How to come down from that Halloween sugar buzz

by Brittany Anas · November 1, 2013

(Got a Halloween candy hangover? Start detoxing by drinking lots of water and planning a meal with lean protein tonight).

By Brittany Anas

So you snuck into your kids’ Halloween stashes last night and enjoyed a bit of their loot? What?! They don’t like coconut anyways. Or maybe, during the lull of trick or treaters, you dipped into your own stash of Halloween candy that you were passing out? Either way, if it’s starting to feel like your house is a real-life Candyland and you’re coming down from a sugar high today, here’s how to get back on track. And, trust us, you’re not alone. The NDP group — which analyzes eating habits — says about 4 percent of all candy consumed in this country happens on Halloween.

Drink lots of water. Yes, you know that 8 glasses of water is important every day. But, it’s especially essential on Nov. 1 after a candy binge. Just like sodium, excess sugar can make you feel bloated. Go ahead and chug that water from a water bottle to help flush out your system.
Wean yourself from the sugar stash. Ever heard the expression “sugar addiction?” Well, there’s some truth to that. When we eat sugary foods, our brains release feel-good hormones. Instead of popping fun-sized candy bars, indulge on some all-natural sugar — like grapes, clementines, Honeycrisp apples. When you eat candy or drink soda, you’ll get a quick sugar high because the sugar in those syrupy treats is a simple carbohydrate and quickly converts into glucose. While you’ll find simple carbs in fruits, they also have fiber that slow down the conversion process — keeping you fuller and packing a nutritional punch.
Set a ration. You probably have rules for how much candy your kids can eat from their stash. Limit yourself, too. Here’s the thing: If you add candy to your diet for the next few weeks, without making any other changes — you’re likely to gain weight. So cut back on other sugary nibbles — whether it’s that granola bar you have as a mid-morning snack or the cookie you have with lunch.
Eat lean protein at dinner. Your blood sugar is on a rollercoaster ride after snacking on candy — going up and down. Lean protein will help regulate the release of the sugar into your bloodstream. So, as you’re planning dinner tonight — think about chicken breasts, salmon or maybe a chili made with black beans. Pair with fiber-filled veggies to keep you full and from snacking.
Schedule in some exercise. Maybe your family goes for an after-dinner walk together or you hit the gym for some cardio after work. Getting in a good workout will help you regain some energy.

Tip: You may be Halloween-ed out, but now is the best time to shop for next year’s Halloween decor because it’s on major sale. Those cute pictures you snapped of your trick-or-treaters? How great would they look in this skeleton hand frame that is on sale for $7.20 at Kohl’s right now — plus you’ll get 3.5 percent Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com. You’ll also find fall-themed Lumanaria Bags deeply discounted.