You may think the scariest part of Halloween is over, but for some of you, those fun-sized sugar-laden treats present a danger to your waistline. But there is a healthier way to indulge your sweet tooth and it all comes down to timing.
It’s not about an exact time of day, but rather the timing of when you eat candy. Instead of diving into the candy bowl and mindlessly eating it all day, I want you to pair it with food. And not just any food, but protein, fiber and healthy fat foods. These healthier choices can slow down the sugar rush and help protect insulin from spiking. Too much insulin can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and certain types of cancer.
It’s best to eat the meal first or have the candy with it. Try stirring a fun-size chocolate bar or candy pieces into plain Greek yogurt. Or pair a fruit and cheese plate with chocolate. You can also make a trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, whole-grain cereal and a small treat-size packet of candy. Try to make the meal as balanced as possible.
Halloween treats can be a part of a healthy diet but I do have some prescriptions:
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- Be sure to manage your hunger. Don’t skip meals or eat candy on an empty stomach or you may end up overindulging.
- Take time to think and plan your meals when candy is a part of it. Make sure it’s not overloaded with empty carbs that can also raise insulin levels.
- Always be mindful and savor the flavors when eating treats. You’ll enjoy every moment and feel a lot more satisfied.
- If you need a mid-afternoon boost, take a short walk instead of reaching for the overfilled office candy bowl. Getting your blood pumping can provide a great energy boost and won’t sap your focus or drive.
You can eat small portions of candy following a workout if you pair it with a protein shake. Because exercise uses a stored form of glucose, the candy can replace this while the protein fixes muscles tears that often happen when working out.
