Broad Ripple Random Ripplings

Brought to you by:

Everything Broad Ripple Home

Random Ripplings Home

2015 10 30

Column

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v12n22)

Gettin' Ripped in Ripple - Hallo-"ween" Tips - by Laura Minor

posted: Oct. 30, 2015

Hallo-"ween" Tips

Hello readers! Well, as October means many things to many people, to most (especially kids) it means Halloween. I read the other day that this holiday is the second highest-grossing behind Christmas, so obviously the numbers don't lie. I love this holiday myself and honestly can't remember a year that I haven't dressed up. Yep I'm one of those people. ;)

The best parts of Halloween of course are the parties and the candy. And the worst parts of Halloween for our waistlines and energy levels are the parties and the candy. Now, I am probably not going to tell you anything earth-shattering in this article, as they are similar to tips that I am sure you have all heard before. BUT, it is also nice to have friendly reminders to help stave off unwanted pounds and sugar (and other) hangovers, right? So here goes:

• Buy candy the day before Halloween: Research show that just looking at food triggers our brain to imagine eating it. If you have bought candy already, keep it out of sight until that day.

• Buy candy you don't love: My husband was quite annoyed a couple of years ago when I bought a huge bag of suckers and hard candy. No desire there! If it's not chocolate in some form, it's not eaten in our house.

• Follow a normal eating routine that day: Don't save up calories for the candy. You will much more likely overdo it and since candy is low in protein and fiber, you won't feel full quickly.

• Give your kids a smaller bag: Less candy, less consumption for both them and you.

• Walk the route: As long as you feel safe, avoid driving your kids around. Enjoy the scenery while burning calories. I am biased, but I think Meridian-Kessler is the BEST trick or treating neighborhood there is.

• Workout in the AM: Exercising will allow you a little wiggle room for extra candy calories and put you in the right mindset to make healthy choices and stick with your Halloween battle plan.

• Be the 'Boring' House: If you're the kind of person who'll eat whatever's around, don't set yourself up for failure by stocking up for trick-or-treaters. Consider buying non-candy goodies from a dollar store (temporary tattoos, toys, stickers, etc.) or healthier snacks, like little baggies of nuts or raisins. Yes, you might get some rolled eyes from neighborhood kids, but at least their parents will thank you!

• Have a splurge strategy: In order to survive the holiday without derailing your diet, plan your splurges in advance. Make it really specific - for example, you'll have no more than two fun-size bars or peanut butter cups per day. If you have a plan, you're more likely to stay in control.

• Ration the kid's candy as well: Hopefully your kids won't have a huge fit by this one. After they get home, let them keep their favorites and get rid of the rest. Then pack them one piece for lunch and one or two at dinner. The candy will last longer and no binging!

Obviously this isn't an all-inclusive list, but the general idea applies here as to all nutrition plans. Nothing is forbidden if it can be controlled in moderation along with activity. Halloween kicks off the holiday season so starting off on the right foot will arm you with good strategies to apply there as well.

Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to "FIT" exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail laura@BroadRippleGazette.com

laura@broadripplegazette.com

Brought to you by:

Brought to you by: