Halloween’s healthy side

For those looking to indulge in the annual Halloween glutton-fest this week but are worried about the calorie intake,  here are some ways to remain healthy and still have your candy fix.

Dark Chocolate

According to fitdaily.com, eating dark chocolate is actually good for your heart and is a rich source of antioxidants. It can help lower your blood pressure when eaten two to three times a week and prevents blood clots from forming. It also has chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood.  So instead of buying Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, look for some Dove dark chocolate squares instead.

Popcorn

A classic Halloween treat is the popcorn ball. Though popcorn is not always considered the healthiest of snacks, it is a healthy alternative to a Mars Bar. Surprisingly, some studies suggest that popcorn contains more antioxidants than a full day’s worth of vegetables according to kingofpop.com. Avoid over-salting your popcorn and drenching it with butter to make it a healthy snack.

Add nuts

Candy bars that contain nuts such as Snickers, offer a dose of protein.  Nuts have a myriad of healthy benefits, but for the those looking at their Halloween trove as a source for a snack; candy bars with nuts keep you feeling full for longer as compared to candy without nuts. Just like Snicker’s tag line states, you’re not you when you’re hungry.

Stick with the Miniatures

Halloween is infamous for the common dispersal of miniature sized candy servings. This can actually help with keeping your food intake in-check. With each candy unwrapped, you subconsciously take note of how many servings you’ve had. With a regular-sized candy bar, eating one feels guilt-free, but most people cut themselves off after eating two or three miniature sized candies. So stick with buying mini candy all year.

Keep your stash out of sight

Leaving your candy basket out on the counter leads to the casual consumption of a candy bar with each passing, which can definitely add up. Put your stash in a place you won’t easily lay your eyes on, like a cabinet or a drawer. That way you will have to consciously crave a candy bar before eating one. Out of sight, out of mind.

Check the ingredients

Looking at the ingredients of a candy bar will make you think twice before shamelessly consuming. Being conscious of the calories and fat with each serving forces you to be aware and more responsible in your indulging. For chocolate bars, also look to make sure that chocolate is the first ingredient listed, not sugar.

Go for chewy

Though caramel is high in saturated fat, fruity, chewy candy like Starburst and gummy bears don’t have as much sugar. If you want to curb your cravings further, stack up on some sugar-free fruity gum. You’ll get the burst of fruity flavor you are longing for without the calories.