Enjoying Halloween Candy - Create a Healthy Balance
By: Ellen Glickman, Ph.D.
October 29, 2024
Halloween brings a seemingly irresistible spread of treats, and it's easy to indulge, especially as we dip into that bowl of candy or “check” the kids trick or treating haul. But keeping our bodies healthy means finding a balance between enjoying seasonal treats and maintaining good habits for our well-being.
As we age, our metabolic rate and body systems decline gradually — about 1% per year, or roughly 10% per decade. For those of us who exercise consistently, there’s good news: we may slow that decline to only 8% per decade! Balancing candy with a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean cutting out the fun. It means making mindful choices to keep our health on track while savoring the season.
Tips for Halloween (and Beyond): Candy in Moderation
Maintaining a healthy body weight is all about energy balance. To stay on track, think about balancing the calories from treats with regular physical activity. Here are a few simple, manageable ways to do that as the holiday season unfolds:
- Plan Your Treats: Enjoy your favorite candies, but try setting aside a few pieces rather than indulging in everything at once. A little planning can make a big difference.
- Balance Calories with Activity: If you’re treating yourself to extra sweets, balance it with a bit of extra exercise. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick workout, or dancing to your favorite playlist, burning those extra calories keeps things in balance.
- Keep to a Routine: Regular meals, hydration, and plenty of sleep help control cravings and provide the energy to stay active and feel good.
- Move with Friends and Family: If exercising sounds like a chore, grab a friend for a walk, listen to a podcast, or play an audiobook. Making activity enjoyable is key to staying consistent. Walk, jog, play pickleball, or hike — just choose something that keeps you moving and smiling!
Staying active every day is the real “treat” that keeps us strong and feeling our best. Let’s enjoy the season’s sweets in moderation and keep up with our good habits, so we can enjoy the best of both worlds.