Halloween Detox

Halloween Detox in 4 Easy Steps
By Vanessa Rodriguez, R.H.N.


Halloween can be a great time for occasional treats, but afterwards we may be left wondering how to get back on track with good nutrition. These tips can help get your whole family—adults and kids alike—back to good food habits.

1. Deal with leftovers immediately.

If you still have Halloween treats lying around, either get rid of them or divide them into small snacks to be used throughout the year. Always keep them out of sight. The temptation with leftover junk food is to eat it all at once, especially when it’s in small, easy-to-grab portions. This can overwhelm your system and drastically add to your calorie intake. Instead, prepare healthy snacks like raw fruits, vegetables and nuts. Package them conveniently in small containers that are easily visible in the fridge, so the whole family can grab a healthier option.

2. Rehydrate.

It’s easy to forget hydration during Halloween, but with high sugar consumption and high activity levels, it’s crucial to make sure everyone is getting enough water to replenish loses and aid digestion. Kids often forget to drink and need to be reminded. Water can also help you feel satiated and less tempted to grab that extra treat.

3. Drink smoothies.

You can fight junk food by consuming as many vitamins and minerals as possible. The most convenient and practical way to do this is with a smoothie. Natural smoothies made with whole foods can taste great and they are satisfying. They are also easily digested so the nutrients can go straight to work at getting you back on track. Here is one recipe full of antioxidants.

Blend:

1/3 cup of blueberries
1/3 cup of raspberries
1/3 cup of pomegranate kernels
1/4 cup of beet juice (optional)
1 banana
Water
The antioxidants in this smoothie can fight the preservatives, colorings, and chemicals consumed through junk food while boosting your immune system. Because sugar suppresses the immune system, loading up on antioxidants over the next few days is important.

4. Analyze and move on.

After a holiday we may find ourselves fighting feelings of guilt over poor food choices. It’s important to acknowledge how we’re feeling, but also leave it in the past. Instead of getting discouraged, make a decision to get back on track. If you are feeling heavy and sluggish, associate that with your food choices and the next time you’re tempted to indulge, remember how you felt.

Encourage your kids to make the same link between their moods and overeating. They might have experienced an upset stomach or a blood sugar crash. Teach them that food plays a role in how they feel. This might also be a good opportunity to plan next year’s Halloween as an event that is both healthy and fun.

This Halloween detox is about cleansing your system and starting over, so make a new commitment to improve your nutrition.