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Monday, 31 October 2011 16:11 |
Halloween is the biggest time of year for candy consumption say industry experts. North Americans spend more than five billion dollars on this holiday, with nearly three quarters of the population spending an average of twenty dollars on candy to hand out. According to a 7 year University of Colorado study the average Halloween haul weighs in at close to 20 pounds of assorted treats in a single evening.
It isn't the indiscretion of a single day or a couple of days around Halloween which would have a measurable impact on health, rather it the gluttony and excess of Halloween stretching to the end of the year and beyond causing concern.
Adults can easily get caught up in the holiday excess. Based on research from the National Confectioners Association, 90 percent of parents admit to dipping into the treats their kids bring home. It's estimated parents eat one candy bar of every two the child brings home. And, adults are most likely to take chocolate. The number one target - snack sized chocolate bars.
Fun sized chocolate bars seem innocent enough but can pack 60 to 80 calories each. Having several a day can add up to unwanted weight gain or derail attempts at weight loss.
Here are a few strategies to make the sugar shock of Halloween less shocking so you can enjoy treats for days following and not be haunted for months to come:
Local registered dietitian Jay-Anna Major Briere says “Parents need to be role models themselves and set the example when it comes to dealing with Halloween candy. Candy and snacks should not get in the way of eating healthy meals” Sort through the candy your kids bring home, pack it away or toss it. Having it visible can be an irresistible temptation for anyone. When sorting out which goodies stay and which go, let your kids keep the dark chocolate because its packed with healthy antioxidants and magnesium. Check ingredients and toss anything containing hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup.
Major Briere adds, “Another idea to help reduce the Halloween stash is to buy back some of the remaining candy. This acknowledges the candy belongs to the child and provides a treat in a non-food form which can be spent on books or something special”.
Whether it’s about Halloween treats or anything else remember its okay to indulge from time to time. Practice the 80:20 rule by being conscientious about what you eat 80 percent of the time and then letting yourself indulge the other 20 percent. By doing this you will avoid temptation and feelings of deprivation which can lead to binging.
And finally, here are some fun ideas you can do with your kids and get everyone involved in making homemade Halloween fun together!:
Spooky Sandwiches - Use your favourite Halloween cookie cutter shapes and cut your favourite sandwiches into spooky shapes. Use craisins for blood shot ghost or jack-o-lantern eyes.
Cracker Creatures - Make a nut butter and cracker sandwich and plan thin celery or jicama sticks in the sides to create legs and arms. Attached raisins or other small fruit pieces for the eyes and face.
Scary Chips - Use black bean dip and make some sweet potato chips. Simply bake thin slices of sweet potato sprinkled with salt and olive oil. Bake for about 15 -20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Cool, dip and enjoy.
Witches Hair Chips - Make some kale chips by stripping the leaves off of a stalk of kale and then breaking the leaves into bite sized pieces. Massage olive oil into the leaves and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
Written By: Sherry Ogasawara, Registered Dietitian
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