Go Ahead, Eat a Halloween Candy

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, “Aren’t you a health coach?”

Yes, but I’m also a “self-care” coach, and to me, self-care isn’t about deprivation.

In fact, I love how fgwrc.ca (a women’s resource center) says self-care is:

“Self-care is care provided ‘for you, by you.’

It’s about identifying your own needs

and taking steps to meet them.

It is taking the time to do some of the

activities that nurture you.

Self-care is about taking proper care of yourself

and treating yourself as kindly as you treat others.”

Isn’t that beautiful?

Self-care is about you being in control of YOU – YOU make the rules.

So if you’re going to have a piece of Halloween candy (or two), then do it!

To remind you, you’re not going to gain 10 pounds (heck, you won’t even gain 1 pound) if you have a few pieces of candy.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not trying to convince you to eat candy, I just want to make sure you put this in perspective.

With that in mind, if you do choose to have a treat, here are three things I recommend you do:

#1 Because Halloween is a one-time event (unlike the “holiday season”… more to come from me on the holiday season by the way… stay tuned), then have a darn piece of candy if you want, BUT give the rest away or throw it away.

Don’t have the self-control to just eat one, give the rest away, or throw it away (what some would consider “wasting” food)?

Then pick one or two (of your absolute favorites) and before you eat one (this is can be important if you have a hard time stopping once you start), immediately give the rest away or throw them away (again immediately!).

Don’t even think about it. Just do it. You’ll be glad you did.

Now you don’t have to worry about exercising self-control anymore.

#2 Don’t just scarf it down; instead eat it slowly, really savor it.

Here’s my philosophy: If you’re going to eat it, then enjoy it!

#3 Don’t feel guilty about it or beat yourself up after you ate it.

Also, don’t feel like you need to run around the block ten times to burn it off.

Bonus Tip from a client: One of my clients told me this week that she bought her candy to hand out a little early, but “hid” it in a cabinet so she isn’t reminded all the time that it’s there.

It gets better…

She made a promise to herself that she won’t open up the package until she’s ready to accept the little ones who come to her door.

Great “tricks,” right?!

In summary, if you’re going to have a Halloween treat, make sure you:

Plan ahead by just picking out your absolute favorites and getting rid of the rest (immediately)
Really enjoy it when you eat it – slow down and savor it!
Don’t feel guilty about it – Halloween only comes around once a year (one or two treats doesn’t mean it’s the end of your health pursuits)

Still feel like you won’t have self-control with just one or two candies?

Here’s a simple tip: Buy candy that you don’t like. That might just do the trick.

Until next time, Happy Halloween!

It’s your turn to take care of YOU,