Scary Truth About Halloween Candy: It's A Tricky Treat

Justin Yule from Fitness Revolution in Chanhassen tells you how to satisfy your sweet tooth on Halloween with healthy alternatives instead of Halloween candy.
By: Chanhassen Fitness Revolution
 
Oct. 31, 2012 - PRLog -- (Chanhassen, October 31, 2012) – Whatever age you are, if you have a sweet tooth, Halloween is your kind of holiday. But before you start indulging in all those sugary treats, be aware of the consequences too much candy can have on your health and weight.

“A typical candy is high in sugar, dextrose, fructose corn syrup, as well as artificial color and flavor,” says Justin Yule, a personal trainer at Fitness Revolution in Chanhassen. “None of it is good for you because it is high in fat and calories but has virtually no nutrients. ”

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the average American consumes almost 26 pounds of candy each year - a large percentage of it around Halloween. Why it this bad? Because according to the USDA National Nutrient Database, just one piece of candy almost exceeds the USDA recommended daily values for empty-calorie foods and added sugar.

“If you add to this all the other junk food and drinks that many people consume on daily basis, it should not be a surprise to anyone that a high-calorie diet, whether from fat or sugar, will lead to weight gain,” Yule notes. “And obesity carries its own set of risks, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.”

Can you still enjoy Halloween without gorging on candy and other sweets? Absolutely, Yule says.

“It’s all a matter of being creative and finding tasty snacks that will satisfy you, without piling on extra pounds or decaying your teeth,” he says. “For example, small boxes of raisons, pretzels, mixed nuts, or unsalted and unbuttered popcorn are all better choices.”

Still craving something sweet? Turn to dark chocolate, Yule suggests. “Recent research shows it is rich in antioxidants - vitamins, minerals, and other substances that protect the body from harmful free radicals. Of course, you should not eat chocolate in excessive quantities – a single square is sufficient for health benefits,” he notes.

If, despite all these warnings, your willpower on Halloween is zero and you end up consuming lots of candy, get into the “damage control” mode as soon as possible.

“The next day eat light, drink a lot of water, and make sure to do some metabolism-boosting workouts, ” Yule advises. “Your trainer can show you exercises that will continue to burn fat and calories even after you finish your workout.”

While an occasional splurge will probably not hurt you, a Swedish study released last year showed that even a brief period of excess food consumption can have long term effects on body weight and fat storage.

“That’s why we should all be conscious of what we consume and how this impacts our health and weight,” Yule says. “And that’s why it is so important to work out regularly and eat healthy on continuous basis – even on Halloween!”

About Chanhassen Fitness Revolution:

Launched by Chanhassen fitness expert Justin Yule in July 2009, Chanhassen Fitness Revolution is a co-ed group personal training program, which specializes in the areas of weight loss, metabolic training, and functional fitness.  Program details and client testimonials are available at http://www.ChanhassenFitnessRevolution.com.  Yule, a certified fitness expert with 15 years experience in the fitness industry, can be reached at Justin@ChanhassenFitnessRevolution.com or 763-280-3481.

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About Justin Yule, Fitness Expert:

Yule is a certified fitness expert with 15 years of experience in the fitness industry. Education includes a B.S. in Physical Education with a Concentration in Adult Fitness, along with a being a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer.  Yule also holds specialty certifications in Metabolic Training, Functional Movement Screening, Kettlebell Training, and Reactive Resistance Band Training. Awards and accomplishments include being an international best-selling author and one of America’s Premier Fitness Experts.  Yule has been featured in USA Today, the Star Tribune, Fox 9, CNBC, Southwest Metro Magazine, and Southwest Newspapers in MN.

Yule can be reached at Justin@ChanhassenFitnessRevolution.com or 763-280-3481 and is available for media interviews on topics related to health, wellness and fitness.
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Source:Chanhassen Fitness Revolution
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