[L]ast week when I saw this statistic I nearly fell out of my chair! Check this out:
The average American eats 1.2 POUNDS of candy on Halloween. 1.2 POUNDS!
Thinking about what that amount of sugar does to your body is actually very scary…
This week doesn’t have to mean death for your nutrition, body, or anything else for that matter. No doubt you have been bombarded with sugar this entire month and this week you can bet the marketing assault will be amped up a notch. So what’s a truly fit gal supposed to ensure a healthy Halloween physically and spiritually a midst all the festivals, hayrides, parties, sugar bombs, death and darkness? I gotcha covered.
Physically
1. Plan ahead.
How much candy (if at all) will you consume? Pick out what you are going to consume and put it aside. That’s it! Or buy candy that you don’t like so you won’t be tempted. I recommend some dark organic chocolate if you’re going to indulge. Make sure it’s at least 70%cacoa.
2. Eat before you go.
Before any social event or function eat a great meal including protein, veggies, and healthy fats. Never go somewhere on an empty stomach when you don’t know what kind of food will be available. That’s a highway to the danger zone.
3. Be OK with saying no.
I talk about this a lot and it’s so true. You have to be OK with not doing what everyone else is. The norm for most people isn’t working out so well. Be OK with turning down food that isn’t in line with your goals. If you’re worry about offending someone don’t be. At the end of the day they aren’t the ones that have to fit into your skinny jeans or wear your bathing suit. Their response is their responsibility.
4. Remember it’s just one day.
As with any other holiday it’s important to remember that it’s just one day. This doesn’t mean we throw caution to the wind all week OR start a vicious snowball effect. Stay on track and make the best possible choices on Halloween. If you blow it or eat too much get right back on track the next day.
5. Focus on Fun
Another topic I talk about a lot. Focus on fun with your family and making memories. Focus on being the light in the dark. Focus on family and friends, NOT FOOD. It’s not about the food! Eating is not a way to have fun. Focusing on the relationships in your life is.
Spiritually
1. Be the light everywhere you go.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
Dress modestly and positively. Show light. Speak life. Encourage the kids that come to your door. Have fun being the most positively alive person in your neighborhood.
2. Fear Not. Put your armor on.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12
As much as we like to dress this holiday up as a children’s story it is the darkest day of the year. Witches and demons are real. The church of Satan is real and Halloween is their Christmas. It’s not my intent to scare you but inform you. Pray for protection over your family and your community this week like you never have before.
3. Be Wise
Listen my son and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. Proverbs 23:19-21
Many seem to see a full moon and completely lose their minds. Remember who you are and what you’re called to do. Make decisions that line up with that. Don’t put yourself in situations that could bring you harm all in the name of a stupid holiday. Be wise and discerning at parties, events, etc and remember who you represent.
4. Stay in community
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believer throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
I highly recommend getting involved in a church fall festival or hayride as an alternative to the typical door to door trick or treating. Stay in community with people you know and trust. Make sure you stay in groups and are mindfully aware of your surroundings. Make sure you coach your community up on staying alert and keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings.
As always , I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Head over to our fabulous Facebook community and let me know how you are staying healthy this Halloween.
Speaking The Truth In Love,
Lindsey Nadler
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