Many of our patients tell us that the scariest part of Halloween is not the scary movies or the ghosts and goblins but it is the Halloween candy that is both at home and at the office this time of year. Here are a few tips to help you avoid the temptation of Halloween goodies and get you through this holiday at home and at the office when you are trying to lose or maintain your weight.
- Buy candy you don’t love. It will be easier to resist opening those bags of candy!
- Wait to purchase candy. Buy candy a day or two prior to Halloween so it’s not in the house calling your name!
- Out of sight, out of mind. Ask your family at home or co-workers at work to keep their candy jars and bowls inside the food pantry or their desks/cabinet. Bring in some healthy snacks you and your co-workers can all enjoy.
- Replace the candy with better choices. Have a sweet substitute to candy 1/2 cup of fruit and 1/4 cup nuts or 1TBS peanut butter.
- Do not skip meals. Skipping meals with lead to hunger and if the candy is in front of you, that is what you are going to reach for.
- Eat a healthy snack before a party. You will be less hungry or temped to made poor food choices.
- Stay hydrated. 64 oz of non carbonated, sugar free and decaffeinated fluids with fill you up leaving no room for sugary sweets. For flavor, try infusing your water with fresh fruit or try Vitamin Water Zero or Sobe Life Water.
- Hand out non candy treats. Kids love stickers, temporary tattoos, glow sticks, Halloween themed pens, paper or pads or hair bows and barrettes. What about a small 8oz water bottle (kids get thirsty after all those treats)!
- Read the label before eating a piece of candy or treat! Can you believe how many calories or grams of fat and sugar there are in that treat you have been eyeing! The nutritional facts may prevent you from diving in!
- Attend a support group. Attend a local bariatric support group or plan a get together with some other friends that are trying to watch their health and weight. Bring healthy snacks that you can all enjoy!
Try some bariatric friendly treats!!!
Add 1-2 powdered peanut butter into your favorite protein powder for a peanut buttery protein shake! You can find PB2, PB Fit or Jiff powdered peanut butter in your local supermarket.
Try some yummy tasting protein shakes with flavors like your favorite candy bars!
Oreo Protein Shake
1 scoop Double Stuffed Cookie or Cookies and Cream Flavored Whey Protein Powder like Syntrax Nectar, or Isopure
8oz low fat milk (can use lactaid or soy or almond milk)
Add ice and blend to desired consistency
Enjoy! Tastes like an oreo cookie without the fat and calories!
Peanut Butter Cup Shake
1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder (like Syntrax Nectar,Protizyme or Isopure)
1 TBS PB2
8oz low fat milk (can use lactaid, soy or almond milk)
1/2 TBS unsweetened cocoa powder
Stevia to taste ( can leave this out)
Add ice and blend to desired consistency
Yum! Tastes like a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup!
Or you can just use 1 scoop Protizyme or Syntrax Nectar Peanut Butter Flavored Protein Powder and add low fat milk!
Monster Mouth Apple Snacks
2 Apple Slices
1 TBS Peanut Butter
4-6 unsalted Peanuts
Spread each Apple Slice with 1/2 TBS peanut butter
Place 4-6 unsalted peanuts between the 2 apple slices with peanut butter
A delicious weight friendly Halloween snack!
Have Fun and be Safe!!!
