Halloween. The very idea of the holiday may send shivers down your spine–for more than one reason. It’s no secret that October 31 and candy often go hand-in-hand, but this year’s fall festivities don’t have to be all about the sugar. These four tips will help you enjoy all of the spooky fun while keeping your diabetes under control.
Enjoy the outdoors. Halloween isn’t just about trick-or-treating, with October also come crisp breezes and lower temperatures. This season, you can enjoy the cool, fresh air by getting active outside. A brisk walk through a corn maze or trip through a haunted house will get you up and moving on your feet. For an activity the family can enjoy, head to your local orchard for an afternoon of apple picking. This delicious fall fruit is the main ingredient in several healthy, diabetes-friendly treats.
Carve a pumpkin. Getting ready for the holiday is half the fun, and that usually means decorating. Nothing says Happy Halloween more than the bright grin on a freshly craved pumpkin. This year, challenge your friends to see who can carve the most creative design. Instead of throwing away the fruit’s insides when you’re done, roast the pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, low-carb snack. If you’re celebrating with kids, take a trip to your local pumpkin patch and let them pick out a pumpkin of their own. Then, help them paint silly or spooky faces to create homemade Jack-O-lanterns.
Hand out healthy treats. When the big night arrives, keep candy out of sight by swapping chocolate bars and lollipops for more a nutritious snack. Stores often feature Halloween specials on miniature bags of popcorn and pretzels, perfect for satisfying hungry trick-or-treaters. Not only are these salty goodies low in sugar, they also pack a hearty serving of whole grains that keep bellies full and minds off of candy.
Treat yourself. Staying in control of your diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a sweet snack. Fresh, frozen grapes offer the same satisfying crunch as fruity candies, while homemade cinnamon applesauce is a nutritious fall dish that can be made sugar-free. If you do decide to indulge in a piece of candy, make sure to choose wisely. One square of dark chocolate offers several immune-boosting antioxidants with less sugar than milk chocolate. When it comes to enjoying a little Halloween treat, it’s important to remember that moderation is key!
photo credit: Rich Bowen via Flickr
Nothing gets me in the Halloween spirit like making a really cool looking jack o’ lantern. It used to be one of my favorite parts of the Fall season when I was a kid, and I get quite nostalgic when I think about it. In any case, I did my first pumpkin in what must have been around 6 years this Halloween, and I think I managed to make a pretty decent one. Also a big fan of practicing moderation, because I think it helps you find balance, so thanks for the great tips!