From the Temptations to Temptation or Tricking the Treats

I guess you can say that Halloween candy is the beginning of 2 months of non-stop craving come-ons.  Just thinking about all the sweets, breads and decadent foods (and drink!) that will tempt us from Halloween to New Years is enough to make our thighs spread!  Research has proven that leaning into a low-carb diet right now, can help us cut back on the lousy carbs and sweets that we are about to faced with later.  In a recent study at Temple University, obese individuals who cut back on low-nutrient, high calorie carbs found themselves less like to crave sweets and refined carbs later on.  Following this plan apparently will also help you feel less bothered by cravings or hunger pangs.  So if you are concerned about what might happen to your body over the Halloween to New Year stretch, try limiting your white pastas and breads NOW.  Please remember that there is a HUGE difference between refined and unrefined carbs.  Unrefined carbs like oats, brown rice, vegetables and beans will fill you with the nutrients and fiber you need to be healthy and satiated.  It is the refined carbs like white bread, white pasta, white rice, cakes, biscuits, pies, etc., that we need to avoid (not JUST during this time, but more now than ever).

When a craving DOES strike, consider taking a stroll.  British researchers found that just 15 minutes of brisk walking is enough to curb the desire for chocolate.  If you absolutely must indulge in some Halloween sweets, consider picking a few of those little tootsie rolls out of your little one’s trick or treat sack.  They will save you a lot of calories over many of the other options.  Of course, you’ll want to try to stick to your exercise plan as well.  It will not only keep the calorie furnace burning and help you resist temptation, but make you feel good as well.