Happy Halloween! If you are like me, you love candy. I’ve been hearing a lot about this new company called UnReal, which is actually is based out of Boston. They make non-chemical versions of your favorite candy bars like the Milky Way and Peanut M&M’s. 
This weekend I was listening to Jillian Michaels’ podcast and heard her say that she is going to throw out the candy her kids get and replace it with better for you candy. While her kids are too young to realize the difference, I suspect this would not fly for any child over the age of 4. Lisa Johnson, a Pilates instructor in Boston and blogger, says she allows her son to choose his favorites and throws out or donates the rest.
I don’t remember my parents having to monitor my Halloween candy and I lived in a huge Halloween friendly neighborhood. Jillian suggested people give out healthier candy like UnReal, but Janice, the voice of reason more often than not, said, “Well, isn’t that going to be expensive?” Jillian said not really, but I kind of doubt that to be true. Correct me if I’m wrong but I haven’t seen the Halloween fun size bags in stores to see for myself.
Other healthier options like UnReal include Justin’s Nut Butter candies, Newman’s Own Organic Candy, Sun Cups, Qbel Wafer Rolls, however none of these come in fun size portions to my knowledge.
Let’s face it, when it comes to spending money on food, we are more likely to spend a few extra bucks if it is for ourselves, but when you are buying candy for the rest of the neighborhood, are you really going to spend more?
Moderation is my rule of thumb when it comes to Halloween. I will admit, I can’t just have just one Hershey Kiss. The pumpkin spice by the way are amazing. I suggest giving yourself a Halloween cheat meal, more specifically dessert. Don’t have your treats on an empty stomach. Eat your veggies and protein first. Have what you want tonight, and be done with it. If you don’t get rid of all the candy, bring it to work or a meeting, or freeze it for holiday parties to put in brownies or cookies.
Have a cheat meal, not a cheat day on Halloween. Restricting yourself will lead to bingeing but know it’s OK to splurge. Your body will burn up to an extra 400 calories once in a while. When your higher calorie count continues for days is when you get into danger of falling into bad habits and gaining weight.
Do you still need a pumpkin for tonight? Check out these great non carving ideas from one of my new favorite YouTube channels, Mr Kate!
My favorite candy growing up was the Caramello but they are impossible to find in fun size these days! These days I try to stick to Peanut M&M’s, and dark chocolate varieties. I do love the fun size twix and kit kats. Also amazing in my opinion are the Nutrageous chocolate bars. What is your favorite?
