It’s that time of year, moms, candy bowls everywhere, your kids are bringing home massive bags of sweets, and you find yourself sneaking “just one more” fun-size bar. Every year, it seems willpower checks out as soon as the kids are done Trick or Treating (or during in my case).
I know it can feel like a tug-of-war between wanting to enjoy the treats and moments while also staying consistent with your fitness goals. While it may seem impossible, you CAN choose candy and consistency. With balance, you can enjoy the spooky festivities and still stay on track.
It’s so easy to label candy (or any other treat) as “bad.” However, it can often backfire, creating a cycle of restriction and guilt that leads to even more overindulging. Instead of putting certain foods off-limits, you need to give yourself permission to enjoy. By doing so, you’re removing the power they hold. When you normalize treats as part of your healthy lifestyle, you’ll be able to enjoy them without regrets.
This year, go ahead and enjoy the treats—just maybe don’t let the candy stash turn into your new food group. Try these tips to keep things balanced (without feeling like you’re living in candy jail).
1. Portion with purpose.
Pick the candy you really love. Life’s too short to waste time chewing on candy corn when there are peanut butter cups to be had. Picking only the treats you absolutely love will help you cut back on the extra sugar.
2. Pair it up.
Candy, all by itself, will only lead to a serious sugar crash. Candy + protein or fiber (like having a piece after lunch with some yogurt) = a much happier (and sugar-stabilized)you.
3. Hide the stash.
Unless you want to become the “one piece every 15 minutes” mom (I’m her, and it doesn’t feel good), put the kids’ candy in a spot that isn’t front and center. Out of sight, out of mind. If it’s not winking at you every time you walk by, you are far less likely to grab it mindlessly.
4. Rethink your workouts.
Say it with me now, ‘YOU DON’T NEED TO “EARN” OR “BURN’” OFF CANDY!” No matter how many charts and graphs you can find with the amount of running it takes to burn off a fun-sized Snickers, that’s not what your workouts are about. Workouts are about energy, strength, and sanity, not trying to erase last night’s chocolate overload.
5. Make it quick.
It always seems that as soon as Halloween is over, the holidays smack you in the face, and life picks up its pace immensely. You are busier than ever with all your to-do lists. The good news is that you don’t need a marathon sweat session to balance out the holidays. Ten minutes of moving beats zero minutes—yes, even if you do it in pajama pants!
