3 Tips For Steering Clear of Halloween Temptation
Halloween is tomorrow. Are you ready for the onslaught of chocolate and sugar? I wanted to pop in today with one last motivational boost to help you stay strong in the face of all that “kryptonite.”
So here are a few facts about those fun-sized candies you’ll be handing out:
- Just two of your favorite fun-sized candy bars contains a whopping 21g of highly refined, processed carbs and little to no nutritional value.
- Most Halloween candy contains vegetable oils, of which most are detrimental to your health.
- Those mini treats come packed with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which can contribute to metabolic disorders, weight gain, diabetes, and even cause mood and emotional issues by altering fell-good chemicals like dopamine.
- Sugared candy spikes your blood glucose levels, causing you to get a dopamine hit. This, in turn, stimulates the reward center of your brain. This is why sugar-laden products can be so addictive.
So what can you do? I mean, it’s going to be everywhere, right?
- Keep it out of sight. Studies show that people are more likely to give in to bad habits if they rely on their willpower to avoid temptation. It’s hard work to avoid the candy bar if it’s always in your face! Try to avoid buying candy until the last minute. If there’s candy in the office, make sure it’s not near your desk. And wait until the doorbell rings to open those bags of candy so you won’t be tempted to sneak a piece.
- Track It. You’ve heard that what you resist persists. Sometimes, just acknowledging a craving (instead if denying that it’s there) takes away its power over you. So make a list of all of the foods and treats you’re craving. Writing them down can buy you some time and take the edge off of the craving. Plus it may make you think more deeply about the food.
- Treat Yourself. You’re most likely to cave and eat the Snickers when you’re feeling deprived and like you’re missing out. If you’re coming from a Standard American Diet (SAD) and trying to eat healthy, chances are your sugar and/or carb cravings may still be strong. Satisfy your sweet tooth with substitutes so you don’t feel like you’re depriving yourself. Check out these tempting but still healthy alternatives here.
