How to Stop Having Scary Thoughts about Candy this Halloween
- the RD nutritionist
- Oct 30, 2018
- 3 min read
You know what's really spooky? Restrictive thoughts that make you spend time thinking about food and your body, when you really could be enjoying yourself and those around you. My advice as a registered dietitian nutritionist? Don't let Halloween candy keep you from having fun this holiday. Here's how intuitive eating and a non-diet approach can help.
Deprivation Backfires
This reminder isn't limited to Halloween, or any other holiday, but this time of year, it's especially important to remind folks that deprivation rarely has the desired outcome you hope for. As you find yourself surrounded by Halloween candy this year, remind yourself that restriction and deprivation don't encourage health. In fact, feeling out of control around food is predictable side effect of restricting, either consciously or unconsciously. Feeling guilty for having halloween candy won't make you healthier, and neither does talking to your friends/family/coworkers/kids/social media followers about avoiding candy. The bigger deal we make out of candy being 'bad' or 'unhealthy,' the more we are pulled toward it - the forbidden fruit affect is very, very real.
Give Yourself Permission
I want to say I have a lot of empathy for those who feel out of control around candy. It's scary to challenge these thoughts when you feel that you cannot trust yourself around these foods. Keep in mind that learning to trust yourself around food is nuanced, and you might find guidance from a non-diet professional helpful. I don't want to oversimplify solutions, but I also want to spark some curiosity with these questions:
what if you gave yourself permission to eat the candy with attunement?
what if you allowed yourself to eat the candy, and savor it?
how could you really taste it and allow yourself to enjoy it without guilt?
Gentle Nutrition: What Else Might You Need?
You always have permission to eat candy and enjoy it. Permission is an absolute requirement for intuitive eating. That said, it's ok to bring a bit of critical thought into your decisions. Ask yourself, what else have you eaten today? You might also consider whether your body is appropriately nourished with meals & snacks - keep in mind, that when we are physically hungry, it’s entirely normal to seek out foods that will provide quick energy. Foods like candy. It's also not likely that you will be able to eat your candy mindfully if you are ravenous! So, show yourself a bit of self compassion if you realize candy has been your source of fuel. Your body has needed that fuel.
A little bit of nonjudgmental awareness can go a long way. You can pause, and ask yourself if you really want the candy. Curiosity let’s you hold space for the fact that you CAN have candy just like you CAN decide to eat something else if will serve you better in that moment. The great irony of permission is that allowing yourself to enjoy and savor your candy encourages food freedom, and the ability to truly listen to what your body wants/needs. Without judgment. Plus, acting with permission doesn’t allow room for the scarcity mindset - you can always have more if you want more in the future. it takes practice, but you can trust your body to let you know what you need.
So, what are your favorites? I am a Reese's girl, hands down. But I've been known to mix in a Sourpatch Kid every now and then!
Energy efficiency is another advantage of shower doors. By keeping water contained within the shower area, they help maintain consistent framelessshowerdoors bathroom temperatures, especially during colder months. This reduces the amount of moisture and humidity released into the rest of the space, contributing to a more comfortable and efficient bathroom environment.
The Queen of the Forest also symbolizes mystery. No matter how much humanity explores and maps the world, forests hold https://queenoftheforest.org/ secrets beyond comprehension. She represents that hidden knowledge, reminding seekers that some truths are revealed only through humility, respect, and genuine connection to the living earth.
Custom box suppliers are often equipped with advanced printing technologies. They use high-quality techniques like https://boxes4products.com/ offset, digital, or flexographic printing to produce sharp logos, vibrant colors, and unique finishes. This enhances the unboxing experience for customers, turning simple packaging into an exciting part of the product journey that customers enjoy.
Outsourcing cleaning services provides businesses with peace of mind. Professional cleaners undergo training, background evergreencleaningsystems checks, and use industry-standard methods. Companies can trust that their workspace will be cleaned consistently and securely, without worrying about employee safety or improper handling of equipment. Reliability is one of the strongest benefits of professional cleaning services.
Portion control is a key strategy in smart nutrition. Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively. Learning https://ezzday.com/ proper serving sizes, using smaller plates, and pre-portioning snacks are simple methods. Smart nutrition teaches moderation, enabling individuals to enjoy diverse foods without feeling restricted or guilty afterward.