5 Tips for Avoiding Halloween Weight Gain

Halloween is here—but don’t be scared. If you’ve been working hard to lose weight, this fun holiday doesn’t have to derail your efforts or start a downward holiday spiral. With a few favorite tips from members of our medical weight loss centers, you can avoid gaining any weight without sacrificing any fun.

1. Filter your treats. If you decide to indulge a little, be discerning, just like when you were little and would sort through your loot and trade out or give away your least favorites. Only have your favorites so that you can really savor the treat. Most importantly, don’t overdo it—have just one or two bite-sized versions.

2. Stay on your normal meal plan. Even though you may indulge in a treat this holiday, stay on track the rest of the day. Eat breakfast and opt for fiber- and protein-rich foods throughout the day so that you can keep hunger pangs at bay. Don’t “save up” for treats—if you do this, chances are you will end up binging when you do get to the candy bowl or Halloween party.

3. Move it! Hit the gym on Halloween day. You’ll feel better in your costume and will work off some of the additional calories you may indulge in later on. If you’re taking the kids trick-or-treating, be sure to walk.

4. Start fresh. Regardless of how well you do or don’t do on the actual holiday, give yourself a clean slate the next day. Get right back on track with the diet recommended by our medical weight loss centers and don’t beat yourself up over any treats you indulged in on Halloween.

5. Buy your treats the day of. Instead of stocking up days in advance of Halloween, buy candy that day. Studies show that when you have candy on hand and can see it, it triggers our brains to imagine ourselves eating it and therefore crave it. Get it the day of so you avoid temptation. Plus, many stores off steep discounts on last minute Halloween candy.

5 Superfoods for Fall

With the fall season comes a delicious array of superfoods that provide an excellent way to reach your weight loss goal. Whether you’re using weight loss products or an exercise regimen to lose weight, there is a bevy of fall superfoods that will load you up with antioxidants and other nutrients without breaking your calorie bank. The bright colors that fall produce boasts are an indicator of the nutritional punch these tasty superfoods offer.

1. Pomegranates. The juicy fruits boasts a very high antioxidant content and is therefore loaded with properties that reduce inflammation. Recent research indicates that they have many powerful health benefits that may reverse the progression of coronary heart disease, slow the growth of prostate cancer and improve blood flow.

2. Red Bell Peppers. With only 45 calories per cup, red bell peppers are the perfect food for those trying to lose weight. Red bell peppers are especially rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and keeps our skin looking young, as well as vitamins A, E and B6. They also contain beta-carotene and lutein, which prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. In addition, red bell peppers boast capsaicin, which wields anti-inflammatory properties and can reduces “bad” cholesterol.

3. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which gives them their vibrant color and can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and various forms of cancer. Tomatoes are also a good source of potassium and vitamins A, C and E.

4. Pumpkins. A seasonal favorite, pumpkins are loaded with beta-carotene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and various forms of cancer. Pumpkins are ideal for those on a diet and working with weight loss products because they are packed with fiber, which helps us feel fuller longer and promotes healthy digestion, yet are low in fat, calories and sodium. Note—don’t throw out the seeds! Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein, iron and magnesium.

5. Butternut squash. Butternut squash is one of the healthiest vegetables you can find! Like its cousin, winter squash, butternut squash is packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene. It’s also rich in vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that maintains the integrity of our skin and mucus membranes, while promoting healthy eyesight. It’s also low in calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is an excellent course of dietary fiber and phytonutrients.

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