Halloween may be over but that doesn't mean the candy is gone. In fact, many of us are surrounded by more candy — leftover bowls of sugary sweets at every turn at work, and at home.
It’s too easy to grab a bite-sized treat, and then another. Or maybe you try skip the candy altogether.
But here’s some good news: it is possible to eat some of that leftover candy without gaining an ounce.
Kristen Smith, an Atlanta registered dietitian specializing in weight management and family nutrition, says the keys are portion control and paying attention to what — and how much — you eat.
Smith, a bariatric dietitian at Atlanta Medical Center and the founder of 360FamilyNutrition (www.360familynutrition.org) provides the following five tips on how to eat some of that Halloween candy without gaining weight.
1. Watch your portions. Limit yourself to only a few pieces per day (or less than 200 calories worth). To stick with your plan designate a time when you will eat the candies.
2. Exercise a little more. Go for a 20 minute walk at a moderate speed to burn approximately 100 calories (which equals one to two fun sized candies)
3. Watch what else you eat. Skip the carbohydrate containing foods (like bread and pasta), and focus more on vegetables and protein-rich foods (chicken, fish, beans, etc)
4. Choose candies with nuts or peanut butter. The protein-rich ingredient will provide some extra satiety.
5. Track what you eat. Keeping a food log will help you to be more accountable for what goes in your mouth. You will be surprised how quickly candy can add up.
And remember, don’t be too hard on yourself if you do overindulge. Tomorrow is always a new day.
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