Trick or Treat?
That is the Question
Halloween is coming around the corner and, like most of us, there will be an invasion of bags full of candy entering our homes!
We often get the question: what candy is healthier than the rest? I think most of us already know the answer: None. Candies by recipe, a high calorie, high fat, high sugar food source with no nutritional value.
As far as chocolate candy (Mars, etc.) verses sugar candy (Skittles, etc.), the calories are about the same. The chocolate having high fat, and sugar candies having mostly sugar.
And that, my friends, is the bottom line. We do not eat candy for nutritional value, we eat them because they are a TREAT! Embrace that fact.
The TRICK is to acknowledge the fact that we must make choices, take responsibility, accept the fact that candy is a 'pleasure food', and eat in a responsible way.
And what is a responsible way:
1. Sort candies into assorted freezer baggies.
2. Store excess candy in the freezer.
3. Teach your children and family to select one treat a day, or occasionally.
4. Accept the truth that candies (and other 'fun foods') are a fact of life, and our best response is to manage our eating.
Food is more than just something to eat - it is part of our life.
Happy Halloween!
Marilyn Wadum, RD, LMNT
Bariatric Dietitian
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