Halloween season is often synonymous with indulging in sugary treats, but what if candy could actually play a role in your weight loss journey? Surprising as it may sound, research suggests that people who enjoy candy in moderation may have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) than those who completely avoid it. So, how does this work, and how can you incorporate Halloween candy into your weight loss plan without guilt?
Why Candy Could Help You Lose Weight
At first glance, the idea of candy aiding weight loss seems counterintuitive. After all, candy is full of sugar, right? But here’s the key: the strategic use of candy can help curb cravings, provide a small emotional boost, and even prevent you from turning to more calorie-dense foods like ice cream or brownies when you’re in need of a treat.
Plus, for me, candy is a great alternative option to drinking calories, like what can commonly happen with the ever-popular Starbucks pumpkin spice and related fall drinks. Those range from 250 calories for a Pumpkin Cream cold Brew up to 460 CALORIES for an Iced Pumpkin Cream Spice. That is a WHOLE MEAL! Why not have a few pieces of candy for half of that and get the pleasure of the chew and the texture.
Many people with lower BMIs don’t use candy as a meal substitute but rather as a way to satisfy a sweet tooth without going overboard. When you consume a small portion of candy, it can fend off cravings, preventing you from overeating later. For example, instead of grabbing a giant slice of cake or a sugar-loaded coffee, you might find that a small piece of candy gives you the satisfaction you need without the calorie overload.
In case you do want to have a healthier version of the Pumpkin Spice Craze, I have written an article about that.
Not All Candy is Created Equal
It’s important to note that not all candy qualifies as a weight-loss tool. Some options are better than others. The good news is that there are many choices available that are lower in calories, include healthier ingredients, and can even have added benefits, like dark chocolate, which has been proven to be good for your heart, brain, and blood sugar.
DAOFitLife’s Top Halloween Candy Picks
For those looking to indulge in candy during Halloween without compromising their fitness goals, DAOFitLife recommends the following:
- Pumpkin Candy Corn – A seasonal favorite that provides a small, sweet bite to curb sugar cravings.
- Milky Way Dark – Dark chocolate is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants, making this candy bar a healthier alternative to milk chocolate versions. Plus it has marshmallow nougat and caramel – an awesome combo!
- Twizzler’s Pull and Peel – At just over 100 calories per serving, these fruity chews provide a lot of satisfaction without the calorie guilt. And you can pull one string at a time, which makes them really fun to eat!
- Sweet Tarts – Low in calories and high in tangy flavor, Sweet Tarts are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a minimal caloric impact.
- Tootsie Roll Lollipops – These provide a fun and long-lasting treat, with the added bonus of a chewy center that makes them more filling than other candies.
Eat Candy Around your Workout!
Seriously, this is an actual strategy, recommended by Men’s Fitness:
The logic is essentially twofold: 1) CICO, which I have written extensively about; and 2) Candy can provide a “quick hit” to replenish glycogen, which is a key ingredient necessary to energize your workouts and maintain lean muscle mass
The Role of Moderation
As with all foods, moderation is crucial when it comes to incorporating candy into your diet for weight management. Eating candy in small amounts—perhaps just one serving a day—can help keep your calorie intake in check while still allowing you to enjoy the sweeter things in life. Halloween candy doesn’t have to be the enemy of your waistline when enjoyed responsibly.
Conclusion
With the right approach, Halloween candy can actually help you stay on track with your fitness and weight loss goals. By choosing better-for-you options like DAOFitLife’s top picks and practicing moderation, you can satisfy your cravings, fend off overeating, and enjoy the spooky season without the guilt.
So go ahead—treat yourself to a little Halloween sweetness!
