While Halloween is a time for fun and celebration, it can be a difficult period for those committed to their weight loss goals. The season’s temptations can easily derail the progress you’ve made. At the Nicholson Clinic, we want to help you stay on track during Halloween, so we’ve put together some tips for navigating the holiday, some alternatives to traditional candy, and how to resist the temptation of indulgent foods.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Here’s few suggestions that can help this time of year!
- If you are buying candy to hand out at Halloween, buy candy you don’t like.
- Don’t buy candy too early so it’s not sitting around all month to tempt you.
- Keep candy out of sight, out of mind.
- Eat protein and manage your hunger. Plan healthy meals so you are satisfied.
- Have your water bottle handy. Drink water and stay hydrated.
- Stay active, take walks and stick to the game plan.
Smart Candy Alternatives
Instead of buying candy, consider healthier alternatives that are still fun. Here are some ideas for non-candy treats to hand out:
- Halloween-themed toys, like spooky stickers, vampire fangs, or fake fingers
- Fun items like glow-in-the-dark bracelets, temporary tattoos, or mini activity pads
- Healthier snacks like dried fruit, mini packs of nuts or small bags of microwave popcorn
- Mini water bottles as kids are always thirty when trick or treating
By thinking creatively, you can enjoy the spirit of Halloween without compromising your health goals.
Managing the Trick-or-Treat Aftermath
When kids bring home bags full of candy, it can be hard to resist dipping into their stash. To avoid this, establish a plan before the candy enters your home. Some patients let their children and spouse hide it, so they don’t know where it is. Others have found success limiting the amount they have in their house. Here’s a few options to allow your children to pick some of their favorite treats and then donate the rest.
- Many dental offices offer these programs to reduce the candy supply in households.
- Another option is to donate leftover candy to organizations that send treats to military personnel.
- Or let a friend or family member take some to their office to be enjoyed.
By planning ahead, you can minimize temptation and make the post-Halloween period easier to manage.
Building a Support System
Having a strong support network is invaluable during the holiday season. Whether it’s family, friends, or our healthcare team, having people to lean on can help you stay committed to your goals. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider joining the Nicholson Clinic Facebook Support Group where you can share experiences and gain insights from others who have undergone bariatric surgery.
Engaging with a community or seeking advice from a healthcare professional, such as our medical staff or our in-house dietitian, can provide additional strategies for managing the holiday season. Don’t hesitate to use the resources available to you.
Don’t let Halloween derail the progress you’ve made after bariatric surgery. Remember the importance of maintaining your new lifestyle and diet. With careful planning and a solid support system, you can navigate the holiday season successfully, keeping your health and weight loss journey on track.
