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Halloween and Sugar

From Registered Dietician Michelle Gorman

Sugar myths seem to show up more than usual around the Halloween, so it's important that you know the facts. After careful review of scientific studies, here’s the conclusion of nutrition and health experts: Sugar doesn't cause hyperactivity or diabetes, it isn't addictive, and it won't make you fat -- unless you eat too much of it. Sugars really have no direct relationship to any health problem except for their role in tooth decay.

Sugar, in moderation, can be part of a healthful diet. But like anything else, too much will add on pounds and can cause cavities. So what do you do with that big bag of Halloween candy? The American Dietetic Association recommends the following tricks to help fit those treats into a healthful meal pattern:

• First of all, remember that Halloween is a fun night for kids, and enjoying small portions of candy is okay.
• Teach your kids that “treats” sit at the top of the Food Guide Pyramid and can fit into a healthful meal plan after all the other food groups. Instruct your children to eat candy as part of a well-balanced meal instead of between meals.
• Ration candy into weekly amounts - when it’s all gone, they need to wait. Let your kids pick out a few favorite candies to savor each day. Large amounts of candy can be frozen to make portion control easier.
• Help kids balance high-calorie chocolates with lower-calorie hard or sugar candies.
• Make sure to remind them to brush and floss after eating sweets to prevent cavities.

And don’t forget: Remind children not to dip into their treats until an adult has carefully examined all candy for signs of tampering, including small pinholes in wrappers and torn or loose packages. Parents of young children should get rid of choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.

~ Michelle

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