THE CANDY HOLIDAYS

Photo by Juushika Redgrave

It's that time of year again, folks. Those of us who battle the bulge and strive for healthy eating needs must strap on extra armour as we prepare for the oncoming season of skirmishes, dubbed by my friend Kim (mother of two) as THE CANDY HOLIDAYS.

You see, junk is not allowed in her home, except on a very limited basis, and therefore her children always looked forward with immense glee to the Candy Holidays, when they'd be able to get their fix in many other venues, and possible squirrel a few pieces of contraband away against an hour of great need. Halloween is, of course, the first and most obvious of the Candy Holidays, but quick on its heels come Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and just when you thought you were safe, Valentine's Day, all offering more and greater adult temptations. You're lucky to get through the season without having to buy new pants.

The first shot in my personal annual battle was fired yesterday, when the beautiful, tiny soprano offered me a truffle at rehearsal. What a dirty blow! We're not talking some HFCS-filled chemical compound cunningly fashioned into a pumpkin, we're talking CHOCOLATE. Happily, this turned out to be a homemade truffle comprised of dates, coconut, coco powder, protein powder, and a little bit of honey. Made in her Vitamix (I COVET this, COVET it, I tell you) which she loves so much she had it shipped to her here. False alarm! This is a woman after my own heart. We had a great conversation and she is going to show me how to make her Dream Pie, which has no wheat products, and sounds divine (and healthy)!The truffle was yummy AND guilt-free.

I don't have to worry about giving out Halloween candy or other treats, since I am not at home (and when I'm not there for Halloween, my husband pretends he isn't home, either. He loves to give treats, as long as I am the one actually dealing with the kiddies). If I am home, we usually buy candy neither one of us likes. They're not my kids and I don't have to deal with the subsequent sugar rush, so in the past I haven't worried to much about giving better choices like raisins or toys. We just make sure it all gets given away (and in the past, I've taken the leftovers to school and distributed it to my always-hungry college students). But if you do have kids at home, or just can't bring yourself to be one of the houses giving away the "crappy" candy, what do you do?

Here are my Halloween hints from last year.  In the interest of promoting better health and an end to the SAD (Standard American Diet, whose acronym is so appropriate), I point you to this post from Real Food in Little Rock, with some great suggestions for getting all that low-quality, bad-for-you candy out of the grubby paws of your beloved urchins and into somebody else's grubby paws. Also, if you just can't bring yourself to give candy alternatives, you can give better quality candy from sources like this one.

Today is my first day of rehearsal with the chorus, always a food danger zone because choristers LOVE to bake and bring goodies to rehearsals. However, I ended up going out with the cast last night and enjoying a (rare) hamburger, so there will be none for me. I had my lumpy this morning for breakfast (it was supposed to be a smoothie, but the blender was not very cooperative) and lunch is going to be a big spinach salad. Also, I am off to the gym in short order. I am just beginning to witness the faintest glimmerings of feeling better about myself, of seeing how to get really truly back on track, and this must not be blown.

So courage, my friends! Don't be defeated by a DingDong! Cower not before candy corn! Resist the Reese's! This is but the first battle in the oncoming seasonal war, but stand strong. Together we can conquer the Candy Holidays!

 

Comments

[Karen]

They sort of did that in Braveheart, although they raised their kilts facing the enemy. Much more insulting than the ol' moon shot.

[HCG New York]

Hi, I am feeling glad to found this blog. The important thing about this blog is it contains such fresh and different information, what is not on other blogs. Thanks & Keep touch!

[Cindy]

I think I'm far more likely to raise my kilt and moon the enemy, but whatever.

[Karen]

I suddenly have a vision of you riding up and down the front of the ranks of blog-readers, your face painted half in white, half in blue, brandishing a broadsword.

Does that make me a little nuts? X D