Smart Choices after the Halloween Sweet Rush
If you’re like my family, this weekend was full of costumes, face paint, trick-or-treating and sugar! While I’m normally pretty good about keeping my girls’ sweets to a minimum, but of course battle them getting enough greens. However, I do let them indulge on special occasions like Halloween.
Trying to say “no” to all of the tempting Halloween candy would be very hard, if not impossible, for even the most determined parent. Not to mention I feel like you make a bigger issue of sugar vs. teaching them where it fits into their nutrition life. In fact, after just an hour of trick-or-treating with my girls, I found myself craving the sweets in their bags. Not to mention, I’ve been so busy lately filming my upcoming show S.T.R.O.N.G that a “quick sugar fix” seemed extremely appealing. I imagine many of you have been faced with similar sugar temptations.
If you did indulge in one too many Halloween candies, don’t punish yourself. Just focus on getting back on track and making smarter decisions. Here are some ways you can treat your body a little kinder this week.
- If a taste of those delicious chocolate treats now has you craving even more chocolate – try to indulge in a smarter, more nutritious choice. There are actually yummy, better-for-you options on the market! The Balance Bar® Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch has a crunchy cookie base and a chocolate coating to please your sweet tooth. Each bar has 14g of protein and 2g of fiber, keeping you energized and satisfied until your next meal.
- Pick something active for the whole family to do together. If the weather is still mild enough in your area, go for a long weekend hike. Or, look up a local rock climbing wall and spend the afternoon conquering your fear of heights. Getting your body moving will help you feel more balanced and less guilty about any sweet splurges.
- Use the shorter days as an opportunity to spend more time in the kitchen experimenting with nutritious meals. Carrots, broccoli, celery, brussels sprouts and chard are all readily available this time of year. See if you can create a new family favorite recipe.
- Make sure you are hydrated because the simple act of drinking water can help you avoid making certain menacing nutritional choices.
This same thought process can also be useful as we head into the busy holiday season. Everyone is likely to over-indulge at least once over the holidays. Instead of dwelling on it or using it as an excuse to forgo any diet plans; use that indulgence as an opportunity to recommit to your goals. In the days following, think of new ways to make smarter choices for your body. You’ll lose the guilt and end up feeling much happier, healthier and more balanced.
Cheers!
Gabby Reece*
Gabby Reece* writes awesome articles as a paid spokesperson for Balance Bar®. We also send her delicious Balance Bar® products for free, so…best job ever?