Tricks (and Treats) for a Healthy spooky Szn
Source: @theestallion
I love a Kit Kat or cup of boozy punch as much as the next ghoul (see what I did there?), but what I am not a huge fan of is the bad hangover (from candy or alcohol) that comes on November 1st. In years past, it's taken me weeks to feel back on track with my health goals and get my gut back to feeling normal (a post-Halloween gut is scarier than any ghost or goblin). But if you know me, you know I believe that joy is a nutrient more important than protein or vitamin C, and we should never feel deprived, especially times where we know we're making memories, like on a holiday or having fun with friends. So read on for some tricks (and treats) to be healthier this Halloween, while still making the most of it (Insta-worthy costume not included).
Tricks for staying healthy during spooky szn
Set intentions based on how you feel, not what you think you're supposed to do.
Let's be honest: if you tell yourself you won't eat candy or give in to the tempting free-burrito-if-you're-wearing-a-costume deal at Chipotle (and if you didn't know that's a thing, you're welcome), you're setting yourself up for failure. Instead, determine how many pieces of candy you can eat until you start feeling sick (that way, you'll be enjoying every bite instead of mindlessly devouring it), or tell yourself to start getting ready for bed at 11 p.m. if a good night's sleep makes you feel your best the next day.
Load up on veggies first.
Halloween is a sprint, not a marathon. Don't opt for a McDonald's breakfast because you think the day is going to be “ruined” with bottomless candy or alcohol. Fitting in veggies throughout the day ensures you can enjoy the food or drinks you want, but you'll still have the nutrients your body needs (and I promise: the post-Halloween effects won't be as bad).
Keep up the habits that make you feel good.
So you know a probiotic helps your gut feel in check, or drinking a lot of water keeps you feeling energized and clear? Instead of ditching the habits that make you feel your best, double down on them come October 31st. Fit in some type of movement in the morning, take your supplements, and get in a sweat. You'll set yourself up for clarity so you can make decisions you'll actually enjoy, and your body will recover better from a late night, excess sugar, or too much Moscow Mummies (the festive version of Moscow Mules, naturally).
Try healthier versions of all your favorites
You already know one of my favorite healthy eating hacks is not to restrict or eat totally different meals (no one wants to live on salads or chicken and steamed veggies, especially on Halloween), but to find healthier alternatives to all your favorite foods that contain nourishing plants or cleaner ingredients. If Halloween has you craving pumpkin bread, you know what to do–DIY a version with antioxidant-rich pumpkin, maple syrup or raw honey instead of table sugar, and superfood spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Also, it's 2021 which means we can opt for products that won't make us feel like sh*t the next day, whether its candy with no added sugar and plant-based fiber, or alcohol that doesn't contain toxins and added sugar. Scroll on for my favorite Halloween recipes to DIY and my favorite Halloween products to order in advance.
Treats that will still make you feel good
If you love Reese’s…try Justin’s Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
If you love Starbursts…try YumEarth Organic Chewys
If you love pumpkin bread…try Simple Mills Almond Flour Pumpkin Baking Mix
If you love chocolate bars…try Hu Organic Chocolate Bars
If you love Twizzlers…try SmartSweets Red Twists
If you love Sourpatch Kids…try SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites
If you love lollipops…try Organic Golly Lolli’s
If you love pumpkin spice lattes…try Laird Organic Superfood Pumpkin Spice
If you love M&Ms…try UNREAL Chocolate Gems
If you love Swedish Fish…try SmartSweets Sweet Fish
If you love Almond Joys…try UNREAL Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars
If you love brownies…try DEUX Superfood Brownie Batter
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