On the Lighter Side
The Tricks on Treats
By Linda Trainor, RN, BSN
Do you remember candy necklaces when you were a little kid?
Do you recall having more pleasure eating the necklace than actually wearing it?
If you can reminisce over this sweet memory, and answered "Yes," be forewarned.
The days, weeks and months following this busy holiday season can become a dieter’s personal horror show. Whether you are a Mummy, Pop, Pilgrim or simply born from a pumpkin patch, you're vulnerable to overstuffing your gourd well past the hallowed day.
Hence, don't trick yourself with bite-size morsels, for they can take on a giant life of their own, which can trigger endless snacking. Ghostly advice: skip the scary mini bars of candy. Give them to the goblins that visit thee at thy doorsteps or simply go bobbing for apples instead.
Remember, it's time to be ghoulish, just don't be foolish. Pay homage to the Mayflower; just don't eat a lot of white flour.
Don't be disillusioned on Halloween or the days and weeks following. Enjoy a good harvest this season and remove the horror from your diet with these MONSTROUSLY delicious ideas:
Create a comfort bowl of goodies for yourself
Fill the bowl with weighed and measured, ready-to-eat snacks where a minute on your lips won't render years on your hips.
Treat yourself to the spook-tacular colors of New England
Hike Wachusett Mountain, walk Ogunquit’s Marginal Way, visit Old Sturbridge Village or Newport during the holidays. Step out to enjoy some of the magic New England has to offer you during the foliage season.
Dance
Whether you do the Transylvania Twist, Monster Mash, skip to Silver Bells or Rock around the Christmas tree, just move those dancing feet. A great way to enjoy the festivities is through fun activities.
Trick yourself while shopping in the mall
Take a few laps around the whole place to burn a few extra calories. It's a treat for your feet.
Dine and divide
Conquer your portions by dividing up the food on your plate before you take your first bite at a restaurant. Having your waitress provide you with a take-home container to place your extra portions prior to eating will let you savor the seconds for another meal. It will also eliminate extra calories while dining out during the holidays.
Above all, the real trick is that by following these tips, the treat will become self-evident on New Year's Eve, when your hallowed healthy habits become second nature, eliminating the resounding New Year's resolutions.
Happy Halloween and Happy Living!
Above content provided by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. For advice about your medical care, consult your doctor.
Posted October 2011
