Halloween Survival Guide

5 TIPS FOR AN ENJOYABLE HALLOWEEN

It’s that time of the year again. Candy, sweet treats, and more. This can be a challenging season for many, so here are a few annual reminders to help you thrive this Halloween. 

1. Give yourself permission to eat the treats. 

Candy is not good or bad and it is part of celebrating and enjoying the holiday. If we restrict specific foods we are more likely to crave and over eat these foods, which could lead to guilt and shame. 

1. Don’t restrict food intake.

Skipping meals before going to any social event is never a good idea. Intentionally eating less before an event will result in increased hunger and food thoughts throughout the day. When the event comes around the chances of mindless eating are dramatically increased. Instead, have balanced meals at your usual times and engage in your typical exercise regimen.  

1. Avoid excessive exercise. 

Similarly to restricting food intake, excessive exercise around an event is not the way to go. You do not need to “earn'' candy or festivities, nor do you need to make up for them. Try not to change your exercise routine in the days leading up to and following any celebration.

1. Avoid mindless eating.

Rather than shoveling a handful of candy into your mouth at once, take a moment to savor and enjoy each piece. Assess your level of satisfaction after each piece to help determine if you actually want more or if you are satisfied with what you’ve had. Eating anything when we are not hungry can become an issue.

1. Engage in other fun things Halloween has to offer.

While candy is a major highlight of the holiday, there are many other activities to engage in. Take your mind off all the food by playing games, going to a haunted house, carving pumpkins, have a costume contest, watch a spooky movie, and/or socialize with friends and family.

*This post was written by our intern Amanda Putnam*