The Halloween Candy Blitz

Risk and strategies for managing sugary treats

Whether it’s cake, cookies or chocolate, we all love a sweet treat every now and then. And that is absolutely fine! Afterall what would Halloween be like without candied apples or candy corn?  With the flood of Halloween candy coming your way in the coming weeks, we’re sharing tips and tricks for managing the obvious and not so obvious sugar. 

One way to identify sources of added sugar in your child’s diet is by reading food labels closely and looking for ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, molasses, and cane sugar. Be aware that sugar can be listed under many names, so it's important to familiarize yourself with all of them. Another way to identify added sugars is by being mindful of the types of snacks and beverages your child consumes. Sweetened drinks, such as soda and sweetened fruit juices, are often high in added sugars. Even seemingly healthy snacks, such as granola bars and yogurts, can be packed with added sugars. Checking nutrition labels and opting for whole foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can help to reduce your child's consumption of added sugars.

One effective strategy to reduce the amount of added sugar your child consumes is to make simple substitutions in their diet. Instead of sugary breakfast cereals, opt for whole-grain options like oatmeal or unsweetened yogurt with fresh fruit. Replace sugary drinks with water or unsweetened beverages. When baking, use alternative sweeteners like mashed bananas or applesauce instead of refined sugar. Additionally, be mindful of hidden sugars in packaged snacks and choose options with lower sugar content. These simple substitutions can make a significant impact on your child's overall sugar intake, promote healthier habits and make room for the occasional treat such as those found on Halloween! 

As parents, it can be challenging to help our children make healthy food choices, especially when it comes to unhealthy foods and sugary treats. However, by using the right strategies, we can guide our children to adopt healthy eating habits that will benefit them in the long term. One effective approach is to shift the focus away from restriction and toward moderation. This means allowing your child to enjoy treats occasionally, while emphasizing the importance of balance and variety in their diet. Additionally, it can be helpful to involve your child in meal planning and grocery shopping, giving them a sense of ownership and control over their food choices. Finally, modeling healthy eating habits yourself can have a powerful impact, as children often look to their parents as role models. By adopting a positive and supportive approach, we can help our children make healthy choices and develop a lifelong love of nutritious foods.

Published October 1, 2023.