Bariatric Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Fall brings lots of temptations to Bariatric surgery patients as well as others who are watching what they eat. Weight loss can be difficult due to all the temptations but Halloween is especially difficult.

You’ve probably heard people use the expression ‘you gotta choose your battles wisely‘. It’s really good advice for life in general, but this is especially true for those who have underwent weight loss surgery.

bariatric Halloween

Watching Your Bariatric Diet on Halloween

While celebrating Halloween this year, try to think about the holiday in a new way. After all, changing the way you think is part of what makes Bariatric so successful. As you throw tradition to the wind and look for healthy Halloween options, here are some tips that just may help.

Healthy Halloween Tips

#1 – Don’t celebrate Halloween just because it is a tradition, especially if it has the potential to sabotage your diet. Your weight loss journey requires a new lifestyle. Perhaps you would be best not to observe this candy inspired holiday. Instead, turn the porch light off and find other ways to celebrate October 31st.

#2 – If you have children or grandchildren and want to observe the holiday by handing out candy and treats, do not purchase candy and treats that will tempt you. For example, if you cannot stand licorice, that’s the perfect treat to buy for all the little ghouls and goblins who’ll come knocking at your door.

#3 – If you plan to hand out candy for Halloween, wait until the last possible minute before purchasing these little treats so they aren’t lurking around the house to tempt you. Additionally, be careful not to overstock. It’s better to turn the porch light out early than to have bags of candy taunting you from the pantry.

#4 – Consider an alternative to candy this Halloween, such as coins, small toys or stickers. There are other non-candy options such as fresh fruit, cheese and cracker packs, animal crackers or boxes of raisins, to name a few.

#5 – Perhaps you have friends who have undergone Bariatric surgery or struggle with weight loss. Say goodbye to remorse by hosting a healthy Halloween get-together with fun activities and an attractive food spread with nutritious options.

#6 – You will save a lot of money on candy and get in some much needed exercise when you decide to walk around the neighborhood with your kids as they trick-or-treat. Being active and social feels good, and seeing those spooky costumes and masks will probably increase your heart rate, helping you burn calories.

These are just a few tips to help celebrate Halloween without remorse. What will you be doing on October 31st?

 

10 Tips for Celebrating Halloween Post Bariatric Surgery

Celebrating Halloween after Weight Loss Surgery

 

After weight loss surgery, you are starting to see results but with the fall season comes many temptations. This is largely due to the many holiday offerings that begin bariatric halloweenwith the arrival of Halloween.

While it may be a tradition to enjoy delicious Halloween candy throughout the month of October, now is not the time to indulge. Saying no to those sweet little treats and candy bars will keep your weight loss goals on target.

After a lifetime of mindless snacking, it can be difficult to resist temptation but here is a helpful list of ways you can avoid sabotaging your healthy diet and weight loss success.

Buy the candies you hate!

Sure, this may seem difficult but it actually isn’t. Avoid your favorite candies and chocolate, opting for flavors and brands that will not tempt you. Hate coconut? Buy fun-sized Mounds or other coconut filled treat. Love chocolate? Avoid buying any Halloween candy covered with or containing chocolate.

Don’t keep candy sitting around the house!

If purchasing candy and treats is a tradition you cannot escape from, don’t buy it early and store it around your home. Wait until the last possible minute to shop for candy to give away, and avoid filling any dandy dishes or dispensers until it’s time to celebrate.

Look for great alternatives to handing out candy! 

Think of other great things to hand out this Halloween rather than candy. Consider giving away temporary tattoos, stickers, small toys, raisins, cracker and cheese packs, coins, juice boxes for thirsty trick or treaters. These are just a few of the many great items that kids will love.

Celebrate with a support group!

If you don’t have a bariatric support group, invite a few of your health-minded friends over for a party. Choose healthy treats approved for your post bariatric surgery diet.

Go trick or treating with the kids!

While you don’t need the calories that Halloween treats provide, the exercise is great for you! Walk with the kids as they go trick-or-treating and stay in control of your new healthy lifestyle.

Give away over-stocked and left-over candy!

After a night of trick or treating, let the children choose a handful of candy to keep. Donate the rest of your kids’ candy haul to homeless shelters, dentists’ offices, and food kitchens. This keeps candy and chocolate from lying around the house to tempt you.

Keep candy in the freezer!

If you have candy and chocolate sitting around your house after Halloween has passed, gather it all up and stash it in the freezer. Your children will eat fewer pieces at a time, and the candy is less accessible.

Set the date for a candy-free home!

Choose a date in November and mark it on your calendar. This is the day all of the Halloween candy will be removed from your home. The candy-free zone will be conducive to your diet once again.

Don’t deprive yourself on Halloween!

Don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat or Halloween candy when you have a craving. Try to find healthier options to chase the urge away, but if the craving lingers, have a small bite so you don’t binge later.

Read the label before eating a piece of candy or treat!

Before putting any holiday candies or treats in your mouth, know exactly what the label says regarding calories, sugar, and fat grams. Reading labels can often discourage you from eating something, as you decide if the calories are worth the short term rewards.