• Purchase non-edible items for trick-or-treaters instead of candy. Have several types of items on hand for different age groups. Consider the following: Sugarless gum, decorated pencils, stickers, small toys (party favors) such as puzzles, small balls, toy jewelry, plastic insects, etc.
• If you must purchase candy, do not bring it into the house until the last minute. Purchase a type that will not tempt you.
• Delegate someone else to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters at the door.
• “Trade” or “buy” the candy your children bring home. Trade their candy for special non-edible treats such as a day at Disneyland or other theme park, a desired toy or video game, a day at the movie theatre, a day of shopping for whatever they want within a specific price limit, etc. Be creative. Then, immediately throw the candy away or give it away. Remind yourself that disposing of something that isn’t good for you isn’t “wasting”. By doing this, you will probably save time, money and frustration on your program.
• Have Lindora Lean for Life protein bars on hand. Cut the bars into tiny pieces and place in a zip lock bag. Keep a bag at home, work, and in the car. Some people enjoy freezing, or partially freezing the protein bar pieces.
• Write a list of all the reasons you want to be lean (Motivator Cards) and read it several times a day — especially on Halloween evening..
• Don’t refer to candy as “treats”; it’s no treat to eat something that sabotages your weight control efforts. Instead, focus on the “treat” being lean and healthy.
• Be sure to eat balanced meals and protein snacks; it is easier to avoid cravings and temptation when you are not hungry.
You can have a lean and enjoyable Halloween!