a pretty pink piece of this year’s costume.
It’s almost Halloween and articles abound focusing on ways to have a healthy one.
Suggestions for satiety. Prompts for passing on candy. Tips for tossing sweets in favor of pre-cut raw veggies.
Traditional tips which work, but are *not* how we roll up in herre.
We believe, with a few exceptions, all things in moderation rock.
We think it’s fine to have a few sugar filled days because then our bodies intuitively crave fresh foods, fruits and veggies.
We’re highly aware anything forbidden becomes far more alluring in that Romeo and Juliet sort of way.
As a result, I’m proposing a new suggestion/approach to this short season for us all.
Let’s join the kids, don the costumes, and ride the character-wave to a fun and (perhaps by default) healthy Halloween.
In addition to being less depressing than consuming cauliflower while looking longingly at the mound of Milky Ways, creating a narrative for yourself makes it easier to resist the sugar and have far more fun.
3 tips for creating a character/having a healthy Halloween.
- Construct a narrative. I’ll concede the costume is optional but narrative-creation is not. This Halloween envision yourself as an actor. Ask yourself: What’s my motivation? Challenge yourself as to why you’re choosing to be healthy this year? Now create your backstory: What would your healthy-character eat? How would your character dress & what would this reveal to the world about how she views herself? How would she sit, walk etc? For Halloween commit to responding to everything, from interactions with friends to party-going, as your ‘healthy self’ or character.
- Share your character-plan. As zany as it sounds, sharing your role-playing plan with your people helps! Sure, I tend to (over)share everything with friends, but here their support can make your October 31st far more successful. When I first tried this approach to Halloween over decades ago, I intended it to be a 1 night thing. The subtle shift in how others affirmed the way I saw myself that night, however, kept me on the path to change long after pumpkins were gone. Bring your inner-circle into your act-as-if plan. Supportive accountability partners have helped me sustain life-changes for close to 25 years.
- Respond only as your character. This week (and next when candy is on sale) temptation abounds. Halloween can be a healthy living minefield, but not to our healthy character-self. Would our Halloween character skip workouts for couch time? Would costumed-you get sidelined and select Snickers over socializing and enjoying conversation? Before you respond to *anything* this Halloween ask yourself how your character/healthier self would react. Change your mindset. Change your body. It IS that simple.
In a sense, this is how I choose to live the *other* 364 days of my year, too.
Am I feeling like skipping cardio? Am I not in the mood to get outside and play?
I ask myself what my SUPER-HEROINE counterpart would do.
Am I longing to pass on meal prep in favor of a fast, processed’y week of foods?
I ask my self how the dainty Queen would dine.
It sounds silly. It definitely works.
And so I challenge you.
Join me in creating a new narrative for next Monday?
You just never know how long your healthy living character might stick around.
- How do you plan to cruise through the candy-season?
Allie says
October 26, 2016 at 4:49 amOh this is TOO MUCH FUN!!!! I absolutely love this idea….now I just need a very interesting character 🙂
Bea says
October 26, 2016 at 4:53 amI hate Halloween for all the silly old reasons. I always buy the candy too early, eat it, and beat myself up over that fact.
I’m desperate for something different. I’m in to try.
Nellie says
October 26, 2016 at 5:05 amYou’re so fun!!!
I like how this is along the lines of “act as if” we talk about all the time at weight watchers.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
October 26, 2016 at 5:20 amMethod Acting at its finest. I love your costume! I have NO CLUE what I am going to be..
Leanne says
October 26, 2016 at 6:28 amwhat a great idea Carla – I’m inspired to start lifting my game – and reducing my Winter waistline. Haralee also challenged us to getting a mammogram for Halloween – so now I have two things to aim for and get on board with (PS love those pink shoes!)
Coco says
October 26, 2016 at 6:31 amOMG! Those pink shoes!! I used to gorge on Halloween candy. Then I used to stress over not gorging on Halloween candy. Now I’m over it from all directions. If I’m tempted by a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, so be it. I even bought the “good” candy to hand out this year. 🙂
Shari Eberts says
October 26, 2016 at 7:15 amWonderful photos! Both my kids are going to be at Halloween parties so my husband and I may dress up on our own! Could be fun!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
October 26, 2016 at 7:30 amWorking in pediatrics, we always dress up at work. I’m considering Princess Leia from Star Wars. Badass extraordinaire. Plus I just love the bagel buns on the sides of her head.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
October 26, 2016 at 8:46 amHalloween has always been one of my favorite holidays to have fun with. No stress right? This year I have not planned anything yet need to get on that. Love your attitude
Mandie says
October 26, 2016 at 11:13 amI love this idea! Thank you for sharing! This could definitely apply to more than just Halloween!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
October 26, 2016 at 11:28 amHaha this is so cute. I love it. Although I will still prob be eating candy this weekend bc that’s what my character wants hahaha.
messymimi says
October 26, 2016 at 4:03 pmIt works — i use playing “what would my character do” in many situations.
Lee Gaitan says
October 26, 2016 at 5:15 pmClever, clever, clever idea! I love the “act as if” because then your behavior has to match up with your “beliefs/intentions.” P.S. You look AMAZING! You are a super hero for sure, girl!
Lois Hoffman says
October 26, 2016 at 5:59 pmLove the superman (superwoman) thing. I could totally rock wearing that!
cheryl says
October 26, 2016 at 7:43 pmI don’t buy it…I don’t like Halloween candy and I am not passing it out. I am doing my 130th triathlon Halloween weekend! (Not in a costume!)
Vikas Kumar says
November 13, 2016 at 9:53 amI was busy and dropped on blog bit late for halloween.
It was great seeing you Celebrate.
bealated Happy Halloween Carla.