What to do With Leftover Halloween Candy

Halloween was last night, so you’re likely faced with a bowl of candy and the holiday treat season is right around the corner.

What’re you gonna do with all that leftover halloween candy?

I have two solutions for you. Read on!

SOLUTION #1: Eat the candy.

I know, CRAZY, right?! But instead of stressing, telling yourself you won’t eat it, and then sneaking handfuls after your kids go to bed—just enjoy some if you want. I get it: candy is a trigger for many people. I’m certainly not suggesting you sit down with the whole bowl!

I’m a huge fan of a little sweet after lunch. It gives you what you want, and from my experience (personally and with my clients), indulging in a sweet treat during the day can reduce nighttime cravings when they often hit hardest.

Plus, who doesn’t love a *little something sweet* after a meal?

Start by having a piece. If you want another, go ahead! Do this each day until you’re either out of candy or the novelty has worn off.

I’m emphasizing eating candy after you’ve had lunch for two reasons. One, to satisfy the sweet craving, Two, because you will not be physically hungry. If you’re eating candy when you’re physically hungry it’s gonna take a looooooot of candy to put a dent in that hunger and you’re gonna feel lousy afterward. Candy is an add-on, not the main course!

You might even find that you don’t really want it, it was just the fact it was “off limits” that was enticing to you. But if you do want it, great! I know I’ll be trying to find Reese’s cups somewhere.

SOLUTION #2: Donate it.

If you really don’t want the extra candy around but feel bad throwing it out, you can donate it! Take Soldiers’ Angels ‘Treats for Troops’ for example: they collect leftover halloween candy to ship to service members and veterans. You can click here to view a map with donation locations.

Or check local groups in your community that accept candy donations—consider your office or neighbors as options, too!

Here’s what NOT to do with leftover Halloween candy:

Stress about it. A bit of Halloween candy is not something that should be causing you stress. Enjoy it or donate it. But you’re not allowed to stress about it!

Binge it. I’m serious. Do not eat all of the Halloween candy at once. Telling yourself it’s off limits is a guaranteed way of ending up eating it all to get rid of it.

Burn it off. As a fitness instructor I feel the need to say this one. You don’t have to “work for” or “burn off” anything you eat. It’s not a mathematical equation or a “this for that” situation. That’s not how eating works. You don’t have to do anything extra to be able to have a freakin piece of Halloween candy!

Hide it. Don’t torture yourself or hide it to prove to yourself how much willpower you have! It’s not necessary. You probably will end up feeling let down.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? You’re not alone! These are the exact kinds of things I help my clients with—whether it’s Halloween candy, holiday cookies, or just everyday cravings.

If you’re ready to feel more at ease around food, click here to schedule a call with me. Let’s make peace with treats, not war! 🎃🍬

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