Halloween

A Healthy Thanksgiving and Halloween: Lessons from the Season

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Written by Dr. Elisha Cook ND

I am sure I have some of my readers rolling their eyes as they read the title of this blog. “Oh great another blog about how we shouldn’t over eat, we shouldn’t eat sugar, Halloween is the devil, and we are all doomed to diabetes if we participate”. No, this is not one of those blog, so please do not hesitate to read on.

Thanksgiving and Halloween can be particularly fun times of year. Whether it is fun in regards to the costumes or the meals/treats, I like to reflect on some other important messages we can take from this season.

Moderation

I think no “healthy Halloween” blog would be complete without mentioning moderation, but this proves the same for thanksgiving. Moderation does not simply mean do not have too much of the bad stuff. It also means do not do too much of the good stuff. What do I mean by this: it is important to recognize that, as Hippocrates once said, “It is the dose that makes the poison”. For example, if you exercise too much this can be almost as bad as not exercising enough. So, with this season, allow some indulgence, but do not overindulgence. Restrict where you need to – for example, only allow your children to have 1 treat per day – but also allow there to be some treats overall. At the end of the day, it is okay to treat ourselves.

Be Inspired

A lot of children are told during this time of year, “you can be whatever you want for Halloween, what would you like to be”. Sometimes there are restrictions, but the point still stands that you can dress the part of what you want to be. It does not mean that you turn into that character, but you can see the pride that emits from these little super heroes and princesses as they go house to house showing their costumes. I would encourage you to take the same attitude with your health. You can choose health and to be inspired. It is important that when it comes to your health, be inspired to rise above your condition and overindulge in hope. Hope can be one of the most effective treatments and increase chances of survival from many medical conditions.

Gratitude

With Thanksgiving and Halloween being so close in date, we can adopt the spirit of gratitude for both of them. Gratitude can be a family discussion during this time of year for so many reasons. Halloween is a holiday where children can often feel like they have an overabundance of candies and that is very exciting. Using these times as a teaching moment can be so powerful. Gratitude in itself can have so many health benefits which can be seen in my previous blog: http://www.naturopathicdoctorwoodstock.ca/health-benefits-of-gratitude/

At the end of this all, it is my hope that you are inspired by Halloween to keep moderation in mind, be inspired, and remain thankful. I hope you all have a safe Halloween if you celebrate!

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

Halloween and Health Eating

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Halloween and Healthy Eating: How to Stick to a Diet/Healthy Eating By Dr. Elisha Cook ND

For anyone trying to lose a couple of pounds or keep healthy, Halloween can be a tricky holiday. You want to have treats available for the ghouls and goblins visiting, but do not want to be stuck with the left-over temptation. We recommend trying some of the below strategies to help you make it through this tricky holiday and keep in check with your health goals

  • Have treats available you do not care for

Buy only the treats that you can easily say no to or portion more easily. If you are a sugar fiend, but can easily avoid chocolate – stick with chocolate and chocolate bars you can easily avoid.

  • Consider non-edible treats

Consider offering stickers, pencils, or other surprises for your visitors. These treats will help you to avoid the temptation of sugary treats all together.

  • Offer healthy alternatives

Offering healthy alternatives for trick-or-treaters can help you to practice moderation and resist temptation. Some options might include Pur gum, coconut water, fruit packaged in water, or pre-packaged trail mix.

  • Balance your protein and carbs

Balancing your plate with proteins and carbs helps to keep hunger in check and keeps you from reaching for those high sugar items to keep the energy up.

  • Eat regularly

During this time, avoid fasting and stick to 3 meals per day to help keep hunger in check to avoid the temptation of a sweet treat.

  • Drink enough water

Drinking enough water can curb those cravings and keep hunger at bay, making it easier to resist temptation. When you are tempted to have a sweet treat, drink water first.

  • Forgive easily and get back on track

It is important to recognize that you are only human and it is okay to make mistakes. Do not let one missed opportunity to do “well” set the course for the rest of the day. If you slip up and over indulge, recognize your error, and get back on track. Set your mind to continue to make healthy choices and to get back on track quickly.

At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that everything should be taken in moderation. It is okay to have a treat, but not over-do it. From all of us at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, we want to wish you a safe and Happy Halloween.  

For more information like this, or to book an appointment with Dr. Elisha Cook ND at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, please contact us at:

Website: www.plattsvilledoctor.ca

Text or Call: 226-232-7665

Please note the information contained in this article is not meant to replace medical advice. Please contact your health care provider or Dr. Elisha Cook ND for more specific information about your situation.

Halloween Treats for Children with Food Allergies

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Three pumpkins with fall leaves with seasonal backgroundHalloween is fast approaching, and many households are preparing for the arrival of many ghouls, princesses, and superheroes by purchasing some tasty treats. However, not all children are able to have the variety of treats that may be available. This notion is how the “teal pumpkin project” began. For those of you who do not know, the teal pumpkin project involves placing a teal pumpkin on your porch to let other families know that you have safe alternatives for children with allergies. Many families will project the usual chocolates and chips for those who can eat these treats, but will place alternative choices in a separate bowl (to avoid potential contamination [though the risk is quite low]).

By providing alternatives, it gives all children an equal chance to participate in Halloween. This project also shines light on the issues of food allergies and other conditions such as diabetes. Food allergies are vast and can include many different items including:

  • Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Chocolate
  • Egg
  • Red Food Colouring
  • Yellow Food Colouring
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Sugar

It can be challenging to find food items that avoid all of these particular foods, but below are provided some different options that you might choose to provide as an alternative if you are participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project.

  • Stickers
  • Pencils
  • Erasers
  • Temporary tattoos
  • Rings
  • Small Pads of Paper
  • Coconut Water

Food items that you may be able to provide for some trick-or-treaters with food allergies (but possibly not all) may include some of the below ideas:

  • Gum (avoid coloured gums to avoid the dyes and food colouring)
  • Juice (depending on the brand or type it may contain food colouring, and most likely sugar)
  • Lara Bars (these may contain nuts)
  • Plain Chips (avoid flavoured chips as it may contain hidden forms of milk i.e. whey
  • Gummy Candies (these are not always void of gluten, dairy, eggs, or food colouring)

In summary, the teal pumpkin project is ultimately a way to help children feel included despite their medical situation. I would encourage all households to attempt to be able to provide some form of alternative that may be safe for all youngsters!

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Elisha Cook via the contact portion of this website.