Halloween Can be a Scary Time When You Are Trying to be Healthy!
The word ‘Halloween’ strums up similar images for many of us. Images of delicious chocolate bars, salty and savory chips, sweet and tart candies galore and ooey, gooey toffee. While, get those images out of your head now! There is so much more to this time of year beyond those processed, sugar and fat filled treats!
During certain times of year, like Halloween and Christmas, it\’s very challenging to stay away from junk food.
1. The Fall is a perfect time to get outside and get active!
Don’t stay inside dreaming of chocolates and candy, instead head over to the one of the many, horrifying and fun haunted venues that pop up in October. Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt is really something to see. The terrifying costumes and scenery are top notch. You’ll get a ton of steps in by walking around this 100 acre haunted scene. Not to mention the calories you’ll burn by running away from their horrifying ghosts and ghouls that are everywhere!
2. If haunted venues get your heart racing a little too fast, try visiting a pumpkin patch. These farms often offer a ton of fun activities for the whole family. Corn mazes, tractor rides, pumpkin picking and more can be enjoyed.
Pumpkins are a healthy, whole food. Enjoy visiting pumpkin patches and baking with pumpkins during this time of year.
3. So many delicious fruits and veggies are in their prime during this time of year!
I have one word for you – PUMPKIN! This amazing fruit is packed with fibre, vitamins, iron and magnesium. Pumpkin should be added to so much more than pie. Try adding it to your smoothies, or oatmeal; make a soup, stew or chili with it. And don’t forget about the seeds – they are packed with magnesium, zinc and antioxidants to keep you healthy!
4. Keep the neighborhood kids healthy!
As a neighborhood personal trainer and nutrition coach, I especially like this tip. Instead of handing out sugar and calorie filled snacks to the little ‘Trick-or-Treaters’, pass out small erasers or trinkets this year. Dollarama has a ton of small, reasonably priced toys and supplies. You’ll be surprised what you can find, without having to spend anything more than you would have spent on the standard junk food treats. Another huge positive, you won’t be able to snack on the treats as you wait by the door for the next ‘Trick-or-Treater’. Come on, I know we’ve all done that!
To Sum it Up…
Don’t use this Halloween season as an excuse to watch your waistline increase. Follow the tips above to stay active and eat healthier and you will see the scale drop instead of ‘creep’ up!