The fall colors are out, and the leaves are falling. And now, it is Halloween!! And we all know what that means – it isn’t just one day of candy, but it feeds into the next couple months of festivities.
Indulging & savoring delicious treats are all part of the fun, but if you’re managing chronic pain, you might find that this time of year leaves you feeling a little more achy than usual.
Understanding how sweets might be adding to your discomfort is so beneficial to empowering your health and your body. So here are a few simple steps you can take to enjoy the holiday without the painful side effects.
How Halloween Sweets Can Stir Up Inflammation
When we enjoy a few extra treats, especially candy that is high in processed sugar & a list of ingredients we have trouble pronouncing, it can lead to a quick spike in blood sugar. For people with chronic pain, that often means increased inflammation, which may make muscles feel tighter and joints feel more achy. On top of that, these sugar spikes can lead to an energy crash later, potentially leaving you feeling sluggish, and likely craving another sweet treat.
The Good News!!
Here’s some good news: a bit of movement after eating sweets can help reduce blood sugar spikes! Moving, even something as simple as a 10–15 minute walk, uses the sugar in your bloodstream for energy. This helps your body stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation that can worsen pain and helping you feel better faster.
Not all sweets are equal!
The type of treat can also impact how you feel. Most pre-packaged goodies are packed with ultra processed or artificial ingredients that don’t always agree with our bodies and can add to inflammation. Choosing homemade treats, like a brownie made from real cocoa, butter, and sweetener such as honey, maple syrup or organic cane sugar, might be a more pain-friendly way to indulge. It can take some trial and error, as everybody is unique, but when you partner with your body, you can learn which ingredients it digests best.
Real, whole ingredients don’t just taste better; they’re often easier for our bodies to process, especially when compared to artificial flavors, preservatives, and processed sugars.
So, if you’re reaching for a Halloween treat, consider one that’s homemade or made with real ingredients. Whether it’s a dessert whipped up in your own kitchen or a special treat from a local bakery, whole-food desserts let you enjoy the flavors you love without the processed extras.
Tips for Enjoying Halloween Without the Pain Hangover
- Savor Homemade Treats: Opt for homemade desserts with simple, whole ingredients when you can. They often taste better, satisfy cravings longer, and may be gentler on your body. To really savor them, put them on a plate, and slowly eat & chew them – really tasting and enjoying the deliciousness of each bite!
- Pair Treats with Movement: Try making a short walk part of your Halloween tradition! Moving after a sweet treat can keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce inflammation, helping you enjoy your candy without the pain.
- Stay Hydrated: Water helps flush out excess sugar and reduce inflammation. Staying hydrated is especially helpful when indulging in sweets, so keep water nearby to support your body.
Enjoy Halloween — Without the Extra Pain
Indulging in Halloween treats doesn’t have to mean more aches and pains. With a few mindful choices and a little movement, you can enjoy the season’s sweets while keeping pain in check. At Move Smart, we’re here to help you find balance and joy in your wellness journey.
Happy Halloween!! and here’s to feeling your best, no matter what treats you enjoy!
