October is here, it is getting colder, and thanks to the grocery stores promoting Halloween, you are on the 3rd bag of trick or treat candy and beggar’s night hasn’t even happened yet! How do you stay focused on your family’s wellness with all these temptations, while still enjoying the fun that comes with the holiday? Here are a few tricks to keep you and your family from spending October in a sugar-filled frenzy!
GET ADJUSTED:
When your body is in alignment, everything feels better. You are able to move pain free, and have increased range of motion allowing you to stay active. The more active you are, the more calories you burn. The other benefit to getting adjusted is that it may help in boosting the immune system, problems with metabolism and reducing stress, all of which impact your body’s ability to burn calories.
MAKE GOOD UNHEALTHY CHOICES:
We all crave a treat every once in awhile; when taxing your child for his beggar’s night load, choose candy that will keep your blood sugar from spiking, avoiding the dreaded sugar crash that follows. Candy with a lower glycemic index (milk or dark chocolate, snickers, twix and reeses peanut butter cups) slows down the process of the sugar going into the blood stream, keeping your blood sugar from spiking. Although, not a healthy choice, it is a better choice.
JUMP ON THE TEAL PUMPKIN WAGON:
Many of you have heard of the Teal Pumpkin Movement, an initiative created to bring awareness to the ever growing food allergies our kids are experiencing. Homes set out a teal pumpkin if they are offering allergen free treats. Some of the best choices are small toys, stickers, pencils, slime, etc…These non-consumables are not only a fun prize for all the ghouls and goblins that come to your door, they are also welcomed by the kids that can’t have much of what is put in their halloween bags. Bonus for you??? NO TEMPTATION!!
OPERATION SWITCH WITCH:
You have avoided the Halloween aisle all month, you bought toys instead of treats for beggar’s night but 8:00pm on the 31st is here and your child just brought in the BIGGEST BAG OF TREATS you have EVER SEEN!! Don’t panic! Let you and your child pick a few of your favorites and leave the rest out for the Switch Witch. While your child sleeps the Switch Witch will come to your house and take the rest of the candy, leaving behind something special like a toy, money or gift card in its place.
DONATE:
There are many organizations that accept Halloween candy donations. In the Columbus Ohio area, you can donate to The Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio, Operation Gratitude, Operation Buckeye and Operation Shoebox.
Be safe, Have fun, Enjoy your family, and remember that there is more to Halloween than the Candy!!
