JJ Virgin on tips for a safe and healthy Halloween that won’t ruin your diet!
Posted by Levine Communications Office on October 20, 2011
Stick to Your Usual Eating Routine
Don’t be tempted to skip breakfast and lunch on Halloween so you can bank your calories for sweets. “The worst thing you can do is save up for Halloween by not eating,” says JJ Virgin, CNS, nutritionist and co-star of TLC’s Freaky Eaters. “If you’re hungry, you have no willpower.”
Instead eat your usual meals during the day and have a healthy dinner before the Halloween festivities begin. “I like a hearty bowl of turkey-bean chili and a giant tossed salad on the side, since the veggies are high in fiber and water to fill you up,” says Bauer. “You’ll feel stuffed with healthy calories so you won’t be as likely to go overboard with the treats.”
Be the ‘Boring’ House
If you’re the kind of person who’ll eat whatever’s around, don’t set yourself up for failure by stocking up for trick-or-treaters. Consider buying non-candy goodies from a dollar store (temporary tattoos, toys, stickers, etc.) or healthier snacks, like little baggies of nuts or raisins. Yes, you might get some rolled eyes from neighborhood kids, but at least their parents will thank you!
If you go the candy route, at least buy your sweets at the last minute so you won’t dip into it in the days before Halloween. And don’t buy your absolute favorite kind, says Virgin. “I’m not going to bring things into the house that I can’t handle.” if you’re a chocolate person, stick to gummy or tart candies that’ll be less tempting.
Have a Splurge Strategy
Okay, we know this is Halloween, a holiday dedicated to tricks and treats — emphasis on the treats. But in order to survive the holiday without derailing your diet, plan your splurges in advance. “Make it really specific — for example, you’ll have three fun-size bars or three peanut butter cups,” says Bauer. “If you have a plan, you’re more likely to stay in control.”
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Greta said
Those graves are the cutest thing I have seen this season! And cheers to you for thinking healthy on Halloween! I am trying something new this year and have decided to donate to America’s Toothfairy: http://bit.ly/rj2K08 Until a friend make me aware I didn’t realize so many children suffered from tooth decay, and it’s awful because that is completely preventable! I know a few children many be momentarily disappointed with the lack of candy, but they will thank me later!