Halloween is almost upon us. Then Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Halloween is Opening Day for Sugar Season. Candy handed out to Trick or Treater’s. Then Pumpkin and Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving. Apple Pie for Christmas. Egg Nog and Champagne for New Years.
If we are being Honest, I love all of these. The key here is Moderation.
You’ve spent all Spring and Summer focusing on eating healthier, why would you choose to just toss in the towel now? And then turn around and have your New Years resolution to “be healthier and eat better?”
“But, Mandy, my kids brought home all this chocolate?” Well, how about you take the opportunity to teach your beautiful children about moderation. That it is absolutely “OK” to eat candy, but they don’t need to eat a whole bag. After dinner, make it a point to say, ‘This one or two pieces is your dessert.” This means that you will also have to set an example and do the same. Eat the candy with your kids. Turn the TV off. Sit around the dining table and show your kids how to just enjoy that piece of candy.
Sniff it. Notice the smell of it. Does it have Peanut Butter in it? Maybe some peanuts? Or maybe even coconut. Now, how does it taste? Does it actually taste like it smelled? Notice how it feels in your mouth. Is it smooth and creamy? Or is it crunchy. Like the difference between creamy or crunchy Peanut Butter. Make it a game. But, most importantly, make it a REAL TREAT. Allows this to continue throughout the Holiday Season.
One of my favorite tricks is to place all the Candy in a dark container, one that ou cannot see into. Then, place this container on a higher shelf that is not at eye level. We tend to over eat because we can “SEE” things. If our snacks are not in a super visible place, we tend to forget about them and have to have a conscious decision to want it.
Try to be mindful this season. Instead of mindlessly eating, be mindful and conscious.
