Halloween with out the sugar meltdowns: How to balance your sugar impact
It was drilled into me from a young age that we don't celebrate Halloween... It's not Australian... We don't take candy from strangers... The season is wrong... etc.
But you know what, I'm here for it.
As a pagan witch I'm in the vibe of Beltane for sure... but I love the spooky themes and will jump at a chance to have fun with my kids and our friends, dress up and get creative with it!
Halloween as it is today is not the ceremonial Samhain that we celebrate in the season of decay...
It's just a fun time to get spooky, dress up, play and share fun with our friends.
There is only one thing that still bugs me… as a naturopath I feel it’s my duty to worry about the sugar and the additives that run rampant this time of year.
Halloween is growing and as my kids get older it's getting harder to shelter them from the overindulgence of sugar with so many events popping up that include lots of treating!
I don't want my kids to feel like they are missing out, or to feel like they need to sneak or hide their candy from me, I want them to have a healthy relationship with all foods.
I'm raising my kids to make healthy choices - including how to regulate their intake of treats with moderation rather than restricting them, but realistically, while they are learning what feels right in their body they tend to have too much sugar which leads to meltdowns...
And that's no fun for them or me!
Here's some things that I'm going to be ensuring I do with my kids to help keep their sugars balanced and reduce the meltdowns.
And save my sanity in the long run!
1. Control the environment...
Have halloween parties with friends and community you trust, where you can make or purchase the food yourself to limit the additives. We are doing our Trunk or Treat tree decorating with our homeschool group today.
Get the kids involved in the kitchen and have fun baking treats yourself like foot shaped pizzas, finger like hotdogs or monster cupcakes, making your own gelatine gummies ect.
Check treats at the end of trick or treating and remove the things that are not acceptable and allow access to a reasonable amount you're comfortable with them consuming. You are allowed to have boundaries!
If you don’t want to hand out candy you can hand out other fun things like toys, stickers, temporary tattoos, seed packets - one year my kids even got toothbrushes and they thought it was hilarious!
2. Keep your Macros in Balance!
Have plenty of protein, fats and fibre before going to Halloween events, start with a protein rich breakfast like eggs and ensure they have a solid lunch, perhaps roast chicken sandwiches or wraps.
Have some veggie sticks with hummus beforehand, feeling satisfied before leaving home will reduce the cravings to binge.
3. Keep bodies moving and active.
Walking or dancing will help the muscles to use the sugar stores straight away.
4. Keep your sleep rhythm consistent
Leading up to and after Halloween, aligning your circadian rhythm is a huge factor in glucose metabolism.
5. Drink lots of water
Help the body stay flushed and hydrated to support detoxification and glucose metabolism.
6. Have fun and enjoy the moment!
Stress and worry impacts our sugar metabolism, so make a decision that we are doing this for the pleasure that it brings and allow yourself to experience that pleasure without guilt!
These tips work for both our kids and for us!
I know that the Halloween treat binge can sometimes trap us mothers too.
If you're looking for a Naturopath who won't judge you for indulging in Halloween treats get in contact with me for support for you and your families health needs.