How to navigate the Halloween office candy

October 9, 2013 — Halloween can be a very scary time of the year when it comes to our diet and health efforts. This day seems to be the “kickoff party” for year-end holiday celebrations in the office. 

It’s a safe bet there will be plenty of orange-colored candy, cake, donuts, cupcakes, and even cream cheese and bagels within easy reach. However, there are some proactive steps people can take to avoid falling victim to the sugar rush and extra holiday pounds.

Health experts Dian Griesel, PhD, and Tom Griesel, authors of the books TurboCharged: Accelerate Your Fat Burning Metabolism, Get Lean Fast and Leave Diet and Exercise Rules in the Dust and The TurboCharged Mind, offer the following tips to avoid a crash:

• Rally your co-workers to boycott the candy and goodies this year and replace them with healthier food items. Make an office resolution to keep out of the office all the extra candy that the kids brought home or that didn’t go to the trick-or-treaters.
• Start the day by brewing a pot of pumpkin-flavored coffee or tea. This should help get co-workers in the spirit of things.
• Bring in a variety of fruit for morning break and colored veggies for enjoyment at lunch or afternoon break.
• Take a leisurely lunchtime walk to see the change of foliage and get some fresh air.
• If you are a baker, try making a gluten-free, low or sugar-free pumpkin pie. There are even many recipes for crust-less versions that make things even more interesting and easy. Whipped cream can be made with stevia or Splenda for an even more decadent, yet healthy dessert.

Even if some diehard sugar addicts elect not to participate, the health-minded folks will have some excellent choices and most likely a lot of fun too.

Who knows, it might become a normal weekly event!

Source: Dian Griesel, PhD, and Tom Griesel