Curb your Halloween candy treats
25 Oct 2023 by Ted Escobedo 2 min read
If you tend to dig a little too deep into your kid’s Halloween candy hoard, here are some tips to keep temptation at bay:
• Consume enough protein and fiber.
Protein and fiber help keep us full. If we are not eating enough of these nutrients, we
often have cravings for sweets and processed foods.
If you have a strong craving for Halloween candy, consider how much protein and fiber you consume.
• Sort out the kids’ favorites.
Help your child pick their favorite candy from the total bounty they received. Keep their
favorites and consider discarding, or donating, the rest. If it's out of sight, it's out of mind.
• Pay attention to portion size.
Candy comes in all shapes and sizes. If you choose to indulge, avoid full-size candy bars,
which can lead to overeating. One full-size candy bar can equal three to four servings.
Opting for a mini or snack size is a better bet. In general, reducing portion size is key when
eating high-calorie desserts.
• Time candy consumption around physical activity.
Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of fuel for exercising. A small piece of candy — a chocolate “mini” or a few fruit chews — can be a carb-rich snack that digests easily when eaten within 30 minutes of a workout. Keep in mind that the workout should be a resistance, weight or high-intensity training workout as opposed to an easy walk around the block.
Consuming a small, high-sugar food before a workout helps the body metabolize it for fuel and energy. Consuming high-sugar foods without exercise can cause a drastic blood sugar spike and ultimately lead to a “crash.”
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- Food & Nutrition