Here Come the Holidays
Ah, The Holidays. Here in the U.S. that means massive amounts of candy are being shoved in front of our faces from the beginning of August (for the Pre-Pre-Halloween Season) all the way through the end of April (with the After-Easter clearance sales). How on earth is a person supposed to keep eating healthy in the midst of all that? I've got some ideas that might help.
Be a Picky Shopper
When it's time to buy Halloween candy for the little (and big) ghosts and ghouls, buy only candy that is your least favorite. I love chocolate but hate those sour candies that make your face pucker up like a dried apple. So I fill my candy bowl with those. That leaves very little temptation to sneak a few into my mouth.
Don't Be Stingy
You know how sometimes you get teenagers or even adults asking for candy on Halloween night? Don't resent them, just relax, laugh, and give them some candy. It's all supposed to be fun, isn't it? Besides, better that they eat the sugar than you. Make a concerted effort not to have any leftover candy when the night is done.
But...I...Really Want Some Candy...
I know. There, there. Have some candy if you really need to.
But make it a small treat, not an epic binge. If you live with someone who can help you out, get them to hide the candy from you until Halloween night, and ask them to dole out a reasonable serving to you when you really feel like you need a treat. And DON'T GO LOOKING FOR THEIR HIDING PLACE! A couple pieces of candy aren't going to totally ruin your fitness goals, but do resist as much as you can stand to.
Sabotage Everyone Else's Diet
Say you really tried to get rid of all the candy, but you still had leftovers. Or maybe some well-meaning soul gave you a bag full of candy as a nice gesture. Do you have to eat it? No.
If your job has a break room or similar place, set your candy out there. It'll probably be gone by the end of the day. Or, donate the candy to a food bank, if they can accept it. Or give it to neighbors, friends, or relatives. I'm sure you can find somebody who will make the sacrifice of eating that candy for you. People are nice that way.
Just know that hard candies aren't safe for everyone, such as toddlers. Elderly people or needy people without dental insurance may not have strong enough teeth. You might just have to take a deep breath and throw it away.
Facing the candy can be scarier than the darkest haunted house, but you can do it!
Be brave!
The Friendly Lifter
