Scary monsters and decorations abound during Halloween, but nothing strikes fear into the heart of dieters like unhealthy Halloween foods. Although candy is a staple of this popular holiday, there are some ways to still indulge and have a fun and healthy Halloween. We’ve put together this exhaustive list of healthy Halloween diet tips for you to put to good use. Use these healthy Halloween diet tips and tricks to avoid packing on the pounds this year:
Halloween Diet Tip #1: Buy candy you don’t like. You might be tempted to buy your favorite Halloween treats to hand out on October 31, but you’re better off buying candy you don’t like. If you buy Halloween foods that you enjoy, you’re likelier to give into those sugary cravings of yours. For a healthy sweet fix, consider healthy halloween diet options such as baked apples. “Healthy Snack Ideas for Men” has other treat ideas to help you stay full and beat cravings.
Halloween Diet Tip #2: Take a men’s multivitamin. Halloween treats aren’t exactly known for their nutritional value. And even though those Halloween foods may taste great now, you’ll pay for it later in the form of an energy crash. Make sure you’re getting enough of the right nutrients to keep your body functioning at its best. You can do this by taking a men’s multivitamin daily as well as an omega-3 supplement for men and a men’s antioxidant supplement. All of these men’s nutrition supplements can help meet your nutrient requirements while you’re busy snacking on some Halloween candy.
Halloween Diet Tip #3: Wait until the last minute to buy Halloween treats. If you’re the type to plan weeks in advance, this is the one time it’s better to hold off on the preparations. Buying Halloween candy the day of makes sure you don’t have any Halloween treats lying around the house tempting you. And when you do buy Halloween candy, don’t buy too much — you don’t want any leftovers sticking around once Halloween is done.
Halloween Diet Tip #4: Stick to “fun-size” portions. Halloween is a holiday after all, so it’s OK to indulge a little. “Fun-size” candy is your friend — in moderation. The occasional chocolate or Halloween treat won’t hurt your dieting efforts, but let’s be honest for a second: You’re likely not just going to eat one. Go ahead and eat a couple to get the craving out of your system. Then seal up the bag and save it for the trick-or-treaters. “10 Men’s Nutrition Tips You Need” has more information about portion control and other men’s diet strategies.
Halloween Diet Tip #5: Say “No” at the office. While saying “no” to your boss will get you into a heap of trouble, saying “no” to the office candy bowl won’t. As Halloween approaches, your officemates are likely to decorate the office and spread holiday cheer — and candy. Stick to your guns and decline the offers for cupcakes and other sugary treats that are loaded with calories and fat. If you end up succumbing, “Burn Calories at Work” has some great tips to help you literally work those calories off.
Halloween Diet Tip #6: Spoil your appetite. If you’re full, you’re less likely to stuff yourself with candy. So before the trick-or-treaters start showing up, have a hefty dinner. Eating protein-rich foods like chicken breast and nuts is a good way to ward off hunger since protein is very filling. Another healthy Halloween option is a whey protein shake, which is a good source of muscle-building nutrients like amino acids. For more information on how protein can benefit you, check out “The Benefits of Protein for Men.”
Halloween Diet Tip #7: Get rid of any leftover candy. Hopefully, you followed tip #3 and didn’t buy too much candy. If not, you need to get rid of the leftovers. Don’t throw them out, though — that’s a waste of perfectly good candy. Instead, take some to work with you and let your coworkers take it off your hands. You may also want to ask your neighbors if they or their kids want them. If everyone is all candied out, check online to find places that may accept candy donations — there are quite a few out there. Once you have this taken care of, you can focus on the next big holidays.
