I remember sitting across the table from a client who was struggling with depression symptoms.
She was telling me how she was feeling SO GOOD and then just recently started to feel really blue and down.
I asked her if she had been eating more sugar and if it just happened to start around Halloween time?
Sure enough, she reflected back and YES she made the connection between eating more sugar and then feeling more depressed.
Listen, I don’t need to dampen your fun. I just want you to be aware and I want you to feel your best. I also know depression can have many contributing factors, but we know that what we are eating can definitely be a component.
We know from research and observation that sugar intake is connected to how our brain feels.
Sugar definitely affects my energy and mood! And I’m honestly motivated to feel good
Moral of the story? Be mindful. Can you enjoy a piece or two of candy and be done with it? Or does one piece send you off and running with sugar cravings? Know your behavior patterns with sugar. It can be incredibly addictive!
My plan is to not eat any of my kid’s candy (and yes, even they will only get a small amount and I’ll trade them for some other things) but instead make a treat I can enjoy without affecting my insulin/blood sugars/sugar cravings.
Here are some ideas: low carb Halloween candy
NOTE: Many of these recipes use a product called Swerve. It is made up of something called erythritol, a gentle (digestively) sugar alcohol that doesn’t affect insulin and blood sugars, and in turn doesn’t make our moods feel blue.
Hope that’s helpful!
If you REALLY need help feeling your best and get rid of your sugar cravings, check out my Best You Plan! As of today, registration is still open until this weekend (11/4/18)
Katie Vigesaa, RD
Registered Dietitian
Homemade Ranch
