Written by Patricia Fenoff, ETSU Dietetic Intern
Edited by Elizabeth Hall, MS, RDN, LDN, Food City Registered Dietitian

October starts the end of the year holiday season, where we all tend to over-indulge.  From Halloween to New Year’s includes trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving dinners, and lots of holiday parties. This is the best time of year to start practicing moderation and mindfulness in your eating pattern. This year, enjoy the festivities while incorporating healthier habits. 
   
Let’s start with Halloween!
•   A good first tip is to buy candy the night before Halloween, which can keep you from over-indulging during the month before the big night.
•   When shopping for treats, look for Halloween snacks that are Fun Size or that provide around 100 calories. This can help keep portion sizes in check.
•   After Halloween, keep the candy out of sight. As the old saying goes “out of sight out of mind.” This may limit the amount of candy you consume.
•   Plan a sweets schedule over the next few days or weeks with your kids, but when it’s over, give the remaining candy away.
•   Think of creative ways to incorporate your treats into more balanced snacks that include other food groups like whole grains, proteins, or dried fruit. Make your own trail mix with Food Club Toasted Oats, mixed nuts, and raisins along with a small amount of your favorite candy.

Another way to keep Halloween healthier this year is to walk door to door with your kids during trick-or-treating instead of driving in a car. You could even start a healthy competition between friends and family for who can get the most steps on Halloween night. With the cooler weather settling in, it is the perfect time to go on nightly walks with your family after dinner. Incorporating a little physical activity can be a great way to balance extra calories consumed during the holiday season.

While keeping a healthful eating pattern is challenging this time of year, with a few tips and tricks, you can enjoy your holiday favorites without worrying about weight gain.  The goal is to enjoy in moderation without deprivation! When sweets are enjoyed as a part of a balanced diet, you are often less likely to over-indulge.