Trick-Or-Treat?

Fall… cool air, stunning colors, sweaters, the aromas of nutmeg and pumpkin and apples. As summer’s heat lifts and the days shorten, there’s a fresh motivation toward health and wellness.

You can head out for a walk or a jog, spurred on by the crisp breezes and changing landscapes. For many, having the kids back at school means a little more time to work on yourself — fitness, creativity, learning. I love watching the season bring people back to movement, celebrating with new energy, better health, and a lot of fun.

It’s all good, and then… Trick-or-Treat! Candy. Candy. Candy. Don’t get me wrong — I love the excitement of Halloween: the costumes and parties, the children, and, of course, all that creativity. But let’s be honest, there’s nothing harder than an overflowing bowl of candy when you’re trying to stay healthy.

So what to do? For starters, you can always donate the sugar haul to a soup kitchen or shelter. It’s a wonderful lesson for the kids — for all of us, really — and with so many families in need, an unexpected treat is a lovely gesture.

You can also simply put it away. I know one family that keeps a few favorites in a bowl during Halloween and stores the rest. Out of sight, out of mind — and it’s nice to bring the candy back out down the road when you have unexpected company. Better still, replace it with healthier options day to day.

That said, don’t write off the chocolate, or see it as the enemy, without knowing its merits. Consider its origins: the cacao bean. Cacao beans come from trees and are loaded with plant nutrients, and dark chocolate especially has real benefits.

Full of antioxidants, it’s believed to support cardiovascular health and mental acuity, and it lifts our sense of well-being. (Ever wonder why you feel that happy little burst when you bite into chocolate? You can thank the tryptophan.) Pair it with some fruit — how about chocolate-covered blueberries or cherries? — and you’re packing a lot of antioxidant punch into a delicious treat.

So many of us get trapped in all-or-nothing thinking: I’ll gorge on candy today and never indulge again. Ever. Really? It doesn’t work — it only creates an unhealthy cycle.

A little indulgence is good for the soul. But you can (and should) hand out healthier, still-delicious alternatives to the really junky stuff — think organic granola bars or all-natural fruit strips. Remember that moderation and a focus on wellness is healthy and empowering… and a little chocolate can make you smile. Just sayin’.

Happy Halloween to you and yours! May your season be filled with health, balance, and all the magic of a little dark chocolate.