Thanks to trick-or-treating, Halloween is often synonymous with candy. As a child, you likely could eat all sorts of Halloween goodies guilt-free, without worrying about gaining weight. As you grow older, your desire for Halloween treats may not go away. Health-conscious individuals may be able to abstain from indulging, but if you are like many of us, it can be hard to resist the temptations that await in your child’s trick-or-treating bag.
These simple tips can help to work off Halloween candy and avoid candy temptation altogether:
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Don’t be fooled by “fun size.”
Allowing yourself one “bite-sized” piece of candy can quickly unravel, resulting in allowing yourself far more than originally intended. Men’s Fitness magazine has put together a list of Halloween candy favorites matched with the exercise equivalent for working off that piece of candy. Knowing that two fun-size chocolate bars equate to 16 minutes of running could help to curb over-indulging.
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Exercise more.
This tip is simple and can work for any weight-loss goal, not just for Halloween: If you know that you are going to indulge, whether by eating a large, fancy dinner or a few extra chocolates, add 15 to 20 minutes to your workout routine. Don’t have a workout routine? Opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator, or commit to walking around the block. Every little bit helps.
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Squeeze in exercise when you can.
You don’t have to join a gym in order to work off the Halloween candy. Have a few spare minutes before a meeting? Do some arm circles to get your blood pumping and arm muscles working. Taking a bathroom break? Do some squats in the bathroom stall. Those small changes to your daily routine can help to burn off Halloween calories. This lifestyle and productivity blog lists seven exercises that you can do anywhere, anytime.
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Keep candy out of sight.
Out of sight, out of mind. It can be hard to resist temptation when the candy bowl is sitting on the counter. Put Halloween treats in a cupboard or drawer.
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Take candy to the office.
The best way to resist eating your child’s Halloween candy is simply to get it out of your home. Take some of the candy to work, to share with (torture?) your co-workers.