Halloween treats

Trick or treat- give me something good to eat!

Before you go reaching into that candy jar and have a free-for-all, hear me out.  Halloween treats are just that- treats.  But, since it isn't everyday that you have a bowl of candy in front of you for a whole night, why not have a few?  Key word being "few".  Here are a few tips to enjoy your Halloween treat and not feel like a brick wall after all the little goblins, zombies, and witches have gone to bed.

1. Pick your favorites.  Is Snickers your all time favorite candy?  Can't live without Twix or Kit Kat bars?  Choose wisely and forget the mediocre stuff.  If you could care less about Tootsie Rolls or Starbursts, leave them for the trick or treaters.
2. Limit yourself.  Pick your number.  Are you going to eat 5 small pieces of candy?  2 bigger pieces?  Have your number ahead of time and stick to it.  Stick with the single digits or you may be praying to the porcelain god later if you aren't careful.
3. Pace yourself.  If your magic number is 5, spread those 5 pieces out.  If you have them all before you carry that bowl to the door, you may fall into temptation later.  Think about it: you will be dangling that carrot stick at least 100 times in one night.
4. Focus on the fun.  Halloween is exciting!  Whether you are out at a party, on the streets smashing pumpkins, or at home passing out candy- focus on the fun.  When you are having fun, you are not worrying about what to eat and what not to eat.  That is how life should be.  Enjoy every moment!  Have a scary movie on, light some candles, or play some spooky music (Thriller tops my list).
5. Be good to yourself.  If you do overindulge, know that you can get back on track tomorrow.  It takes 3,500 calories to gain 1 lb. of fat.  You know what that means?  Your extra calories from the candy jar are not going to kill you.  Heck, they probably aren't even going to make you gain weight overnight.  Go ahead, sigh of relief.  I got ya.  Eat a little extra veggies the next day.

What is your favorite Halloween treat?  Mine would have to be Twix.  And my magic number is 3.

Eat well,

Bri