Ask yourself, in as honest a way as possible, how many of your particular favorite candy (or candies) your body can actually handle. (It's a good idea to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and really ask your body. This is not how many your mind thinks you want, but how many your body can handle). (For me, it's 3 minis, spread apart throughout the night, after a really healthy, filling, satisfying meal. Any fewer and I will long for more, and any more and I will not be able to stop). (Children can do this same exercise)
Think about something you LOVE that feels really soothing, delicious and fully NOURISHING. For me, around this time of year, it's usually butternut squash soup, or roasted winter squash, or sweet potatoes with crème Fraiche and a little sea salt. Something hot, a bit sweet and so yummy. Eat this and notice how great it makes your body feel. Consider not making candy the central focus of this holiday. Have fun with decorations, costumes, and pumpkins. Click here for a fun and healthy pumpkin recipe. On Halloween night, use a small container or bag to collect goodies.
At the end of the night, sort through. Get rid of the stuff that is purely addictive but not really enjoyable. Toss it (it's better wasted in the garbage than wasted in your stomach - something my mom always used to say). If you choose to eat your favorite candy enjoy and savor it. Teach your children to do the same. Take small bites and really taste it. Don't unwrap, shove and swallow instantaneously, or you won't even notice you've eaten it. When we eat slowly and with real pleasure, we are much less likely to overeat. Stay conscious.
Do not for a minute feel guilty, no matter how much you end up eating. Guilt does nothing except make you feel bad, which is no good for your health. Instead, tune into your body and recognize how you feel. Use this as an opportunity to gather information about yourself and what works for your body. Continue to notice (rather than a judge) what your body really needs to operate at its best, and try to feed it accordingly. The bottom line is, we don't need to approach this holiday or any with dread, fearing that the food will control us. With planning and awareness, you can enjoy your favorite goodies, while maintaining good health throughout the season.
Think about something you LOVE that feels really soothing, delicious and fully NOURISHING. For me, around this time of year, it's usually butternut squash soup, or roasted winter squash, or sweet potatoes with crème Fraiche and a little sea salt. Something hot, a bit sweet and so yummy. Eat this and notice how great it makes your body feel. Consider not making candy the central focus of this holiday. Have fun with decorations, costumes, and pumpkins. Click here for a fun and healthy pumpkin recipe. On Halloween night, use a small container or bag to collect goodies.
At the end of the night, sort through. Get rid of the stuff that is purely addictive but not really enjoyable. Toss it (it's better wasted in the garbage than wasted in your stomach - something my mom always used to say). If you choose to eat your favorite candy enjoy and savor it. Teach your children to do the same. Take small bites and really taste it. Don't unwrap, shove and swallow instantaneously, or you won't even notice you've eaten it. When we eat slowly and with real pleasure, we are much less likely to overeat. Stay conscious.
Do not for a minute feel guilty, no matter how much you end up eating. Guilt does nothing except make you feel bad, which is no good for your health. Instead, tune into your body and recognize how you feel. Use this as an opportunity to gather information about yourself and what works for your body. Continue to notice (rather than a judge) what your body really needs to operate at its best, and try to feed it accordingly. The bottom line is, we don't need to approach this holiday or any with dread, fearing that the food will control us. With planning and awareness, you can enjoy your favorite goodies, while maintaining good health throughout the season.
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