3 reasons we crave sugar: 

• Carbohydrates are the first taste humans prefer from birth [1]. 

• Carbohydrates stimulate the release of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin. Sugar is a carbohydrate, but carbs come in other forms as well, such as fruits and vegetables [2]. 

• The taste of sugar also releases endorphins that calm and relax us and offer a natural high [3]. 

Our natural sugar preference is reinforced by the chemical effects they cause within the body, which contributes to our enthusiasm for Halloween candy. 

Samhain, what has become the Halloween that we know today, originated with ancient Celtic festivals where people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Today, Halloween is a popular favorite for people of all ages, but especially those who can trick-or-treat. 

If you’re excited about wearing a costume and helping your children or grandchildren trick-or-treat, but not excited about all the sugar that accompanies the holiday, we have you covered. If you’ve struggled in the past to resist Halloween candy, we have several strategies that may work for you. 

You do not need to light bonfires to ward off sugar craving! 

Here are 5 strategies to fight sugar cravings when walking through the grocery store during the month of October, after you stash the collection of Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters, or when the bag of candy arrives home after a fruitful night of trick-or-treating.

1. Swap the food you are craving for a healthier option. If your “challenge food” - a food you struggle to resist - is chocolate, swap the milk chocolate in most Halloween candy for a dark chocolate option. Try an organic dark chocolate hot cocoa with warm coconut milk instead of dairy. Sometimes a different form can help curb a craving as well. If you’re a coffee drinker, swap sugar in your coffee for cinnamon. It’s a healthier option with a flavor! 
   
   
2. Combine your sugar craving with a healthy protein or fat. One recommendation is to add a 3 to 1 ratio of almonds to dark chocolate chips respectively. Not only are you swapping a healthier option for your craving, but you are adding protein to your snack, which will offset the negative carbohydrate effect that would leave you hungry and drained after a short period of time. 
   
   
3. Choose fruit over candy. The fruit is naturally sweet and as mentioned above, a different type of carbohydrate that in many cases curbs the sugar craving you are feeling. Choose a salad with sliced apple or avocado and walnuts with an organic vinaigrette over the available sweets during Halloween. Tip: organic, unsweetened dried cranberry makes a wonderful addition to the above salad for those with a sour craving as well.
   
   
4. Eat regular meals to prevent cravings. Eating at least 3 meals per day and possibly a couple of snacks in between depending on your body’s needs and daily exercise will help curb cravings. Eating regular meals ensures your body is given the healthy proteins, fats, and natural sugars it needs to function and limits the cravings you experience in a day for the less healthy variety.
   
   
5. Meet the daily vitamin, mineral, and protein needs of your body to prevent cravings. We recommend the All-in-One Reset360 Shake that only has 1g of sugar, 23g of protein and 8g of fiber as a meal replacer or meal supplement. 

Looking for moral support in limiting sugar during your Halloween adventures? Join our Going Forward Together Facebook group of thousands of women looking to change their hormonal health for the better. 

Wishing you a spook-tacular Halloween!