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SPORTS & FITNESS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 12, 2024 


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 

professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes. Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.com. 
Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness Visit 
her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.

HALLOWEEN: LET THE GAIN BEGIN

For many, Halloween kicks off a cycle of overeating that lasts 
through the holiday season. It starts with sneaking a few 
candies in the weeks before Halloween, followed by nibbling 
on leftover treats. Then, as Thanksgiving approaches, there’s 
more food around. Soon, we’re indulging at gatherings with 
family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. With so much 
tempting food around, it’s hard to resist. After all, it’s just once 
a year, so what’s the harm in a little extra here and there? But 
does it really have to lead to three months of overindulgence?

Overeating often starts on Halloween and doesn’t stop until 
after the holidays because of a combination of factors. First, 
Halloween kicks things off by filling our homes with candy. 
After that, the holidays bring more temptations like pies, 
cookies, and rich meals. Emotional eating also plays a role—
stress from family, finances, and packed schedules makes 
people turn to food for comfort. Social gatherings during the 
holidays are food-centered, making it tough to avoid overeating 
when surrounded by endless options. Plus, there’s a cultural 
expectation to eat, and saying “no” can feel like missing out 
on the celebration. Routine disruption is another key factor. 
Travel, parties, and holiday chaos often interfere with regular 
exercise and healthy eating habits. Finally, many people fall 
into the trap of the "all or nothing" mindset. After indulging 
in Halloween candy, they feel like they've already blown their 
healthy habits, so they figure, "Why stop now?" All of these 
reasons create a perfect storm for overeating that stretches well 
beyond Halloween.

With a little forethought though, you can avoid the holiday overeating trap. Here are some ways to prevent the 
downhill slide:

1. Set a few clear goals

Setting specific, realistic goals helps keep you grounded during the holiday season. Instead of aiming for 
perfection, focus on manageable targets, like maintaining your workout routine a few times a week or limiting 
desserts to weekends. 

2. Practice portion control

Portion control is a powerful tool to help you enjoy holiday treats without overindulging. You don’t need to 
deprive yourself completely—just be mindful of how much you’re eating. Using a small plate can help trick your 
brain into feeling satisfied with less, while planning ahead allows you to set clear limits on how much candy or 
dessert you’ll have. 

3. Eat before social gatherings

Heading to a holiday gathering on an empty stomach can lead to overeating, so it’s a good idea to eat a healthy 
snack beforehand. A small, balanced snack with fiber or protein, like fruit, veggies, or nuts, can curb your hunger, 
making it easier to resist overeating when you arrive. Staying hydrated also helps, as thirst is often mistaken for 
hunger. 

4. Keep healthier options available

Have nutritious snacks, like fruits, veggies, whole-grain crackers, or nuts, readily available in your kitchen. When 
preparing for holiday gatherings, include a few healthier options, like veggie trays or fruit platters, alongside more 
indulgent treats. It will make it easier to choose something nutritious, even when surrounded by high calorie 
holiday foods.

5. Find alternatives to stress eating

The holiday season often brings stress, whether from family dynamics, financial pressures, or the busy schedule. 
Do your best to find healthier ways to cope. Taking a walk, meditating, or talking with a friend can help reduce 
stress without leading to overeating. Recognizing emotional triggers is the first step in managing stress eating.

6. Break the “all or nothing” mentality

One of the biggest obstacles during the holidays is the “all or nothing” mindset. If you lose control one day, it’s 
easy to feel like you’ve failed and might as well continue overeating. But a small indulgence doesn’t have to derail 
your progress. Focus on getting back on track with your next meal or workout rather than giving up entirely. 

Take it one holiday at a time. In terms of Halloween be sure to buy candies you don’t like. You won’t be as tempted 
to eat them. Buy them later not sooner. The sooner they’re in your house the more opportunity for overeating. 
Place candy out of sight and fruit in plain view. After Halloween get rid of leftover candies. You can donate them 
to local food banks, shelters for women and children, Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops, nursing homes, senior 
centers and dentist offices who participate in candy buyback programs where kids can trade their candy for prizes 
or money. If you’d like to donate to children in the area, and your candy does not have Halloween designs, our 
nonprofit runs a Stockings From Santa project every year and candy is always included in the stockings. Contact 
me for drop off.

HUDDLE UP

With HARVEY HYDE


IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE 
AND HARVEY WILL BE ON 
HIATUS FOR THIS COLUMN FOR 
A WHILE. FOLLOW HIM ON 
SUNDAYS ON AM830


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com