Have you bought your Halloween candy yet? Did you buy the stuff that
you love or the stuff that you know you won't eat? If you're like
many, you buy the candy that you like because you know that between
visits from trick or treaters you'll indulge in a few of the snacks.
This can be a disaster if you're on a diet.
Better and Worse Halloween Candy
If you want to get candy that will do the least damage, stick to the choices that are lower in fat. Tootsie Rolls, Starburst Fruit Chews, Dum Dum Pops, and York Peppermint Patties are among the better choices according to the American Council on Exercise. Worse choices include Kit Kat Bars, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Almond Joy Snack Sized Bars. These chocolate treats tend to have more fat and more calories.
Be Savvy and Practice Moderation
If you are handing out candy, or if your kids come home with a candy cache that defies avoidance, keep portion control in mind. Remember that a single serving of most snack size bars is only one bar - not five. Pick one or two items and set them aside to enjoy. Then have healthier snacks available to munch on throughout the night.
You can also create a finger-food style dinner that you consume throughout the evening. Make diet-friendly protein foods like chicken skewers or sushi along with some cut veggies, hummus and fruit. Enjoy your dinner while playing cards or doing some other activity that keeps your mind, and your fingers, off the candy.
If you want to get candy that will do the least damage, stick to the choices that are lower in fat. Tootsie Rolls, Starburst Fruit Chews, Dum Dum Pops, and York Peppermint Patties are among the better choices according to the American Council on Exercise. Worse choices include Kit Kat Bars, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Almond Joy Snack Sized Bars. These chocolate treats tend to have more fat and more calories.
Be Savvy and Practice Moderation
If you are handing out candy, or if your kids come home with a candy cache that defies avoidance, keep portion control in mind. Remember that a single serving of most snack size bars is only one bar - not five. Pick one or two items and set them aside to enjoy. Then have healthier snacks available to munch on throughout the night.
You can also create a finger-food style dinner that you consume throughout the evening. Make diet-friendly protein foods like chicken skewers or sushi along with some cut veggies, hummus and fruit. Enjoy your dinner while playing cards or doing some other activity that keeps your mind, and your fingers, off the candy.
