Live It, Don't Diet

All Hallows Eve

Trick or Treat

By Leslie Fink, MS, RD | 10/31/2006

Most kids consider Halloween to be the best holiday all year: You knock on a stranger's door and get free candy in return. But for some adults, Halloween is a nightmare. How do you resist eating the treats you bought to give out to the kids? And how do you keep your hands out of the leftovers afterward — not to mention the stash your children may have lugged home?

First things first. Keep in mind that you can buy yourself candy any time of the year. There's no need to load up on Hershey's Kisses on October 31st when you can enjoy five Kisses (POINTS® value = 3) whenever your heart desires. Second, remember that eating a little bit of candy on Halloween doesn't make a person overweight — it's constant overeating that can pile on the pounds. So don't assume you can't enjoy even a single treat, especially since deprivation is a dieting tactic that often backfires.

Slimming Tricks
Still concerned that you won't be able to refrain from gobbling up treats between knocks at the door? Simply buy and give away candy that you're not particularly fond of. If you've never met a candy you don't like, be more generous with your treats. When the influx of ghosts and goblins starts to dwindle, hand out several out to each child, and give the late-night knockers a handful or two.

As for your children's candy collections, think about hiding them away to be enjoyed gradually over time. Childhood obesity is becoming a major problem, so it's never too early to teach your kids healthy eating habits. Encourage them to eat a few pieces of their favorite candy once they've sorted through their loot (emphasize moderation, not deprivation), then put a third of the remainder in a plastic container. Cover it up and store it on a high shelf (out of sight, out of mind), then let them enjoy a piece every once in a while. Consider donating the remaining candy to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen (that's 66 percent fewer temptations in the house!).

Slimming Treats
We searched the shelves for the best candy values out there. Miniatures are a great deal in terms of portion control, while chewy candies turn out to be a big mouthful bargain and hard candies and lollipops score high for long-lasting satisfaction. And the winners are…

posted by Snowman @ 11:08 AM