One of the hardest times of the year to avoid unnecessary calories is Halloween because bite size treats like peanut butter cups and chocolate bars are EVERYWHERE!
While it’s easy to control what is littering the table top at home, it’s nearly impossible to control what kind of temptations will be begging to be eaten at work! With this dilemma in mind, FitPerez reader J.L. wrote to Margaux J. Rathbun for some healthy advice, asking:
“Hi Margaux! Since it is almost Halloween, the office that I work in is LOADED with candy and junk food. Everywhere I look, I feel like somebody has set out a bowl full of chocolate bars or candy. They also keep bringing in chips, cupcakes, and ice cream for “fall and Halloween parties.” I am an emotional eater and I work hard every day to try and not give into my junk food cravings. Are there some healthy (and yummy) alternatives to keep me away from these bad foods? What should I do?”
According to Margaux:
“Hi T.L., thanks for your question. I can completely relate to your situation having been an emotional eater (and chronic junk food snacker) for many years. It’s easy to stay away from foods like candy, cupcakes, and chips when they aren’t around you. When the temptation is there, that’s when things can get a little difficult. What has helped me deal with snack food cravings is always being prepared. Here are some tips to help get you through this “candy/junk food craze”:
* Stay hydrated with lots of water. Many times we can get the feelings of hunger confused with thirst. If you get a candy craving, drink a glass of water and wait for about 15 minutes. Chances are that your cravings will have subsided.
* Munch on veggies with hummus during the day. Add a little bit of olive oil to the top of the hummus to get those “good fats” and to help you feel full.
* Include plenty of fiber-rich foods in your diet to help keep your food cravings at bay. Try eating fresh figs, apple, artichokes, and mangoes.
* Keep healthy snacks at your desk. Most nutritionists would tell you to munch on nuts and berries (which is great) but I think we can get more creative than that! Try snacking on unsulfered dried ginger pieces, yogurt covered goji berries, fresh pomegranate seeds, dark chocolate squares, and sea salted pumpkin seeds. All of these foods are full of beneficial nutrients and will help you with junk-food cravings.
* Make your own healthy snack foods! Here are two great recipes for delicious and nutritious snacks:
Baked Kale Chips:
– 6-8 C fresh kale leaves, de-stemmed and torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
– sea salt to taste
Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the kale pieces into a bowl and add the apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Massage the liquid into the chips with your hands until all of the leaves are coated. Spread the leaves onto a cookie sheet and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for about 15 minutes and flip the leaves over. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until leaves are crispy. Allow leaves to cool, serve, and enjoy!
Margaux’s Baked Garbanzo Beans Snack:
– Can of organic garbanzo beans
– 1-2 Tbsp of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
– A dash of organic garlic powder
– Chunky sea salt to taste (I use Sel Gris)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain the can of garbanzo beans and shake until they are fairly dry. In a mixing bowl, add olive oil, seasonings, and sea salt. Using your hand, gently massage the ingredients. Lay garbanzo beans flat on a baking sheet and cook for about 45 minutes. I check on the beans every 20 minutes or so and roll them around with a spatula to get them evenly cooked.
For more nutrition tips, check out Margaux’s website and write Tips@FitPerez.com with any questions for her!