Nutrition Notes: Strategies to keep you from bingeing on Halloween candy | The Post-Standard By | The Post-Standard The Post-Standard
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on October 30, 2012 at 1:23 AM, updated October 30, 2012 at 1:24 AM

By Darlene Endy
Contributing writer

Ghouls, pumpkins and black cats are what most of us think of when we hear the word "Halloween," but for people who struggle with their weight, it marks the beginning of the "overeating season" that stretches over the holidays and on to Valentine's Day the following year.

From the candy displays a month before Halloween (reminding you to buy "just in case you run out") to the huge storehouse from your own kids' trick-or-treating loot, bite-sized candies are everywhere! At 50-100 calories each, it may seem harmless to indulge in several a day, but since candy is primarily sugar it doesn't fill you up like other foods, and can promote weight gain if you keep snacking on it. Here are 10 strategies to minimize the effect of Halloween candy on your weight:

1. Wait to buy Halloween candy the day before. This will keep you from sampling your treats in advance.

2. Groaning plastic pumpkins or overstuffed pillowcases are a sign your children collected too much. Buy smaller containers for your kids and tell them that when they are full, the trick-or-treating is over.

3. Let your kids enjoy their treats (after you inspect them) and model moderation. Over-restricting candy can lead to bingeing on the forbidden food when it is available, and kids can learn to eat moderately if you set the example.

4. After a few days, consider enlisting your kids in a charitable cause by donating leftover candy to a local soup kitchen or U.S. troops overseas.

5. After a few days, freeze leftover candy to use for Christmas baking or to decorate gingerbread houses.

6. Put leftover candy away where you can't see it or easily reach it.

7. Avoid the aisles where discounted candy is sold, or remind yourself while walking by that it isn't a bargain if you have to walk 1,000 miles to burn it off.

8. Be a candy snob! Buy yourself a small amount of good quality candy that you can enjoy a little at a time, and turn up your nose at the cheap stuff.

9. Only buy candy to distribute that you don't like so that you aren't tempted to eat it yourself.

10. Be sure to get enough sleep and regular exercise to keep up your energy level. This helps to avoid the tendency towards a "quick fix" from sweets.
