Half-term already beckons, which often means going off-piste somewhat, and then there’s also Hallowe’en to factor in as well. Little wonder a few WLS patients start to get jittery! My children are fully grown and whilst they still partake in the festivities at the end of October (still big kids at heart) I don’t have a candy crush feel in the home like many (just a few well-chosen and stashed away treats for those door-steppers, bell-ringers and ghostly apparitions that visit with a ‘treat or treat’ chant).
You might not be quite so fortunate and be a sitting duck for the tricksters slowly gathering pace towards your door, or from family youngsters already clamouring for early treats. If that’s the case then think ahead and use the advice from our guest bariatric dieticians Monica & Lisa outlined below ….
GUEST POST: Happy Hallowe’en friends! Did you know that 3 to 4 small Hallowe’en chocolate bars are equivalent to one full-sized chocolate bar? Don’t trick yourself this year!
Here are some other reminders and tips to keep in mind over the next week or two. 1. Healthy eating starts in childhood. Are you helping your kids develop healthy habits? This year, have your kids fill a small to medium sized Ziploc bag with their favourite Hallowe’en treats. Offer them a couple of pounds or $5 if they opt for giving away the rest of their candy to spend on a non-food treat of their choice. It’s win-win-win! Less tempting sweets in the house for you and a lesson taught to the kids! 2. Resist the urge to buy discounted November 1st Hallowe’en chocolate and candy. Is your health really worth the 50% discount that the stores advertise? 3. Ask your kids if they would rather forego trick or treating this year for some other awesome non-food experience that they’ve been dying to try! Maybe it’s going to a local Hallowe’en spook party, going to the movies, going bowling, or going to the amusement park on Hallowe’en night. 4. Keep Hallow’een treats out of sight. Keeping them in the pantry at eye level or on the kitchen counter will only encourage you to eat more. Studies show that the less often you see a food, the less likely you are to eat it. Sounds obvious right? Try keeping your treats in a non-see-through bag in the garage or basement. You’ll be less tempted this way! Feature courtesy of bariatricsurgerynutrition.com |