Halloween marks the first major event of the year’s holiday season. This Halloween let’s remember to be mindful of our holiday celebration customs in relation to our training.  With the carnivals, office potlucks and trick-or-treating, comes candy. Many of you may be wondering if candy is totally off limits this year or will hinder your training.  You may be thinking, “How can Halloween pass me by without one bite of a delicious chocolate treat?”

Remember, Halloween or not, candy is not off limits.  You can have 1 oz. of candy 3 times per day with your meals, if you choose to. This holds true throughout the year, but we need to be more aware of our choices around the holidays.  Often when we think of Halloween (or any holiday) as a once a year opportunity or as a special occasion, I find that it gives us permission to overdo it. Keep in mind, Halloween is not just about the candy.  Instead of focusing on treats alone, get caught up in the fun of decorating your house or office, buying and carving pumpkins and eating pumpkin seeds (One serving of pumpkin seeds has 20 grams of protein).  If you usually enjoy giving out candy at your desk, hand out plastic spider rings instead. Center your celebration around dressing up or creating a new costume.  After all, dressing up in a goofy or scary costume really IS a once a year opportunity!

Now, you may wonder, “Do the simple sugars in candy hinder our trainings?”  If you want to save your candy for our long run, you can use candy instead of using your gels, sports beans, etc.  However, be mindful of whether or not this really allows you to enjoy the treat. “Simple sugar” means that the sugar breaks down faster into your blood stream.  In regards to your body, simple sugars tend to make you feel tired, slow, sluggish – I think you get the point.  For training you want to focus on complex carbohydrates, which I discussed last week, to stay alert and energized.

Remember we are walking/running 8 miles the day after Halloween - I know you guys want to feel your best!  Enjoy your Halloween candy but don’t go over 1 oz at any meal you choose.

Happy Halloween and Happy Training,

Prudence