Fall Treats in Moderation: Tips to Stay on Track This Season

For those of you with children, you’re likely looking forward to the Halloween tradition of "taxing" your kids by setting aside a portion of their candy haul—aka taking a few of your favorite treats. Or, if you don't have kids, you might be excited about the seasonal abundance of Halloween candy, available just about everywhere. Either way, with all these treats at your fingertips, it’s important to find balance.

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How to Stay On Track While Enjoying Treats

If you're determined to enjoy Halloween without feeling guilty or sabotaging your health goals, keep reading to discover how Courtney and I navigate the season of candy and indulgence.

Courtney loves all things Reese’s, which are often her go-to treat. However, like most of us, she finds that these sweets can be difficult to resist and easy to overindulge in. To help manage her cravings while still enjoying what she loves, Courtney gets creative by adding Reese’s pieces or cups to a healthy yogurt bowl. She'll often enjoy these as a breakfast treat or a late-night dessert to end her day on a sweet note. By combining Reese’s with protein-packed yogurt, she not only satisfies her craving but also fuels her body with something nutritious. This is a great example of having something you want alongside something you need, creating a balance that works for her.

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Chris’s Savory Snack Strategy

While Courtney craves sweet treats, my personal weakness lies in savory snacks like popcorn and chips. However, just like candy, these can quickly lead to mindless overeating, which can derail my progress. To avoid this, I make sure to pair my savory snacks with healthier options like fruits or vegetables, creating a more balanced snack.

Another strategy I swear by is pre-portioning all my treats before I even sit down to enjoy them. Sometimes I go a step further and pre-portion my snacks for the entire week. This way, when cravings strike, I can simply grab a pre-portioned bag or container and enjoy it guilt-free. Pre-planning helps me stick to the portions I’ve already tracked in the Healthi app, making it easier to stay accountable.

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The Key: Moderation, Not Deprivation

The most important lesson Courtney and I have learned is this: never deprive yourself of the treats you enjoy! Deprivation can lead to feelings of frustration and can even trigger bingeing. Instead, we practice moderation. By allowing ourselves to indulge in our favorite treats—just in controlled portions—we satisfy our cravings while continuing to make healthy choices. This method helps us avoid overeating and keeps us on track with our goals.

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Enjoy Fall Without Guilt

We hope these tips help you navigate the season with confidence. Remember, you can enjoy all the spooky festivities, treats, and snacks while still progressing toward your health goals. The key is moderation, planning ahead, and pairing indulgent treats with healthier options.

Keep in mind why you started your health journey in the first place. Stay focused, maintain balance, and most importantly, have fun with your treats without the guilt!

Enjoy your fall, and happy trick-or-treating!

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