Instructional &
Informational Posts
Your health is an everyday journey, but some days (and particular situations) can be tough to keep it up. We’re sharing tips on how to bring health into health-sucking situations so you can still fit into your fave pair of jeans (long after the fun is done).
Most holidays are not known as hallmarks of healthy behaviour. Halloween might especially be seen as the beginning of the “inexplicable” holiday pounds. Food colouring suddenly abounds with black and orange desserts and fun size treats are in every candy bowl at the office. Portion control is built into the tinier servings, but it can be hard to have “just one.”
5 tips for this spooktacular time:
1) You may not want to be the person who gives out toothbrushes or raisins, but consider giving out treats that aren’t your favourite. If you’re taken by dark chocolate, give out white. If you like caramels, give out wafers. This will make it more likely that you’ll eat just one (or none). If you can afford it, think about looking for fair-trade treats: better for the kids and for the world.
2) Pumpkins are not just for decoration. Rather than indulging in more processed food, roast pumpkin seeds with your favorite spices to munch on. Take pureed pumpkin to replace half of the fat in your favorite desserts for a seasonal twist. Pumpkin puree can also be stirred into yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious holiday breakfast.
3) Opt for healthier, gluten-free treats to hand out. Check out our favourites.
4) If there’s a candy bowl at the office, do not put it on your desk. The further away it is from you, the less you’ll be tempted. Having one treat a day will not derail your diet, but plan it to be at a specific time with your coffee and enjoy it slowly, rather than wolfing it down as you work.
5) Going to a Halloween party? Get into a costume that will discourage snacking. Masks, gloves and fuller costumes can make the process from hand to mouth too time consuming to attempt. Instead of eating too much, you can enjoy seeing yourself – and your friends – in a humorous new light.
Boo-ya.
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Courtney Sunday has two cats and a boyfriend who are very patient with her health and wellness obsessions. She teaches yoga, Pilates and indoor cycling and gives Thai massages through her Toronto business Om at Home Yoga. When she's tuckered out, she takes up the sport of sleeping.
