As soon as October rolls around, it seems like Halloween candy is following us everywhere. Especially if you have kiddos, you know how tough it is to say no to the sack of bite-sized treats lurking in your pantry! Here at Superfoods Company, we believe health stems from balance, so we encourage you to enjoy a treat or two. Here are our best tips on how to avoid overeating Halloween candy 2020!
Let’s face it… as you grow up, Halloween transitions from a dress up holiday to a wine-and-chocolate-on-the-couch holiday. We aren’t complaining! That being said, it’s easy to go from one chocolate bar… to two… to the whole bag of chocolate bars. We’ve been there before. This year, we’re sharing our 5 best tips & tricks for how to avoid overeating halloween candy.
5 Tips for How to Avoid Overeating Halloween Candy 2020
The Single Serving Trick:
Research shows that when you eat a snack or treat right out of the package, you’re more likely to overeat. Think about a single-serving bag of chips, versus eating out of the family-sized bag! It’s harder to say no when the seemingly endless stream of deliciousness is coming right at you.
By pre-portioning a single serving of the treat you crave, your body will feel more satisfied when you reach the end of the serving. This trick applies to more than just Halloween candy — I actually use it to prevent myself from overeating during our weekly family pasta night! Pre-portion one serving of the candy (or candies) you love, and commit to not eating over that portion.
Pre-Track Your Treats:
If you count calories or track macros, the best way to fit your treats in is to pre-track them. For example, if you’re eating an 1800 calorie diet, and you know you’ll want a mini Snickers after dinner, plan for those ~ 130 calories. Adopt a 1670 calorie diet for the day, and enjoy that Snickers! By pre-tracking, you’ll limit yourself to the portion you’ve already planned for.
The “Glass of Water” Technique:
Sometimes, our brain just wants us to feel full. It’s totally normal. Because Halloween candy contains refined sugars, it likely won’t make you feel full…and instead eating too much will make you feel a bit sick! If you feel yourself reaching for the candy over and over again, try pausing to drink a full 8 ounce glass of water. This will trick your brain into feeling full, so you’re less compelled to munch on those candy bars!
Savor, Don’t Stuff:
So much of eating is actually related to psychology. After all, it is the belly-brain connection that tells us we’re hungry! When we eat super quickly, it takes a moment for the belly-brain connection, as well as our digestion, to catch up and register us as full. Conversely, when we eat slowly, our brains and bellies are able to process that food better. We start to feel satiated sooner rather than later. (I know, it seems a bit opposite!).
If you take your time and enjoy your Halloween candy bar over a period of five or ten minutes — rather than scarfing down the whole thing in one bite — you’ll get to enjoy it for longer! Plus, your body won’t crave more in the way it would if you ate the bar super quickly.
Invest in Healthy Treats:
Many of the name-brand candy manufacturers load their products with high fructose corn syrup and refined sugars. These ingredients are known to cause your body to crave more, even before you finish the bite you’re currently eating! By investing in healthier Halloween treats, you’ll still have a sweet snack — but the craving will dissipate.
If you’re looking for a gummy treat with health benefits, our Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies are the perfect option! Each gummy only contains 12 calories, and 3 grams of carbs. They naturally fight cravings, boost energy, and help you to burn calories.
If you’re hoping to avoid your candy cravings entirely, Superfood Tabs are what you need. Each dissolvable tablet is packed with 15 natural superfoods that eliminate cravings and boost metabolism. The drink is sugar-free, but has a sweet berry flavor! It’s a great alternative when you’re craving late-night Halloween candy fix.
We hope these tips help you to dive into that Halloween candy 2020 without going overboard!