Halloween is one of the ultimate tests of strength when it comes to our will power over food. It’s one thing to avoid eating sweets when you are able to keep them out of your house, but now you are forced to stock a variety of chocolatey yumminess right there in your cabinets. How is a girl to resist??
No one wants to be that house. The one handing out the apples or the fruit snacks. That is a sure-fire way to get your home at the top of the “T.P.” list next year.
So, what can you do to avoid overindulging in the bags of candy just sitting there begging to be opened? Here are 5 easy tips to keep you and your kids from overeating candy this Halloween.
1. It’s Just One Day
Halloween is one day, not all month. So, you need to buy and store candy in your house for one day, not all month. Simply go out and purchase your giveaway candy the day before or even the day of Halloween. The next day, any leftovers get the boot. (I’ll tell you where to send it a little further down.)
2. Don’t Buy Your Favorites
When choosing the candy to give out to trick-or-treaters, be sure to get the ones that are your least favorite. This way, you’ll be less tempted to steal a piece for yourself.
3. Indulge… A Little
Everything in moderation, right? Choose a number (a reasonable number!) of candies to set aside for yourself. Those are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Want them all right now? Okay, but that’s all you get! It’s okay to live a little and have a little treat every now and then. Just be sure to stick to your allotted candies.
4. The “Halloween Fairy”
Keeping candy out of your hands is one challenge, but keeping it out of the hands of your kids is a whole nother challenge. I remember reading online a while back about one mom who had the “Halloween Fairy” come the night after trick-or-treating. The kids’ candy would be traded out for coins or a toy and mom would then dispose of the candy quietly. What a clever idea!
5. Teach Your Kids The Gift of Giving
After all the candy has been collected and your kids had a fun-filled night of trick-or-treating, allow them to pick out their top 5 (or whatever number you choose) pieces to save for themselves. Teach them about those less fortunate who may not have been able to trick-or-treat and get all this candy and how they can help. Encourage them to choose where they would like to donate their remaining candy. There are lots of Halloween buy back programs, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, homeless shelters, food pantries and even nursing homes that will accept their generous donation.
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