ah, Halloween: The season that is every kid’s dream and every dieter’s nightmare. Whether you have kids of trick-or-treating age or not, the temptation to indulge is everywhere. From the office to the grocery store to your friend’s party, you can’t go anywhere without being offered a bowl of tasty treats to choose from. So what are you to do?
Pick Wisely
Should you just skip all of the candy completely? No, you shouldn’t. While life is about being healthy, it’s also about enjoying yourself. That being said, the candy items you do indulge in are important. If you choose wisely, you won’t affect your diet (too much), but if you just reach with reckless abandon, you might regret it. If you are going to savor some Halloween candy, here is what you should eat:
- Candy Bars With Nuts – Whether it contains almonds, peanuts, or peanut butter, these candies at least provide you with some protein, so not all of the calories are considered empty.
- Dark Chocolate – If you have the choice between milk and dark chocolate opt for dark. Why? Because it is lower in calories, full of antioxidants, and the richer taste will satisfy you with fewer bites.
- Lollipops – Yes, they are pretty much pure sugar, but the good news is they take a long time to eat. They will satisfy your sweet craving for a good 10-15 minutes (or more!), so you are more likely to only have one.
Eat Sparingly
Even if you select one of the smart options from above, moderation is always important. One or two fun size candy bars will not destroy your waistline, but if you down the entire bag, you can count on some weight gain.