Contrary to popular belief, Dietitians don't hand out toothbrushes and apples to trick or treaters....at least this one doesn't. If there is ever a time for a treat, Halloween is it.....not 3 pm in a cubical in front of spread sheet and/or emails. The key to keeping the holiday weight off this year, and every year after that, is snacking mindfully. Mindful eating is a practice that allows us to fully enjoy and appreciate our food, without distraction, and with the purpose to nourish our body and mind, thus cutting back on excessive calories and the guilt that goes along with overindulgence. So how does one keep eating mindful during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season?
1) Plan ahead. You know you are going to dip into the candy bowl this Halloween, so set yourself up for success and set aside a few pieces of your favorite right off the bat. 2-3 pieces of fun sized candy are usually around 100-150 calories, which would fit into most meal plans.
2) Beware of bite sized! Bite sizes goodies can be misleading and lead us to eat more than we would if it were a regular sized treat.
3) Track the good, the bad and the ugly! Keeping up with daily food journals and tracking your intake is the foundation to any weight loss plan....especially during the holidays. Let food journaling become your sense of control during this hectic time.
4) Take the extra step! The best way to combat extra calories is to increase your exercise the next day. Don't beat yourself up over that extra piece of candy; just pick up the pace on your morning walk or tack on an extra 15 minutes.
5) Limit eating out. You will most likely be a guest at someone else’s dinner table over the next few months, thus limiting the amount of control over what is in your food. If you are someone who usually enjoys eating out once or twice a week, try cutting back to once or twice a month. !