In this post I’ll share three really good ideas that have come our way over the years from our Coaches and students for staying away from all the candy at Halloween.
From our Coach Wanda
Over the years I’ve tried a number of ways to handle Halloween candy. I’d buy it at the very last minute. I’d buy something that I supposedly didn’t like. Eventually I realized that the best thing was to not buy it at all. I’m not a frequent candy eater, but proximity changes things.
However, I really enjoy the holiday and didn’t want to give it up. We get a ton of trick or treaters in my neighborhood and it’s a lot of fun! So, I started making little gift bags.
I buy little trinkets online from Oriental Trading Company. I also buy stickers/trinkets from any store that sells party favors; mini cans of play doh; and tiny bottles of bubbles for the toddlers. For the older ones or for those who don’t want the toys, I buy Wendy’s coupons for a small frosty. A book of 10 is $1. Each bag gets a couple of items and the bag is closed with 1 glow stick (package of 8 for a $1)
I tell the kiddos there is no candy. Few turn down the bag or the frosty coupon. They know they can get plenty of candy elsewhere. So, they get their treats. I get to have fun with my neighbors. And the Beast doesn’t get an invitation to the party. Win! Win!
Halloween marks the start of the National Eating season. It’s my goal to get off to a smooth start!
Rachel, a student came up with a really cool BUY BACK idea
We do not have any kids come to our house, so I don’t have to deal with that, BUT my kids do go out and come home with a pillow case filled. In the past I would have eaten their candy. Last year I decided to think of it as THEIR candy. They walked around getting each piece, they carried the heavy bag. I had no right to any of it, and I told them not to let me have any. That slight shift in mindset helped a ton.
Also I began the candy buy back program last year. For each pound of candy (yes they get that much) they give me, I give them $5. Then we donated the candy they “sold” to me to a children’s shelter. Wins all around. (except maybe my pocketbook, but their health is worth WAY more than I gave them).
For me the key is deciding right now that I am not going to eat a single piece of it. Then I spend all of my time focusing on how I will NOT eat it and what I will do instead. I need days of mental prep, so I start early. I can’t be wishy-washy about it. Basically I go on the offensive. I know the beast it going to show up, so I meet IT head on ready for battle. I tell everyone in the house my plan and they all help me meet my goal. That is why I made my commitment this week to include eating no sugar for 7 days.
Catherine, a student buys candy she doesn’t like
We typically buy candy that I don’t like (it’s easy to do since I don’t like anything with peanut in it). All the leftovers go to my office.
I really don’t have trouble resisting it but mostly because I spend a lot of time telling myself that Halloween candy is NOT SPECIAL. It’s chemically laden crap in pretty packages. I find that bargaining with myself also works pretty well. I can either have Halloween candy now or my aunt’s kourabiedes at Christmas (which ARE special). Guess which one wins every year?
Happy Halloween!
Got a tip? Please share it with us on Facebook!
Leanness Lifestyle University
