Halloween candy: everything in moderation

halloween-candyTrick-or-treating is in full effect! Our homes, offices and bellies are likely full of candy, and it is only the beginning. When I worked at an office job, I was in awe of the amount of candy and baked goods that flooded our office this time of year. My bosses would receive gift baskets with candy, baked goods, toffee, chocolates and cookies. I was responsible for opening each package; showing the gift to my bosses; and with their permission, placing most of the items on a common table for the staff to enjoy. At times it was a huge tease, as the treats were in front of me every day, but I quickly learned the importance of refraining from nibbling on everything in sight. What amazed me was the short time-frame in which it took the staff to devour the treats.

In celebration of Halloween, let’s kick off the “treats-filled” season on a positive note. Eating and living healthy when we are surrounded by delicious temptations is difficult. As I strive to take the best care of myself and maintain a fun and healthy lifestyle, here are a few tips that have helped me along my PKD journey to not binge on all of the Halloween candy and goodies:

  • Just because it is there, doesn’t mean you have to eat it.
  • Portion control is key.
  • Have fun baking, but share the majority of it so it is no longer at arms reach.
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself. You deserve an off day.
  • Enjoy Halloween, but don’t over indulge in the sugary treats.
  • The greatest tool for me when surrounded by scrumptious treats is “everything in moderation.”

How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid eating too much candy and homemade goodies when it’s everywhere this time of year?

 

 

 

3 Comments

  1. Karin

    Hi Valen,
    Happy Halloween!
    As a district level resource teacher I am surrounded by unhealthy food everyday I go to work. There are always “treats” at my office and teacher break rooms at the schools I work. What amazes me the most is how much people eat just because it tastes good, no matter how unhealthy the food is! Sugar and salt are super addicting!
    Personally, I try to take a deep breath and recognize that I’m not hungry so that I don’t need to eat any of that. I also (gross) visualize my poor enlarged kidneys trying to deal with unhealthy and hard to process foods.
    This evening, as out twin teens and their friends come over with a pillowcase full of candy, I will just grab 3 pieces of my very favorite candy and make it my treat so not to trick my kidneys much. All in moderation;)
    Best to you!!

    Reply
    • Valen Keefer

      Hi Karin!
      Hope you and your family had a great Halloween!
      Thank you very much for sharing how well you take care of yourself and your kidneys! Advice we can all learn from you. You do a great job! Way to go! Cheers to a great November! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Tanya

    Hi. In the introduction to this article, it stated that there is a list of kidney friendly candies but, I did not see a list. Is that available?
    Thanks.

    Reply

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