By: Paige Valentik MPS, RD, LDN

Halloween is on Thursday! Charlotte is going to be Elsa and Parker will be Olaf from Frozen. Which means John is (making us dress up) being Kristoff, I will be Anna and our dog will be Sven! The night will be filled with spooky fun, creative costumes, and, of course, an abundance of candy. But if you find yourself sneaking bites from your kids’ candy stash, here are some strategies to help you resist temptation and keep those sugary treats for your little ones.

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Before the candy haul begins, establish rules about candy consumption. Decide how much your kids (and you) can enjoy each day and stick to it. This way, you can model good behavior and avoid the temptation of over-indulging yourself.

2. Choose Your Favorites: If you have a particular type of candy you love, consider buying a small stash of your own. By having your preferred treats on hand, you’ll be less likely to dive into your kids’ collection and you’ll truly enjoy your treat versus eating it because it’s “forbidden”.

3. Keep Out of Sight: Store the candy in a location that’s not easily accessible or visible. Out of sight can mean out of mind! A high cabinet or a dedicated candy jar in a less frequented area can help reduce temptation.

4. Practice Mindful Eating: If you do indulge, do it mindfully. Take a moment to truly enjoy each piece rather than mindlessly snacking. This can satisfy your cravings without leading to excessive munching.

5. Get Involved: Instead of focusing on the candy, engage in Halloween activities with your kids. Carving pumpkins, watching spooky movies, or crafting can shift your attention away from the treats.

With these strategies, you can enjoy Halloween fun without compromising your goals or your kids’ candy haul. Also keep in mind, this is the beginning of the holidays and the season for overindulging and giving yourself excuses to do so. Start off on the right foot and show yourself you can stick to your commitments!