5 Tips to Avoid Halloween Weight Gain

Editor's Note: This article was written and submitted by Barbara Brenseke.

It is difficult all year long to stick to a weight loss plan, but it can be even more difficult during the Halloween season.  Candy wreaks havoc on your metabolism, and processed sugar will slow your metabolism down.

When you eat high amounts of processed sugar and candy, your digestive system gets stressed out and your body has a harder time burning fat.  Below are five tips to help you avoid gaining weight this Halloween!

Tip #1: Eat a balanced meal before going trick-or-treating!

Eating a balanced meal and feeding your kids a balanced meal is a great way to curb the sugar cravings. Fill up on lean protein, veggies, and fiber before your first piece of candy.  

Tip #2: Workout before going out! 

If you workout before trick-or-treating, your body will be more sensitive to insulin. This means that your blood sugar will be lower and your hormones won't fluctuate as dramatically after you eat candy or desserts. Your body will also digest sugar a little better if you workout before going out.  (It DOESN”T mean that it is OK to eat it, but if you must, at least you can digest the sugar better)

Tip #3: Eat a piece of fruit before you eat a piece of candy.

Before sitting down to a big bag of candy, eat a piece of fruit and drink 8 ounces of water. Eating fruit and drinking water has a significant role in being satisfied and feeling full. You'll likely eat much less candy if you start with fruit and water.  

Tip #4: Give away the excess.

After Halloween, it's time to purge your kitchen cabinets of the remaining temptations. Bring the extra candy to work or give it to someone else who can distribute it elsewhere.

I know this is a hard tip to follow. But, I want you to know that candy/sugar is very addictive. Once you have 1 piece, you may feel like you need to keep eating until you're sick (I've been there.)

Do your best to resist temptation. We're all human, but if you can avoid eating a ton of sugar during the days leading up to and following Halloween, you can avoid gaining weight.  If you have been on a weight loss program, Halloween is a time that you must approach cautiously.  Try to make it to Thanksgiving without falling off your weight loss plan wagon.  Thanksgiving to New Year’s is a tough time, so don’t extend your bad holiday eating season by binging on candy during Halloween.

Barbara Brenseke is the owner of Train For the Game in Bellmore. She is a strength and conditioning coach who works with athletes and people of all ages. She can be reached by e-mail at Barbara@tftgli.com.

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