The 60 Second Candy Rule

Like many office workers who are chained to their desks all day, I often want to munch while I work – especially when I’m bored or stressed.  Usually a piece of fruit, some yogurt, or a veggie pack will do the trick.  But sometimes I get a sweet tooth.  In fact, everyday after eating lunch I want something sweet.  So I have a 60 second candy rule….

If it takes me less than 60 seconds to eat a piece of candy, then that candy does not reside in or anywhere near my desk. 

Why?  Because candy that can be eaten quickly is usually the chocolaty, chewy, milky, buttery, most delicious irresistible candy of all.  Catch me on an emotional day and, mark my words, the entire bag will be history!

Candy that takes longer to eat, like hard candy or gum, is still good for satisfying those sweet tooth cravings, but not as good for binging because it take too long to eat them. They also tend to be lower in fat and less calories.  Makes sense, right?

Here are 10 favorites that I allow myself keep around at work….

1.  Tootsie Pops – sweet, fruity, chocolaty – try not to bite too soon.
2.  Charms Blow Pops – takes forever, and then there’s the gum.
3.  Werther’s Originals Hard Toffees – buttery yumminess
4.  Nips – coffee, toffee, chocolate, caramel, take your pick.
5.  Butterscotches – the yellow ones – old fashioned, buttery, sugary.
6.  Lemonheads – intense lemon that makes you pucker.
7.  Warheads – super sour w/ lots of fruity pucker.
8.  Jolly Ranchers – regular, sour or creamscicle flavors.
9.  Gum – I like sugar-free Extra because it lasts longer and it comes in lots of flavors.
10.  Starlight Mints – not one of my favorites, but they do overpower all other cravings.