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Halloween: Skip the Sugar Overload

Halloween: Skip the Sugar Overload

Halloween is just around the corner, and Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation wants to educate children and families on the ‘Spooky Side of Sugar’. Eating lots of sugar has become the norm in our society, especially for kids, but the repercussions can be frightening. A healthy (and ghoulish) Halloween is entirely possible with a little bit of knowledge and self-control. Don’t let its effects haunt you long after Halloween is over.

Tips to Reduce Sugar Consumption at Halloweenhalloween sugar candy

Fuel Up Before Trick-or-Treating

Before you head out trick-or-treating this Halloween make sure to enjoy a healthy dinner with your children. Consider a roast or a simmering soup. A substantial meal that includes protein will keep your children’s tummies happy as they go from door-to-door. In between the costumes and facemasks, take the time to ensure your child is getting the adequate nutrients they need. If your kids feel full while collecting candy, they’ll be less likely to overindulge!

Pause and Read the Labels

We’ve all been told we should check our kids’ candy before letting them eat it. This year, take the time to scan the nutrition labels while you do it. Remember that sugar can be disguised as glucose, fructose, syrup, caramel and more. Remember to look for artificial sugars, too. Keep in mind that foods that contain hard-to-pronounce ingredients can actually do more harm to your body than sugar itself. Take a peek into your fridge and look over the food labels of items you have stored, such as salad dressings, tomato sauce, bacon and even sausage if you really want to do something for your wellness this Halloween.

Toss out Leftover Halloween Candy

It is never a good idea to hold on to piles of sweets. If your children still have a bunch of sweets left a couple of weeks after Halloween, throw away that leftover candy. It’s suggested to limit your child’s candy consumption to just one treat a day. Children ages four to eight who average 1,600 calories per day should limit added sugar to about three teaspoons or twelve grams each day. With temptation levels at an annual high, monitor your kids and set boundaries. It will do wonders for their health!

Throw a Wickedly Healthy Bash

Instead of trick-or-treating, shake things up this Halloween by throwing a small party for your kids and their friends. Not only will everyone stay warm and dry, it comes with many great health benefits. Set up a snack table with delicious and healthy Halloween treats. Popular staples are child-friendly apple ciders with cinnamon sticks, pumpkin dip and cookies low in sugar content.

To help you out, the folks at Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation have included a healthy seasonal recipe. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free and low in cholesterol. Plus – bonus points – it’s super-easy to make!

See Also

Ravishing Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients
3/4 cup reduced fat cream cheese
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
24 apple slices

Preparation:
Combine the cream cheese and pumpkin in a medium bowl and blend until well combined. Add syrup and cinnamon, and beat until smooth. Cover and chill 30 minutes, and serve with the apple slices for dipping.

Happy Halloween!

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