Halloween, for some of us, means the start of the two and a half months of holiday sugar binge!
For me, my discipline stops in its tracks about two weeks before Halloween when I figure I’ll buy a bag of candy to “get ready.” It has to be the “cool” candies… which are one of the ones I like the most. I do the same thing every year. It’s a pattern I’ve formed. And I can guarantee he won’t be there come Halloween night! It’s in my belly instead. I have to try them for the kids, you know!
So on Halloween I run out and buy extra stash. And the leftovers? Where do you think they land? Hint: none can be wasted.
The saddest part of this sugar binge: It goes on…until Christmas. And I’m so embarrassed I can’t control it. And even though my husband never says a word… I can imagine what he is thinking as he watches the effects it has on me: The mood swings, the weight gain, the feeling of exhaustion, and worst of all, the constant need the rest! My energy seems to go out the door. This cycle will last until just after New Year’s Eve when I make my promises to give up sweets.
I know I am not alone. Last year, $1.89 billion was spent on Halloween candy. (I only spend about $20, I get!)
While that temporary sugar spike may not kill you instantly, it does cause serious damage to our hearts and to adult-onset diabetes. As I write this article, I am thinking that I would save money and my health if I just went to a health spa for 3 weeks! OK OK…not realistic for me either!
So what can I do differently to help myself and what can I do to help those kids so they don’t have to develop the same sugar problem that I have?
I think we should “think beyond the candy wrapper”…and think of ways to celebrate and have fun…but not with candy!
Here are some giveaways that will help you:
1. Go to Oriental Trading and buy some small toys like bubbles, balls, tops, games, balloons, the list goes on. 2. The dollar store often has great little gifts…any kind of toy. 3. Small pre-sealed packages of apples 4. Pretzel packages 5. Change: pennies or nickels 6. A small package that includes one or two balloons and instructions on how to do an easy balloon experiment… I’ve made this …and it went very well.
If you have children at home, throwing a party with some delicious snacks is a wonderful plan. Have some spooky games planned to get the kids up and moving! Ask them to practice and put on a play, learn to tell jokes, recite a poem, tell their favorite story…
However, some parents may get together and “divide and conquer” together. You can browse us to find special, creepy and delicious recipes that other families have created. You can also go to http://getthegoodness.com for some amazing snack recipes that can be customized for just about any holiday.
Halloween no longer has to be the start of sugar season. It can still be fun and eventful without causing harm.
Remember, if it’s not prepackaged, don’t deliver it. It will most likely be thrown away… by the parents. Have a safe and spooky Halloween!
To your health!!!
Gretchen Jack, CrushSugarCravings.com
